About the Dakar Rally
Dakar Rally is one of the world's most famous and challenging rally raids. The competition is held annually and brings together professional drivers and riders who tackle long special stages across deserts, dunes, rocky terrain and mountainous landscapes. Depending on the category, competitors race motorcycles, cars, trucks and other types of vehicles.
Since 2020, the Dakar Rally has been held in Saudi Arabia, with the route changing every year and featuring a variety of landscapes. The race requires not only speed, but also endurance, precise navigation and reliable equipment.
Dakar Rally 2027
Dakar 2027 will take place in Saudi Arabia from January 1 to 15. It will be the 49th edition of the rally and the eighth to be held in the country. Both the start and finish are scheduled to take place in King Abdullah Economic City.
The event will include a prologue on January 1 and 13 stages, with a rest day on January 9. The total special-stage distance will be approximately 5,320 km, the longest in the history of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia.
The 2027 route will pass through Yanbu, AlUla, Hail, Al Duwadimi, Bisha, Wadi Ad-Dawasir and Al Bahah. Organizers have prepared three entirely new stages, while the route will feature dunes, desert plateaus, rocky sections and mountainous terrain.
One of the longest stages will be Stage 12, covering a total of 905 km, including a 455-km special stage. The stage will finish along the coast in King Abdullah Economic City.
Thus, Dakar 2027 will be another major test for competitors and their machines. The final list of participants and starting line-ups is being finalized as part of preparations for the event.
History of the competition
The Dakar Rally was founded by French journalist Thierry Sabine. The first competition took place in 1979. Initially, the competition was held on the route Paris - Dakar. The first races were not supposed to be divided by categories and classes, so all cars and motorbikes participated in the general classification. In 2008, the rally was moved to South America due to security threats. In 2020, Dakar returned again to Saudi Arabia, where it is held till today. Interestingly, most of the competitors are not professionals, 80% of them are amateurs.
Competition results for the last three years
| Year | Venue | Winners |
| 2026 | Saudi Arabia | Cars: Nasser Al-Attiyah, Fabian Lurquin Motorcycles: Luciano Benavides Challenger: Pau Navarro, Jan Rosa (BBR Motorsport) SSV: Brock Heger, Max Eddy (LOEB FrayMédia Motorsport – RZR Factory Racing) Trucks: Vaidotas Žala, Paulo Fiuza, Max van Grol Dakar Classic: Karolis Raišys, Christophe Marques |
| 2025 | Saudi Arabia | Cars: Yazeed Al-Rajhi, Timo Gottschalk Bikes: Daniel Sanders Challenger Winner: Nicolas Cavigliasso, Valentina Pertegarini (BBR Team) SSV: Brok Heger, Max Eddy (Sebastien Loeb Racing – RZR Factory Racing) Trucks: Martin Makic, Frantisek Tomasek, David Schwanda Classics: Carlos Santaolalla, Jan Rosa and Vinas |
| 2024 | Saudi Arabia | Cars: Carlos Sainz, Lucas Cruz Bikes: Ricky Brabec Quads: Manuel AndujarChallengers Winner: Cristina Gutierrez, Pablo Moreno Huete SSV: Xavier de Soultrait, Martin Bonnet Trucks: Martin Makic, Frantisek Tomasek, David Schwanda Classics: Carlos Santaolalla, Jan Rosa and Vinas |
2028 Dakar Rally
The Dakar Rally is a real test for athletes and equipment. It attracts millions of spectators around the world and is one of the most spectacular sporting events.
The next Dakar will also take place in January 2028.
Keep an eye on the dates of rally marathons and other events in our Sporting Events Calendar.
