# Dakar Rally 2027 location relocation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dakar-rally-location-relocation
> Updated: 2026-10-19T15:10:54.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 3.

The location of the 2027 Dakar Rally has become uncertain following a terrorist attack at Riyadh airport in Saudi Arabia. Attributed to Houthi fighters from Yemen, the attack resulted in 12 deaths and over 300 injuries.

In response to these security concerns, event organizer ASO initially considered moving the route to northern Saudi Arabia or returning the competition to Africa, with Morocco as a primary candidate. 

Organizers have since decided to move the rally away from Saudi Arabia due to regional instability. The 2027 event is now planned to begin in Europe—with Portimão, Portugal—identified as a potential starting point—before crossing the Mediterranean to Africa. The rally is expected to take place between January 8 and January 22, 2027, covering an estimated 4,300 to 4,600 kilometers across approximately twelve stages.

Recent developments confirm that the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) is planning this major relocation due to geopolitical instability and security concerns in the Middle East. The proposed itinerary suggests a shift in timing, with the rally potentially beginning on January 9 rather than the initial January 1 date. The plan includes conducting technical verifications, administrative checks, and a prologue in Europe—likely in Spain or Portugal—before the competition moves to Morocco. The revised format is expected to consist of 12 competitive stages covering approximately 4,300 kilometers of timed special sections, aiming to ensure the safety of participants while maintaining high competition levels.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: Dakar Rally 2027 to move from Saudi Arabia to Morocco and Europe

The 2027 Dakar Rally is expected to move from Saudi Arabia to Morocco and Europe due to security concerns in the Middle East, featuring a 12-stage route covering roughly 4,300 kilometers.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dakar-rally-to-move-from-saudi-arabia-to-europe-and-africa-for-2027

### 2026-10-18: Middle East tensions impact Rally Dakar and Formula 1 schedules

Middle East tensions are forcing shifts in major sports schedules, including the relocation of Rally Dakar 2027 to Morocco and growing uncertainty regarding Formula 1 races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/middle-east-tensions-impact-rally-dakar-and-formula-1-schedules

### 2026-10-11: Dakar Rally location uncertain following Saudi Arabia terror attack

The 2027 Dakar Rally faces potential relocation from Saudi Arabia to Morocco or northern Saudi regions following a deadly terrorist attack at Riyadh airport.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dakar-rally-location-uncertain-following-saudi-arabia-terror-attack

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Cite as: Dakar Rally 2027 location relocation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dakar-rally-location-relocation