Dakar 2027: ASO keeps Saudi Arabia, with a Morocco plan B

The 2027 Dakar is still officially scheduled for Saudi Arabia, from 1 to 15 January 2027. But organiser ASO is preparing a plan B in Morocco in parallel, according to several specialist outlets, as the security situation in the Middle East worsens. A decision is expected by the end of November.

What ASO says officially

ASO called the cancellation rumours unfounded, saying preparations are on schedule and it remains in contact with its Saudi partners, according to Visordown. The route presented starts and finishes at King Abdullah Economic City on the Red Sea and passes through Al-Ula, Ha'il, Al-Duwadimi, Bisha, Wadi Ad-Dawasir and Al Bahah. It does not enter Riyadh.

Two scenarios in parallel

• Plan A, Saudi Arabia: according to Motor16 and Bladi, the route would be revised to head north and move away from the Yemeni border. MXMag says the port city of Yanbu would be dropped and that the timed distance would stay roughly the same.
• Plan B, Morocco: a "Rally Merzouga by Dakar" of eight stages instead of fifteen. Motor16 mentions a start on 8 January, Bladi a start after 6 January. A team manager quoted by Bladi says the format would cost competitors less.

The obstacles

• Insurance: Motor16 sees cover for mechanics, assistance trucks and medical staff as the main blockage.
• Manufacturers: according to AS, quoted by Bladi, Toyota and KTM have voiced reservations about travelling to a conflict zone.
• Timing: teams must confirm their destination before shipping from Barcelona on 29 November. MXMag says ASO has pledged to reimburse or postpone costs if the event has to move.
• Context: MXMag reports that missiles fired by Houthi rebels from Yemen reportedly hit Riyadh airport the day before its article was published.

And the Africa Eco Race?

The Africa Eco Race is confirmed from 24 January to 6 February 2027, from Tangier to Lac Rose near Dakar. Some teams have already chosen it, according to MXMag.

What happens next depends on insurance and on the security situation: until ASO decides, teams do not yet know the final destination of the 2027 Dakar.