Overview
- Multiple outlets report that Amaury Sport Organisation has informed participating teams the 2027 Rally Dakar will be staged in Morocco rather than Saudi Arabia, with an official announcement expected in the coming days.
- The plan shared with teams is provisional and would start in January 2027 with a European ceremonial start and scrutineering followed by vehicle transfer by ship to Morocco for roughly a 12-stage desert route.
- Reported race details differ between outlets, with some sources saying the event could run from about January 8–22 and include roughly 4,300–4,900 km and one marathon (no-assistance) day, but those figures remain unconfirmed.
- Organizers’ move follows recent security incidents in the region, including Houthi attacks cited by reporters as the reason for seeking an alternative host, and the switch would force teams to revise shipping, staff travel and support logistics on short notice.
- If confirmed, the change would return Dakar to Africa for the first time in about 20 years and could prompt other motorsport series and rights holders to reassess Middle East plans ahead of early‑2027 events.