Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2026 Countdown: Less Than 30 Days Until Global Motorsport Event Begins

The countdown is on for the Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2026, a globally recognised rally event. With less than 30 days to go, the Kingdom is set to host this challenging race for the seventh time from January 3 to 17. Under the Ministry of Sport's supervision, the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation organises it, with promotion by the Saudi Motorsport Company.

The upcoming rally promises a unique experience with a new route that showcases Saudi Arabia's diverse landscapes and historical sites. This redesigned course will introduce fresh challenges, enhancing competition intensity and excitement at every stage. The event highlights the Kingdom's natural beauty and varied terrain, offering competitors an unforgettable journey.

Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of both the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and the Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC), emphasised the rally's significance. He 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 aligns with hosting major international championships like Formula 1 and Formula E.

Prince Khalid also highlighted a significant milestone achieved in Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2025. "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," he noted. This achievement reflects national pride and hopes for future successes in motorsport.

The 2026 edition will feature 812 competitors from 69 countries, racing across eight categories: Ultimate B, Ultimate, Stock, Challenger, Side-by-Side, Trucks, Motorbikes, and Quad Bikes. They will navigate a total distance of 7,999 kilometers, including 4,845 kilometers of timed Special Stages.

The rally begins with a Prologue Stage in Yanbu on January 3 over 23 kilometers. Stage 1 follows on January 4 in Yanbu covering 305 kilometers. On January 5, Stage 2 runs from Yanbu to AlUla (400 km), while Stage 3 occurs in AlUla on January 6 (422 km). Stage 4 takes place on January 7 from AlUla to Marathon Camp (451 km).

Stages Overview

Stage 5 on January 8 leads from Marathon Camp to Hail (372 km), followed by Stage 6 on January 9 from Hail to Riyadh (336 km). Competitors rest in Riyadh on January 10 before resuming with Stage 7 on January 11 from Riyadh to Wadi Al-Dawasir (462 km). Stage 8 occurs on January 12 in Wadi Al-Dawasir (481 km).

Stage 9 runs on January 13 towards Marathon Camp (410 km), followed by Stage 10 on January 14 from Marathon Camp to Bisha (421 km). On January 15, Stage 11 covers Bisha to Al-Hanakiyah (347 km). The penultimate stage runs from Al-Hanakiyah to Yanbu on January 16 over a distance of310km.

The final stage concludes in Yanbu on Saturday, January17. It covers a distance of105km. All distances mentioned are for timed Special Stages only.

With inputs from SPA