The Dakar Rally will relocate from Saudi Arabia to Portugal and Morocco starting in 2027. Organizers announced the route shift, marking a significant departure from the event’s recent history in the Middle East.
January 9 to January 23
The upcoming competition is scheduled to span two weeks, beginning on January 9 and concluding on January 23. The rally format includes an initial prologue followed by 12 distinct stages. Competitors will face a total of 4,341 kilometers of special stages throughout the race.
Current Status
This transition signals a major logistical change for the Dakar Rally, which has utilized Saudi Arabian terrain for several years. The upcoming 2027 edition will see teams prepare for new environmental conditions as the race moves to the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa. Organizers have confirmed the distance and stage count, setting the parameters for the future competition.
Why it matters: The Dakar Rally is one of the most prestigious off-road endurance races globally. Its relocation from Saudi Arabia, which has hosted the event since 2020, indicates a shift in the strategic planning of international motorsport events. This move alters the landscape for teams and manufacturers who have adapted their technology to the specific desert conditions of the Arabian Peninsula.
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