World · Singapore Bureau
Dakar Rally 2027 relocated from Saudi Arabia over security fears
Organisers of the prestigious Dakar Rally have announced the 2027 edition will not take place in Saudi Arabia, citing security concerns as the primary reason for the relocation.
LSN Singapore ·
The Amaury Sport Organisation, which oversees the gruelling off-road motorsport event, confirmed the decision on Sunday, marking a significant shift for the rally which has been held in the Kingdom since 2020.
The move comes as organisers reassess the event's logistics and safety protocols following recent geopolitical developments in the Middle East. The statement did not provide extensive detail on the specific security threats that prompted the decision, though regional tensions have elevated concerns for large international sporting events in the area.
The 2027 rally will now be held at an alternative location, though organisers have not yet announced where the event will take place. The decision affects thousands of competitors, support staff and spectators who were planning to participate in the desert challenge across Saudi Arabia's vast terrain.
The Dakar Rally, traditionally held in January, is one of the world's most demanding endurance motorsport competitions, attracting elite drivers, motorcyclists and truck competitors from across the globe. The relocation represents a major organisational undertaking as planners work to secure a new host nation with suitable terrain and infrastructure.