World · Malaysia Bureau
Dakar Rally 2027 Relocates to Portugal and Morocco Amid Middle East Security Concerns
Rally organisers have announced that the 2027 Dakar Rally will take place in Portugal and Morocco, marking a shift away from Saudi Arabia due to ongoing security threats in the Middle East region.
LSN Malaysia ·
The prestigious Dakar Rally, one of the world's most demanding off-road motorsport events, will be staged across Portugal and Morocco in 2027, organisers confirmed. The decision represents a significant change in the rally's schedule following its relocation to Saudi Arabia in 2020.
The move comes amid escalating security concerns stemming from Houthi attacks and the broader conflict affecting the Middle East. Organisers determined that hosting the event in the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa presents a more secure and stable environment for competitors, support teams, and spectators.
The rally's route through Portugal and Morocco will leverage the varied terrain and landscapes of both nations, offering competitors the challenging conditions that have defined the Dakar's reputation. The two-country format will provide organisers flexibility in course design while maintaining the event's demanding standards.
The Dakar Rally, originally established in 1979 and traditionally held in Africa, has undergone several relocations over its four-decade history. The 2027 edition in Portugal and Morocco marks another chapter in the rally's evolution as a global motorsport institution.