The 2027 Dakar Rally will not take place in Saudi Arabia, organisers confirmed on Sunday, 25 October, while saying the event would still go ahead in another territory.
Amaury Sport Organisation and Saudi Motorsport Company jointly announced the decision following developments in the region. The replacement location will be disclosed separately in the coming days.
Reuters reported that security concerns prompted the move. The announcement confirms a relocation that had previously been the subject of reporting, but it does not confirm Africa or any particular country as the destination.
Organisers described the change as exceptional and one-off. They said Saudi Arabia would host the rally’s 50th edition in 2028 and that they were contacting competitors, teams and partners about the transition.
The Saudi event had been scheduled for 1–15 January 2027. The statement did not specify revised dates for the replacement location.
