Full Breakdown
Dakar Rally 2027 Relocated to Portugal and Morocco After Saudi Withdrawal
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In this breakdown
01
Core Event
The 49th edition of the Dakar Rally will be held from January 9 to January 23, 2027, after organizers Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) announced that the event will no longer take place in Saudi Arabia. The rally will start with a prologue in the Algarve region of Portugal, continue with a first special stage on January 10, and then cross the Mediterranean to Morocco, where the remainder of the twelve-stage, 7,824 km route will be contested. The finish is scheduled for January 23 in Marrakech.
02
Background & Context
Since 2020 the Dakar Rally has been based in Saudi Arabia under a multi-year agreement. Earlier editions were held in Africa (1978-2008) and South America (2009-2019). Security concerns linked to the escalating conflict in West Asia prompted the “exceptional and one-off” decision to move the 2027 edition out of the kingdom. ASO indicated that the 50th edition in 2028 will return to Saudi Arabia, making the 2027 relocation a temporary measure.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
03
Data & Statistics
- Total distance: 7,824 km (4,862 mi)
- Competitive special stages: 4,341 km (2,697 mi)
- Number of stages: 12 (including a 29 km prologue)
- Bivouacs: six, with the first Moroccan bivouac at Bouarfa on January 11
- Rest day: Agadir on January 17
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Official Statements & Responses
- Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) described the move as “exceptional and one-off,” emphasizing that the revised itinerary still meets the rally’s historic sporting standards. Dakar director David Castera added that, despite the short planning window, the organizers have “designed a true Dakar.”
- The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) confirmed the relocation and noted that the event will serve as the opening round of the 2027 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, pending approval by its World Motor Sport Council.
05
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are extremely proud of the collaboration that will enable the event to go ahead in Portugal and Morocco. Both countries have a rich sporting heritage and strong ties to cross-country rallying. Their combined efforts and those of our FIA Member Clubs will help deliver another memorable edition of this iconic event for competitors and fans around the world.” — President
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What’s Next
The revised calendar remains subject to final endorsement by the FIA World Motor Sport Council. Assuming approval, the service park will open on January 5 in Loulé-Faro, with administrative and technical scrutineering scheduled for January 6-8. Competitive action will commence with the prologue on January 9, followed by the first full stage on January 10. After the Mediterranean crossing, competitors will continue the rally across Morocco’s varied terrain, concluding in Marrakech on January 23.