Dakar Rally Relocates 2027 Event From Saudi Arabia

Amaury Sport Organisation and Saudi Motorsport Company said in a joint statement that Dakar Saudi Arabia 2027, set for January 1-15, will not be held in the Kingdom. They described the decision as exceptional and one-off, taken in coordination with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and with FIA and FIM support. The 2027 edition will take place in a different territory organized by ASO, with the location announced in coming days. ASO is contacting competitors, teams and partners. Saudi Arabia will host Dakar 2028 for the rally's 50th running. The event has been in Saudi Arabia every year since 2020 after earlier runs from Paris to Dakar starting in 1978 and a South America stint from 2009. No contested claims found in the record. Organizers pointed to recent developments in the region. Coverage noted Houthi attacks including on Riyadh Airport this month and a U.S. State Department evacuation order for non-essential staff in Saudi Arabia. The FIA confirmed the 2027 race will not occur as scheduled. The replacement venue has not been named.