Sport · Singapore Bureau
Dakar Rally to shift from Saudi Arabia back to Africa in 2027
The prestigious Dakar Rally will return to Africa for its 49th edition in 2027, ending its seven-year stint in Saudi Arabia due to regional circumstances. The move comes as organisers reassess the event's location amid broader Middle East considerations.
LSN Singapore ·
The Dakar Rally, one of the world's most challenging off-road motorsport events, will leave the Arabian Peninsula after the 2026 edition and relocate to Africa for 2027, according to multiple sources within the World Rally-Raid Championship.
The race has been held in Saudi Arabia since 2020, after previously running across West Africa for decades. The shift reflects organisers' concerns about the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, particularly the current circumstances in Saudi Arabia, which prompted a reassessment of the event's long-term venue.
The decision marks a significant turning point for the Dakar Rally, which has become synonymous with Saudi Arabia following its relocation there nearly a decade ago. While the specific African location for the 2027 rally has not been officially confirmed, the championship organisers are expected to announce details of the new venue in due course.
The Dakar Rally attracts global competitors and media attention, making venue decisions crucial for the motorsport calendar. The move back to Africa represents a return to the rally's roots, where it achieved legendary status as one of motorsport's ultimate endurance challenges.