DAKAR RALLY RE-ROUTES 2027 EDITION OUT OF SAUDI ARABIA CITING REGIONAL SECURITY DEVELOPMENTS
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The 2027 Rally remains scheduled for January 1–15, with an alternative territory to be announced in the coming days ahead of a landmark 50th-anniversary return to Saudi Arabia in 2028.
PARIS, France / RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (October 27, 2026) — The Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.), in joint coordination with the Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC), has officially announced that the 2027 Dakar Rally will be relocated from Saudi Arabia due to ongoing regional security developments.
This exceptional, one-off decision was made to ensure the absolute safety and operational integrity of the world’s most grueling off-road endurance race. While the route will change, the competition window remains firmly locked, with the rally set to take place from January 1 to January 15, 2027.
"The safety of our competitors, crew, partners, and spectators is our paramount priority," said an A.S.O. spokesperson. "In light of recent regional developments, we have worked in total transparency with our Saudi partners to implement an agile pivot. Dakar’s spirit is defined by adaptation and resilience, and our teams are already hard at work to deliver a world-class course in a new territory."
The A.S.O. confirmed that details regarding the new host country and route will be revealed in the coming days. Competitors and teams can expect a diverse, challenging terrain that honors the standard of the Dakar legacy, with industry experts pointing toward potential alternatives in Africa or Southern Europe.
Despite the necessary shift for 2027, the long-term partnership between the Dakar Rally and Saudi Arabia remains stronger than ever. The event is officially slated to return to Saudi Arabia in 2028 for its historic 50th anniversary, promising a monumental route designed to celebrate a half-century of rally raid history. Further details regarding the 2027 route, competitor logistics, and regulatory adjustments will be broadcasted directly via official Dakar Rally communication channels as they are finalized.
About Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.)
Amaury Sport Organisation is a company that owns, designs, and organizes top international sporting events. Specialized in the 'non-stadia' events, its in-house expertise spans across production, media distribution, and event organization of premier global properties, including the Tour de France and the Dakar Rally.
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