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Portugal to host 2027 Dakar Rally after Saudi move

By Drooid · Oct 30, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

Portugal will host the start of the 2027 Dakar Rally after security concerns forced relocation from Saudi Arabia.
The rally runs 9 January–23 January 2027, pending FIA World Motor Sport Council approval.
Dakar director David Castera said the relocated edition will meet the sport’s demanding standards.
The 7,824 km rally begins at Algarve Stadium, crosses to Nador, Morocco, and finishes in Marrakech, the first African host since 2008.

History

In 2008 security threats in Mauritania forced the Amaury Sport Organisation to cancel the Dakar Rally, prompting its first move to South America in 2009—a 9,600-km, 500-competitor course across Argentina, Chile and Peru. After a decade there, the event shifted to Saudi Arabia in 2020; rising Middle-East hostilities now drive the 2027 edition to start in Portugal and finish in Marrakech.

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In 2008 security threats in Mauritania forced the Amaury Sport Organisation to cancel the Dakar Rally, prompting its first move to South America in 2009—a 9,600-km, 500-competitor course across Argentina, Chile and Peru. After a decade there, the event shifted to Saudi Arabia in 2020; rising Middle-East hostilities now drive the 2027 edition to start in Portugal and finish in Marrakech.

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