Dakar Rally to Return to Africa for 2027 Edition
The 2027 Dakar Rally moves from Saudi Arabia to Morocco amid rising security risks in the Persian Gulf region.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Motorsports
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The Amaury Sport Organisation will relocate the 2027 Dakar Rally to Morocco, ending a seven-year tenure in Saudi Arabia. The 49th edition of the race, originally set for January 1, 2027, is shifting due to military hostilities and security risks.
Why it matters
The move signals a major shift back to the event's roots, marking the first time the rally will be held on African soil since 2007. Security concerns in the Persian Gulf necessitated this change to ensure the safety of participants and the rally convoy.
The 2026 Morocco rally covered 2,600 kilometers over six days. Organizers plan to integrate these historical stages into the upcoming 2027 event.
The players
Amaury Sport Organisation
This French sports event company is the primary organizer and owner of the Dakar Rally.
Saudi Motorsport Company
This entity managed the development of motorsports infrastructure and events within Saudi Arabia.
The details
The rally convoy is expected to travel by ferry from Spain or Portugal to reach the new terrain in Morocco. Organizers are currently modifying the route to incorporate segments used during the 2026 Rallye du Maroc.
Timeline
2007: The last year the Dakar Rally was held in Africa.
September 28 - October 3, 2026: The duration of the Rallye du Maroc.
January 9, 2027: The expected start date for the 2027 Dakar prologue.
January 22, 2027: The expected end date for the 2027 Dakar rally.
Season Trajectory
This transition marks a return to African geography for the first time since the 2007 Dakar Rally. The relocation fundamentally alters the logistical demands of the season compared to recent years in Saudi Arabia.
The shift to Morocco requires teams to adjust their vehicle setups to account for terrain stages previously used in the 2026 Rallye du Maroc. Participants must also now plan for logistics involving ferry transport from Spain or Portugal.
The takeaway
The move to Morocco highlights the significant influence that regional security stability exerts on the feasibility of international sporting events. Teams should expect substantial changes in route profile as organizers transition from Saudi desert stages to the North African landscape.
Further reading
For more background on international racing events, visit the Motorsports section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by GPone.
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