The 2027 Dakar Rally is set to take place in Portugal and Morocco after organisers, the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), announced the removal of Saudi Arabia from the hosting roster due to security concerns. This relocation marks the first time the prestigious event will return to Africa since 2008, following its history as a cross-continental race that began in 1978 from Paris to Senegal. And has long been regarded as the world’s toughest motorsport challenge, the event started in 1978 as a race from Paris across the Sahara to the Senegalese capital Dakar in West Africa.
According to the official schedule, the 49th edition of the rally will now run from January 9 to January 23, pending final approval from the FIA World Motor Sport Council. The route will commence with a prologue and opening stage in the Algarve, Portugal, before moving to Morocco. The Moroccan portion of the event aims to traverse the entire territory from north to south, featuring 11 distinct stages and a scheduled rest day in Agadir. Initially scheduled to run from January 1 to January 15, will now take place from January 9 to January 23, subject to approval by the International Automobile Federation (FIA)’s World, the 49th edition of the Dakar Rally.
Dakar director David Castera emphasized that despite the sudden logistical adjustments, the event remains committed to its rigorous standards. The course is planned to cover a total of 7,824km, including 4,341km of special stages, stretching from Loule-Faro to Marrakesh. Castera noted that while the transition was challenging given the short timeframe, the team has successfully designed a true Dakar experience. Dakar 2027 will feature a total distance of 7,824km (4,862 miles), including 4,341km (2,697 miles) of special stages, from Loule-Faro to Marrakesh.
Organisers clarified that this decision is an exceptional and one-off arrangement. Saudi Arabia, which has hosted the rally since 2020, is slated to resume hosting duties for the 50th edition in 2028. Historically, the competition moved to South America between 2009 and 2019 following security-related departures from Africa, and officials are working to ensure the upcoming edition maintains its status as the world’s most demanding rally-raid event.
