Less Than 30 Days to Go as Saudi Arabia Prepares for Dakar Rally 2026

The countdown has officially begun for Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2026, one of the world’s toughest and most renowned rally events, with less than 30 days remaining until the start of the seventh consecutive edition hosted in the Kingdom.

 Held from January 3 to 17 under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport, organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and promoted by the Saudi Motorsport Company, the rally is set to once again command global attention as competitors prepare for a grueling test across Saudi Arabia’s vast and varied terrain.

 The upcoming Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia is set to be one of the most distinctive yet, featuring a new route that crosses regions with diverse terrain, giving competitors the chance to experience the Kingdom’s natural beauty, varied landscapes, and historic sites. The redesigned course introduces fresh challenges that will elevate the intensity of competition and add even greater excitement throughout every stage of the rally.

 Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and the Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC) Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, stated: “Dakar Rally is more than just a race – it is part of the Kingdom’s ambitious journey toward becoming a global leader in motorsport. This vision has been reflected in our successful hosting of major international championships, including the World Rally Championship, Formula 1, Formula E, Extreme H, and others, all of which have established Saudi Arabia as a premier destination for global motorsport enthusiasts.”

 Prince Khalid bin Sultan added, “Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2025 marked a pivotal moment for Saudi motorsport, when our champion, Yazeed Al-Rajhi, etched his name into the rally’s history as the first Saudi driver to achieve such a remarkable national accomplishment, and it’s a milestone we are all proud of and hope to see repeated next year. What makes us especially proud this year is the rising number of Saudi drivers taking part, a clear indication of the success of our talent-development initiatives and next-generation programs. These achievements are the result of national efforts we all take pride in.”

 Dakar Saudi Arabia 2026 will welcome 812 competitors representing 69 countries, competing with 433 vehicles across eight categories: Ultimate B, Ultimate, Stock, Challenger, Side-by-Side, Trucks, in addition to Motorbikes and Quad Bikes. The rally covers a total distance of 7,999 kilometers, including 4,845 kilometers of timed Special Stages.

 The competition begins on Saturday, January 3, with a 23-kilometer Prologue Stage in Yanbu, followed by Stage 1 on Sunday, running in Yanbu over 305 kilometers. Stage 2 will take place on January 5 from Yanbu to AlUla (400 km), with Stage 3 held in AlUla on January 6 (422 km). Stage 4 follows on January 7 from AlUla to the Marathon Camp (451 km). Stage 5 runs on January 8 from the Marathon Camp to Hail (372 km), and Stage 6 on January 9 from Hail to Riyadh (336 km). Competitors will then enjoy a rest day in Riyadh on Saturday, January 10.

 Action continues January 11 with Stage 7 from Riyadh to Wadi Al-Dawasir (462 km), followed by Stage 8 on January 12 in Wadi Al-Dawasir (481 km). Stage 9 will run January 13 toward the Marathon Camp (410 km). The rally moves on to Stage 10 January 14 from the Marathon Camp to Bisha (421 km), then Stage 11 on January 15 from Bisha to Al-Hanakiyah (347 km). Stage 12 follows on January 16 from Al-Hanakiyah to Yanbu (310 km), before the event concludes with the 13th and final stage in Yanbu on Saturday, January 17, covering 105 km. All distances listed refer to timed Special Stages.