The eighth consecutive chapter of the Dakar Rally in the Kingdom is set to push competitors to their limits with the longest competitive stage distance recorded since the event moved to Saudi Arabia.

Scheduled to run from January 1 through to January 15, 2027, the race will follow a full loop route starting and finishing in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC). This 5,320km course surpasses the previous record of 4,903km set in 2025, marking a significant increase in the technical and physical demands placed on the world's elite drivers and riders.

All FIA bras and trucks during the Stage 5 of the Dakar 2026, on January 8, 2026 between Bivouac Refuge and HaÃ¯l, Saudi Arabia

All FIA bras and trucks during the Stage 5 of the Dakar 2026, on January 8, 2026 between Bivouac Refuge and HaÃ¯l, Saudi Arabia

Dakar Rally via ig 3

Dakar Rally via ig 5

Dakar Rally via ig 1

All images via IG Dakar Rally

Organisers from the Saudi Motorsport Co. and Amaury Sport Organisation have confirmed that the 2027 route will lean heavily into the diverse geography of the Red Sea coastline. While the geography is more focused, the terrain promises a complex mix of challenges, with a notable increase in sand sections of various forms and a reduction in rocky stages. This shift is intended to test the adaptability of crews as they navigate shifting conditions across one of the most demanding landscapes in motorsport. A traditional marathon stage remains a cornerstone of the event, requiring teams to manage their vehicles with limited outside assistance overnight.

His Excellency Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and Saudi Motorsport Co., noted that the challenging rally “has found a natural home in the Kingdom.” He explained that this was “not only because of its geographic diversity and demanding terrain, which align closely with the nature of the rally, but also because of the values it represents: resilience, endurance, and the spirit of discovery. These are the same values reflected by Saudi Arabia.”

The 2027 edition also places a strong emphasis on the future of the sport within the region. Alongside the opening of registrations for the main race and the Dakar Classic category, Prince Khalid launched the selection process for the third group of the Saudi Next Gen program. This initiative is designed to identify and cultivate local rally-raid talent, ensuring a pathway for Saudi competitors to excel on the global stage.

His Excellency stated, “From the beginning, our objective has been clear: to present Dakar in a way that reflects the Kingdom’s identity as an ambitious, open country that connects with the world through sport. Today, we are not only announcing a new route; we are continuing a journey that began with welcoming the world and continues to grow stronger with every stage of this event.”

Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2027, from January 1 - 15, 2027
Various locations across Saudi Arabia. Start and end point: King Abdullah Economic City.
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