Overview
- Organizers Amaury Sport Organisation and the Saudi Motorsport Company announced on Sunday that the Rallye Dakar scheduled for 1–15 January 2027 will not take place in Saudi Arabia.
- The decision followed a rise in Huthi militia strikes on Saudi territory and infrastructure, which organizers cited as the reason for relocating the race.
- A new host country will be announced in the coming days, with Morocco widely reported as the favored candidate because of its prior experience staging desert rally routes.
- Organizers said the 2027 change is limited to a single edition and that the Dakar is expected to return to Saudi Arabia for its planned 50th edition in 2028.
- The move adds to a string of sports events canceled or moved for safety reasons in the region and creates short-term logistical and financial challenges for teams, suppliers and Saudi event planners.