2026 Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia

• 48th edition of the Dakar Rally, seventh time Saudi Arabia hosts the event
• Over 800 competitors from 69 nationalities racing across 431 vehicles in multiple categories
• 97 historic vehicles in Dakar Classic regularity format for cars and trucks from 1980s-2005
• Yanbu stages set between Red Sea and inland hills with gravel plains and rocky corridors
• AlUla marathon stage features sandy tracks through rock formations with minimal support
• Two-day marathon format returns requiring self-sufficiency at overnight bivouac without crew assistance

Best Way to Experience It

• Bivouac access packages sold for start, rest day, and final days including VIP Club entry
• Tour operators transport spectators to stage viewing points and arrange bivouac admission subject to accreditation

Good to Know

• Route starts and finishes in Yanbu passing through Ha'il, Al-Qassim, and Riyadh for rest day
• Rally heads west to new regions Al-Bahah, Aseer, and Jizan, skipping Empty Quarter
• January temperatures around 20-25 degrees Celsius during the rally
• Rally route and spectator points announced late the previous day

• Best fit if you value motorsport heritage — 48th edition of rally-raid's most legendary event, Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast through deep desert hosts 7,994km route since 2020 relocation from South America.
• Best fit if you enjoy multi-stage competitions — 14-day marathon across gravel plains, rocky corridors, sandy terrain with 4,840km competitive distance, opening round of FIA-FIM World Rally-Raid Championship determines manufacturer standings.
• Best fit if you like passionate fan atmosphere — bivouac (temporary race village) access via tour operators, mechanic areas visible between stages, 800+ competitors representing 69 nationalities create international rally-raid community gathering.
• Not ideal if you prefer spectator-focused events — vast desert stages spread across Saudi Arabia make live viewing difficult, tour operators organize access rather than general admission, follow via timing screens at bivouac.