The FIA announced the relocation of the "Dakar Rally 2027" to another country instead of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, following recent developments in the region. This decision was made on an exceptional and one-time basis, in coordination with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, to ensure the event is organized under the best possible conditions.
The statement indicated that the next edition of the rally, scheduled for January 1-15, 2027, will take place in a new destination to be announced in the coming period. The FIA confirmed that this step does not affect Saudi Arabia's hosting of future editions, as the renowned desert race is expected to return to the Kingdom in the 2028 edition.
Reasons for the Move and Security Situation
The pace of Houthi militia attacks on Saudi Arabian territory, as well as its civilian and economic facilities, has escalated through ballistic missiles, drones, and projectiles targeting several cities, areas, and installations. These attacks resulted in casualties, injuries, and material damage, prompting the organizers to reconsider the location for the next edition of the race.
Rally History and Saudi Hosting
The Dakar Rally is one of the most famous and toughest desert rally races in the world. Due to security challenges in Africa, the championship moved to South America between 2009 and 2019, before the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosted the event starting from 2020 as part of a long-term partnership with the organizing body.
The rally annually attracts a elite of drivers and motorcyclists from various countries around the world, featuring competitions for cars, motorcycles, trucks, and off-road vehicles on tracks spanning thousands of kilometers across diverse terrains including sand dunes, mountains, and valleys. In recent years, Saudi Arabia's hosting of the rally has contributed to enhancing its status as a global destination for motorsport, having successfully hosted several editions of the race, which is regarded as one of the most prominent sporting and tourism events worldwide.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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