The organisers of the Dakar Rally have moved the 2027 event out of Saudi Arabia due to security concerns following recent developments in the region.
Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) announced the decision on Sunday. The rally will run from January 1 to 15, 2027, but organisers will move it to another territory. They plan to announce the new location in the coming days.
ASO said it made the decision jointly with Saudi Motorsport Company.
“Amaury Sport Organisation and Saudi Motorsport Company have jointly decided that Dakar Saudi Arabia 2027, scheduled from 1 to 15 January 2027, will not be held in the Kingdom, following recent developments in the region,” the ASO said.
“This decision is exceptional and one-off.”
The rally has taken place in Saudi Arabia since 2020. However, growing security concerns have now forced organisers to change the venue for the 2027 edition.
The move comes amid attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis. The attacks have also disrupted other major sporting events in Saudi Arabia.
Golf’s Asian Tour has postponed the Saudi International indefinitely. Meanwhile, organisers cancelled cycling’s Urban World Championships earlier this month.
The Six Kings Slam tennis tournament has also moved to December. In addition, the World Rally Championship removed Saudi Arabia from its 2026 calendar.
These changes highlight the impact of regional tensions on international sporting events planned for the kingdom.
Despite the relocation, ASO expects the Dakar Rally to return to Saudi Arabia in 2028. The event will mark the competition’s 50th edition.
The 2027 move therefore appears to be a temporary change rather than a permanent end to Saudi Arabia’s role as host.
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