Dakar Rally 2027 moved out of Saudi Arabia amid conflict in Middle East

The Dakar Rally, one of the world's most challenging off-road races, will not be held in Saudi Arabia for its 2027 edition. Organizers announced the relocation due to "recent developments in the region" in a joint statement from the Amaury Sport Organisation and Saudi Motorsport Company.

Scheduled for January, the rally will now take place "in a different territory" to be announced in the "coming days." Organizers have confirmed plans to bring the event back to Saudi Arabia in 2028 to celebrate its 50th edition.

Regional Conflict Impact

This move follows a series of sports events being relocated from Saudi Arabia this year amid the US-Israel war on Iran and deadly attacks by Yemen's Houthis on Saudi Arabia. Recent strikes, including attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh that killed 18 people and injured hundreds, have made hosting the rally impossible.

Fighting between government forces and Houthi fighters has intensified across multiple fronts in Yemen, causing a spiraling humanitarian crisis. The Houthi attacks have disrupted Saudi Arabia's businesses, airlines, and normal life while damaging its international image.

Other Events Affected

Several other major sporting events have been affected by the regional instability. This season's Formula One grand prix in Jeddah was cancelled, while the Bahrain race was rescheduled in Malaysia. The final round of the World Rally Championship in Saudi Arabia next month has been scrapped.

An exhibition tennis tournament featuring Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Alexander Zverev has been postponed until late December, and the WTA Finals will now take place in Indian Wells, California instead of Riyadh.

Historical Context

Saudi Arabia has hosted the Dakar Rally since 2020. Reports suggest organizers are considering Morocco or Spain as alternative venues for 2027. If moved to Morocco, it would be the first time the event has been held in Africa since 2007.

The rally began as a competition from Paris to Dakar, Senegal's capital. It was cancelled in 2008 over security concerns in North Africa before moving to South America and later Saudi Arabia.