Dakar Rally to leave Saudi Arabia in 2027 due to Middle East conflict
After seven years in Saudi Arabia, the Dakar Rally will take place in a new location for 2027, but organisers say the move is temporaryThe 2027 Dakar Rally will not be held in Saudi Arabia due to conflict in the Middle East, paving the way for an unprecedented return to Africa.
Organisers called the decision “exceptional” and a “one-off” and declared that the event would return to Saudi Arabia in 2028 for the 50th anniversary of the iconic rally-raid.
The Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) said the change of location follows “recent developments in the region”.
Saudi Arabia and neighbouring Yemen have recently come under fire from Iran-backed Houthi rebels, creating an unsafe environment for the Dakar Rally to continue in its current format.
Related: Dakar win for Benavides as injured Chucky finishes fifth
Related: Dakar Rally bound for Saudi Arabia
A new location has not yet been announced, but reports suggest Morocco as a possible host, with a departure from Spain also on the cards. It would mark the first Dakar Rally in Africa since 2007, when Cyril Despres won the second of his five titles.
The race was cancelled in 2008 due to security concerns and moved to South America in 2009. Saudi Arabia took over hosting duties in 2020 after relations between ASO and South American governments broke down.
A statement on the 2027 Dakar Rally host location is expected in the coming days.
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
