With less than 30 days to go, anticipation builds for the Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2026, one of the ultimate motorsport challenges, marking its seventh year in the Kingdom. Scheduled from January 3 to 17, the event will be overseen by the Ministry of Sport and organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, with promotion from the Saudi Motorsport Company. Global participants are gearing up for a fierce journey through Saudi Arabia’s stunning and varied environments.
This year’s rally features a revamped route that traverses diverse regions, allowing participants to appreciate the Kingdom's natural beauty and historical landmarks. The reconfigured course heightens the competition with fresh challenges at each stage. Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of both SAMF and SMC, emphasized that the Dakar Rally is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s vision in becoming a leading hub for motorsport. He pointed out the Kingdom’s successful hosting of premier events like the World Rally Championship, Formula 1, and Formula E.
The rally will see participation from 812 competitors hailing from 69 nations, racing with 433 vehicles across eight categories such as Motorbikes, Quad Bikes, Trucks, and more. The event spans a total distance of 7,999 kilometers, with 4,845 kilometers comprising timed Special Stages. The journey kicks off on January 3 in Yanbu with a 23-kilometer Prologue Stage, followed by stages in AlUla, Hail, Riyadh, Wadi Al-Dawasir, Bisha, Al-Hanakiyah, culminating back in Yanbu on January 17.
Prince Khalid lauded the achievements of Saudi racers, particularly Yazeed Al-Rajhi’s landmark win in 2025, noting the increasing involvement of local talent due to national development initiatives. The Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2026 aims to test not just speed and resilience but also to highlight the Kingdom’s emerging role in the global motorsport scene, showcasing its landscapes, infrastructure, and commitment to nurturing future racing champions.
