The organizers decided not to hold the Dakar rally in Saudi Arabia
The rally was planned in January 2027, a new venue will be announced later. In 2028, Dakar will return to the country. Russian drivers have not participated in Dakar since 2023
The Dakar Rally will not be held in Saudi Arabia in January 2027. The race will return to the country in a year to mark its 50th anniversary, according to the competition website.
The rally was scheduled to take place from January 1-15, but will be held elsewhere "due to recent developments in the region." A new venue will be announced in the coming days.
Saudi Arabia has hosted seven consecutive Dakar Rallys since 2020. The kingdom has already postponed several major competitions, including the tennis “Tournament of the Six Kings”, the stage of the World Rally Championship, the final of the FIFA World Esports Championship.
The decision comes amid an ongoing conflict between the Saudi-led coalition and the Yemeni Houthis, which escalated in September 2026. In early October, the Houthis increased attacks on facilities in Saudi Arabia, including at Riyadh International Airport.
Russian drivers have not participated in the Dakar since 2023. In August 2026, the FIA lifted restrictions for Russian and Belarusian athletes, but KAMAZ-master will still not be able to compete in the rally due to sanctions against factory teams.
