Organisers have confirmed that the 2027 Dakar Rally will take place outside Saudi Arabia following escalating security threats linked to the Middle East conflict.
The announcement came on Sunday, October 25, 2026, after repeated Houthi attacks targeted Saudi infrastructure and major cities.
Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), which manages the rally alongside Saudi Motorsport Company, confirmed that the competition would proceed at a different location.
However, organisers have not finalized the new host destination.
Dakar Rally 2027 Could Return to Africa After 20 Years
According to specialist motorsport reports, organisers are considering a route beginning in Spain and finishing in Morocco.
If confirmed, the decision would mark the rally’s first return to Africa since 2007.
The historic competition began in 1978 and originally followed routes connecting Paris with Dakar, Senegal.
Security concerns forced organisers to relocate the event to South America in 2009. Saudi Arabia subsequently became the host in 2020.
Organisers now intend to bring the rally back to Saudi Arabia in 2028 for its 50th edition.
Middle East Conflict Disrupts Major Sporting Events
The relocation follows intensified Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia after Yemen’s prolonged ceasefire collapsed earlier this year.
A recent attack targeting Riyadh airport killed 13 people and injured hundreds, increasing security concerns.
Meanwhile, several international sporting competitions have faced disruption.
The Formula One race in Jeddah was cancelled, while Bahrain’s event was rescheduled to Malaysia.
Saudi Arabia’s World Rally Championship finale was also cancelled.
Additionally, organisers moved the WTA Finals from Riyadh to Indian Wells, California.
The Dakar Rally relocation highlights the growing impact of regional instability on international sporting events.
