Rally Dakar 2027 moved from Saudi Arabia due to regional conflict

The Rally Dakar 2027, scheduled for January 1–15, will not take place in Saudi Arabia due to escalating regional conflict, particularly attacks by Houthi rebels from Yemen. Organizers Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.) and Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC) announced the decision jointly, calling it "exceptional and temporary" Source: ABC. The race will proceed in a different location, to be announced in the coming days Source: Excélsior.

Reasons for the move

Sources agree that the intensification of Houthi attacks, including a strike on Riyadh airport on October 10 that killed 13 people, made the event unsafe Source: El Colombiano. The decision was made in coordination with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and supported by the FIA and FIM Source: infobae.

Possible new location

Multiple outlets report that Morocco is the leading candidate to host the rally, with a route possibly starting in Spain or Portugal and crossing into North Africa Source: Clarín. This would mark the Dakar's return to Africa for the first time since 2008 Source: Excélsior. Infobae details a potential 12-stage plan in the Merzouga desert with around 4,500 km of timed sections Source: infobae.

Return in 2028

Saudi Arabia is confirmed to host the 50th edition of the Dakar in 2028, with organizers already working to make it a historic event Source: ABC. The contract between A.S.O. and Saudi Arabia extends through 2030 Source: infobae.