Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2026 Preview: 812 Competitors From 69 Nations Set Off

The Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2026 is set to start on Saturday, January 3, in Yanbu. The Kingdom will host the rally for the seventh year in a row. The event remains one of the toughest global motorsport competitions. A total distance of 7,994 kilometers awaits participants across Saudi Arabia’s varied landscapes.

The Ministry of Sport supervises the rally, which is organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and marketed by Saudi Motorsport Company. Hosting continues to underline Saudi Arabia’s expanding role in international motorsport. The event also highlights growing experience in managing complex sporting competitions across wide geographic areas.

This year’s edition begins on the Red Sea coast in Yanbu, before heading through several regions with contrasting terrain. The route will pass AlUla, Hail, Riyadh, Wadi Ad-Dawasir, Bisha, and Al-Henakiyah. Competitors then return to Yanbu, where the rally will finish on Saturday, January 17, after one prologue and 13 competitive stages.

Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal states that the rally showcases national capabilities. The minister notes that hosting reflects strong support for sport from the leadership. Recent editions, he explains, proved Saudi Arabia’s logistical capacity and the value of national human resources in running major events.

Prince Abdulaziz reports that 812 competitors from 69 nationalities will take part in this edition. They will race in more than 433 vehicles across six categories. Of the total distance, 4,840 kilometers are designated as timed special stages. The minister expects intense battles between leading international drivers over the demanding routes.

Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and Saudi Motorsport Company Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdullah bin Faisal describes the Dakar Rally as one of the key international events held in the Kingdom. Prince Khalid points to continuous support and close follow-up from the Minister of Sport. The 2026 rally introduces route changes and two marathon stages.

This edition includes Saudi drivers Hamzah Bakhashab and Abdullah Alshegawi in the SSV class. Both previously graduated from the Saudi Next Gen program in 2025. The initiative aims to develop local motorsport talent and prepare Saudi competitors for international events. It also supports future participation, including selecting candidates for Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2027.

With inputs from SPA