Overview
- Organizers Amaury Sport Organisation and Saudi Motorsport Company announced on Sunday, October 25, 2026, that the Dakar 2027 will not be held in Saudi Arabia and will instead move to a different territory.
- The decision was taken jointly with the Saudi federation and has the backing of the FIA and FIM because of recent escalation of violence in the region, including cross‑border attacks linked to Houthi forces.
- ASO said the race will keep its planned January 1–15 dates while it selects a replacement venue, with Morocco and other African locations reported as the leading options.
- Organizers are already contacting riders, teams and sponsors to manage rapid logistical changes for transport, route planning and equipment, a process that will affect travel, costs and race preparation.
- Saudi partners remain in the Dakar program and will host the event’s 50th edition in 2028, underscoring organizers’ view that the 2027 move is an exceptional, temporary response to security risks.