Dakar Rally 2027 Relocated Due to Ongoing Conflict in the Middle East

The Dakar Rally has been relocated from Saudi Arabia for the 2027 edition due to recent developments in the region. The Amaury Sport Organisation and Saudi Motorsport Company announced on Sunday that the rally will be held “in a different territory” before returning to Saudi Arabia in 2028.

According to the statement, the new location will be announced in the coming days. This decision comes after reports of security concerns and recent attacks by Yemen’s Houthis on Saudi Arabia. The rally has been hosted in Saudi Arabia since 2020.

Organisers had initially planned to keep the 2027 race in Saudi Arabia, but a new route was not feasible due to ongoing strikes and fighting between government forces and Houthi fighters. The conflict in Yemen has led to a humanitarian crisis and disrupted businesses, airlines, and daily life in Saudi Arabia.

The Dakar Rally is scheduled for January 2027, with the new location yet to be announced. Organisers intend to bring the rally back to Saudi Arabia in 2028 to celebrate its 50th edition.

Source: Al Jazeera