World · Singapore Bureau
Dakar Rally 2027 relocated due to security concerns in Saudi Arabia
Organisers of the prestigious off-road motorsport event have confirmed the rally will not take place in Saudi Arabia next year, citing security issues. The decision comes as Yemen-based Houthi militants have targeted multiple sporting events in the kingdom.
LSN Singapore ·
The Dakar Rally, one of the world's most demanding motorsport competitions, will not be held in Saudi Arabia in 2027, event organisers announced, marking a significant shift for the gruelling desert race that has been hosted in the kingdom since 2020.
The decision reflects mounting security concerns following a series of attacks attributed to Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement. The militant group has repeatedly targeted infrastructure and sporting events in Saudi Arabia over the past years, prompting a reassessment of major international gatherings planned for the region.
The Dakar Rally joins a growing list of sporting events affected by the security situation. The high-profile status and international participation of such competitions have made them focal points of concern for organisers and Saudi authorities.
No alternative venue or date for the 2027 rally has been announced. Organisers stated they would work to identify a suitable location, though details remain pending. The relocation represents a significant logistical undertaking, as the rally has established substantial operations and infrastructure across Saudi Arabia over the past seven years.
The move underscores the broader impact of regional tensions on international sports tourism and event hosting in the Middle East.