The Dakar Rally, one of the most prestigious off-road racing events in the world, will be held in Portugal and Morocco in 2027. The event, organized by Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), will take place from January 9 to January 23, 2027, covering a total distance of 7824 kilometers, with 4341 kilometers of special stages. This decision comes after the cancellation of the event in Saudi Arabia due to recent security concerns in the region.
The security concerns in Saudi Arabia are linked to recent escalations in the Middle East and attacks on Saudi territory, including the airports of Riyadh and Abha in October 2026. The ASO has described the decision to move the event to Portugal and Morocco as "exceptional and one-time," with the rally set to return to Saudi Arabia in 2028 to celebrate its 50th edition.
The 2027 Dakar Rally will feature not only the main event but also other categories, including Dakar Classic, Dakar Future Mission 1000, and the Dakar Saudi Arabia Next Gen program. The event will begin with a reception and technical inspection in Loulé-Faro, Portugal, from January 5 to 8, followed by a prologue on January 9 and the first stage on January 10.
The rally will then move to Morocco, with a nighttime sea transfer to the port of Nador. The event will feature 11 stages within Morocco, with a rest day in Agadir, covering areas from the northeastern region (Bouarfa) to the Atlas Mountains (Zagora) and then to the far south (Smara and arrival near Dakhla) before heading north to Marrakech.
The special stages of the rally will mostly range from 350 to 500 kilometers, taking place in the challenging Moroccan terrain. According to David Castera, the rally director, the course meets the traditional Dakar standards despite the tight schedule. He also mentioned that around 350 participants have registered for the event so far.
The 2027 Dakar Rally marks the return of the event to Africa for the first time since 2007, leveraging the experience of Portugal and Morocco in hosting rounds of the World Rally Raid Championship. The event is expected to be a significant one, with a challenging course and a strong field of participants.
The decision to move the Dakar Rally to Portugal and Morocco has been made to ensure the safety and success of the event. The ASO has worked closely with the authorities and organizers in both countries to ensure a smooth and secure event. The 2027 Dakar Rally promises to be an exciting and challenging one, with a unique course and a strong field of competitors.
Key points
- The 2027 Dakar Rally will take place in Portugal and Morocco due to security concerns in Saudi Arabia.
- The event will feature 11 stages within Morocco, covering a total distance of 7824 kilometers.
- The rally is expected to attract around 350 participants and will mark the return of the event to Africa for the first time since 2007.
