Portugal and Morocco replace Saudi Arabia as Dakar Rally hosts for 2027
A new route for 2027
Portugal will stage the prologue and first stage of the 2027 Dakar Rally, with the remainder of the event taking place in Morocco, according to organisers Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO). The 49th edition is now scheduled for January 9 to January 23. It was initially planned for January 1 to January 15, and the revised dates require approval from the International Automobile Federation’s World Motor Sport Council.
Saudi Arabia exit described as exceptional
ASO said the move away from Saudi Arabia was “exceptional and one-off”. The organisation announced the change five days before revealing the route through Portugal and Morocco, citing security concerns.
Saudi Arabia has hosted the event since 2020. ASO said the 50th edition, in 2028, would return to the kingdom.
A race with a long history
The Dakar Rally began in 1978 as a journey from Paris across the Sahara to Dakar, the Senegalese capital in West Africa. It has long been regarded as the world’s toughest motorsport challenge. After leaving Africa for security reasons, the rally was held in South America from 2009 through 2019.
Key points
- The 2027 Dakar Rally is scheduled for January 9–23, pending FIA council approval.
- Portugal will host the prologue and first stage, followed by Morocco.
- ASO called the move from Saudi Arabia exceptional and one-off, citing security concerns.
- Organisers say the rally will return to Saudi Arabia in 2028.