Saudi Arabia loses Dakar Rally as 2027 event moved amid conflict in Middle East
Dakar Rally changes location
The Dakar Rally, a major off-road race, will not be held in Saudi Arabia in 2027. Organisers attributed the relocation to recent developments in the region and said they would reveal the new venue in the coming days.
Saudi Arabia has hosted the event since 2020. Specialist race media have reported that Morocco or Spain may be under consideration, but organisers have not confirmed a destination.
Other sports face disruption
The F1 races in Qatar on November 29 and Abu Dhabi on December 6 remain on the calendar, as does next month’s Qatar MotoGP. However, the report says those events are under intense internal debate.
Conflict cited in region
The report describes recent strikes, including attacks this month on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Those attacks killed 18 people and injured hundreds more. It also says the war in Yemen escalated sharply last month, after the Houthis seized strategic territory along the Red Sea coast from forces loyal to the internationally recognised government.
Key points
- The 2027 Dakar Rally will move out of Saudi Arabia because of regional developments.
- Organisers say the new location will be announced in the coming days.
- Saudi Arabia has hosted the rally since 2020, with a planned return in 2028.
- Other sporting events in the region have been cancelled, postponed or are under debate.