The Dakar Rally will return to Africa in 2027 for the first time in 19 years, with Morocco replacing Saudi Arabia as the main host of the famous motorsport event.
Organisers confirmed on Friday that Portugal and Morocco will host the 49th edition of the Dakar Rally. The decision follows security concerns that prompted the relocation from Saudi Arabia.
According to Reuters, the race will begin in Portugal before moving to Morocco for most of its stages.
The event is expected to take place from January 9 to 23, 2027, pending final approval from motorsport authorities.
Morocco to host 11 Dakar Rally stages
The Dakar Rally 2027 will begin in Portugal’s Algarve region.
The opening programme will include a prologue and the first competitive stage.
After that, competitors will travel to Morocco, which will host 11 stages and a rest day in Agadir.
Organisers plan to take the race across Morocco, from its northern regions to the country’s far south.
The route will cover approximately 7,824 kilometres, including 4,341 kilometres of timed competitive stages.
The rally will run from the Loule-Faro area in Portugal towards Marrakesh in Morocco.
The final schedule remains subject to approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
Saudi Arabia loses 2027 hosting rights
Saudi Arabia was originally scheduled to host the 2027 Dakar Rally from January 1 to 15.
However, organisers announced that the event would be relocated because of security concerns.
The decision comes amid heightened regional tensions linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), which organises the rally, described the relocation as an exceptional measure.
It also stressed that the change would apply only to the 2027 edition.
Saudi Arabia is expected to host the 50th Dakar Rally in 2028.
The kingdom has hosted the competition every year since 2020.
Dakar Rally returns to Africa after 19 years
Morocco’s selection marks a significant moment in the Dakar Rally’s history.
The event last took place in Africa in 2007. Its planned 2008 edition was cancelled because of security threats.
As a result, the 2027 competition will mark the rally’s first return to the continent since that period.
The Dakar Rally began in 1978 as a competition linking Paris with Dakar, the capital of Senegal.
Its original route crossed the Sahara Desert and became one of the world’s most demanding motorsport challenges.
However, security concerns eventually forced organisers to move the event away from Africa.
Between 2009 and 2019, the rally was held in South America.
Saudi Arabia then became its host in 2020.
The 2027 edition will therefore reconnect the competition with the continent where it established its reputation.
Organisers promise challenging race
Dakar Rally director David Castera said organisers had developed a demanding route despite the limited preparation time.
He expressed confidence that the relocated event would maintain the competition’s sporting standards.
The race will include thousands of kilometres of difficult terrain and timed stages.
Competitors will face demanding conditions as they travel across Portugal and Morocco.
For Morocco, hosting the rally represents an opportunity to showcase its landscapes and motorsport infrastructure.
The event will also place Africa back at the centre of one of the world’s best-known endurance competitions.
With preparations underway, the Dakar Rally’s return to Africa is set to become a major sporting event in January 2027.