The 2027 Dakar Rally will not be held in Saudi Arabia early next year after “recent developments” in the region have deemed it unsafe for competitors. Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, the country’s main hub, was struck by Houthi missiles on October 10 in which 10 people were killed and only re-opened this past weekend after a two-week shutdown. The rally’s organizers (Amaury Sport Organization) and Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC) say the race will still take place in a different territory but not on the original dates of January 1-15, 2027. A new location has yet to be announced.
“This decision is exceptional and one-off and was taken in close coordination with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), and with the support of the FIA and the FIM,” the ASO said in a statement. “Dakar 2027 will go ahead. The 2027 edition will take place in a different territory and will be organised by A.S.O. The location will be announced separately in the coming days. A.S.O. is in direct contact with competitors, teams and partners to support them through this transition. Saudi Arabia will host Dakar 2028, a landmark edition celebrating the 50th running of the rally. Both organisations are already working together to make this milestone an exceptional moment for the Dakar and for the Kingdom, with a shared commitment to once again deliver an iconic and world-class event to the highest of standards.”
