Rally Dakar 2027 Moves to Morocco Amid Middle East Security Concerns

The Rally Dakar will return to Africa in January 2027, relocating from Saudi Arabia to Morocco due to escalating security risks in the Middle East. The Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) confirmed the shift after Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure heightened safety concerns for teams and spectators. The event is scheduled for January 9–22, a two-week delay from the originally planned May dates.

New Route and Format

The 49th edition will feature 12 stages covering approximately 4,300 to 4,500 kilometers. While the main race takes place in Morocco, ASO is negotiating with cities in Spain or Portugal to host the prologue and official start ceremony Source: El Mercurio. The route will utilize the Merzouga Desert in Morocco. Notably, the traditional Marathon Stage is replaced by an Refuge Stage, where crews must sleep in desert tents without mechanical assistance Source: La Voz del Interior.

Safety Negotiations

The relocation follows intense negotiations between ASO director David Castera and Saudi authorities. Riyadh initially resisted losing the event, fearing it signaled weakness, but agreed to allow the move under the condition that the 50th edition returns to Saudi Arabia in 2028 Source: Infobae. This compromise preserves the long-term partnership while addressing immediate threats, including recent attacks on Riyadh’s airport Source: La Vanguardia.

Key Participants

A major highlight of the 2027 race is the participation of Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso, who will compete alongside five-time motorcycle winner Marc Coma Source: La Vanguardia. Their involvement underscores the event's continued prestige despite the logistical upheaval. The Dakar last raced in Africa in 2008 before moving to South America and then Saudi Arabia in 2020.