Dakar 2027: Saudi Arabia or Morocco? What we know right now

Dakar 2027 is meant to happen. That is the most important news this week. Exactly how and where is still open, and it keeps us at TimeOut Racing as busy as it keeps you.

In a report by Mundo Deportivo dated 5 October 2026, teams, drivers and co-drivers describe what ASO is currently preparing. We summarise for you what it says and stay close to what those involved actually stated.

Why everything is moving now

The situation in the Middle East has escalated further since the Rallye du Maroc. The Houthis in Yemen claimed attacks on Aramco facilities in Riyadh, and according to EFE at least eight loud explosions were counted in the Yemeni capital Sanaa on 3 October. The teams still left the race in Morocco calmer, because ASO could answer their first questions. The message is clear: there will be a race. The final decision is expected within the next 15 days or so.

Plan A: Saudi Arabia, with a new route

Officially, Saudi Arabia remains the host. ASO is drawing an alternative route that sits further north, avoids Yanbu and keeps as much distance as possible from the conflict zone. An experienced co-driver reports that a roadbook author is designing the route on site and that the organisers are still waiting for new areas above Ha'il to be released. The start on 1 January remains the goal. The route presented earlier will change.

Plan B: Rally Merzouga by Dakar in Morocco

Several teams name a second scenario: a shorter event of eight stages in Morocco instead of the usual two weeks. The working title is Rally Merzouga by Dakar, and it is said to cost less than the Dakar. Pro Dunes, the promoter of the world championship round in Morocco, signals support. Pep Vila, one of its investors, calls this solution credible and feasible. He sees no realistic alternative besides Saudi Arabia and Morocco, because elsewhere the know-how and the willingness of the authorities are missing.

A classic Dakar across several African countries stays off the table. Dakar director David Castera explained this with the security situation back in January 2025.

Pep Vila sums it up (translated from Spanish): "It is extremely important that the Dakar takes place, for everyone's good." The source is the linked Mundo Deportivo article at the end of this post.

Voices from the field

Opinions differ, which is what makes the picture so honest. A long-time Dakar competitor sees too much risk in Saudi Arabia right now and considers Morocco a very fitting one-off rescue of the year. The manager of an assistance team says his team would not travel to Saudi Arabia today, but is glad that ASO wants to secure a race for its clients either way. KTM rally boss Andreas Hölzl says plainly that his team wants to race, ideally with a safe Plan B, and that such a decision takes time.

What this means for you

For teams that rent out vehicles and offer complete assistance, the whole season depends on the race. That is why one team leader in the report says he will wait the next 10 to 15 days and keep his clients calmly and openly informed. Some would drop out under Plan B, others might choose it precisely because of the route and the price.

On insurance and money, the report passes on the following statements. According to a team spokesperson, Spanish insurance does not cover damage in Saudi Arabia; that is handled through the Dakar entry. The ship insurance for transport is said to cover very little. And a team boss relays what Castera reportedly assured them: everything booked through ASO would be refunded in full if the Dakar in Saudi Arabia is cancelled, refunded proportionally if you compete in the Rally Merzouga by Dakar, or credited to Dakar 2028 on request. These are second-hand statements and not official ASO announcements.

Our view

At TimeOut Racing we stand for quality and clear communication. So we tell you openly: there is no final decision yet, and we do not speculate beyond what is known.

Saudi Arabia remains our first choice, even though the political situation there is uncertain right now. We love being there, and the Dakar in Saudi Arabia offers us more cultural exchange. Morocco would bring more planning certainty, but is probably less attractive for drivers, co-drivers and service crews. We have competed in rallies in Morocco ourselves and know how beautiful it can be there. So we would also be happy about a Dakar there.

As soon as ASO commits, we will get in touch with you. One thing stays the same, whether it is Saudi Arabia or Morocco: you can rely on us to look after your vehicle and your project with the same care.

Frequently asked questions about Dakar 2027

Will Dakar 2027 take place? 

According to the Mundo Deportivo report, neither scenario involves not racing. The location is not finally decided yet.

When will the decision be made?

Teams report that ASO told them the next 15 days or so are decisive. The start is planned for 1 January 2027.

How long would the Moroccan alternative be?

According to the report, eight stages instead of the usual two weeks, under the working title Rally Merzouga by Dakar.

What happens to my entry?

One team boss relays in the report that services booked through ASO are meant to be refunded or credited to 2028 if the Dakar in Saudi Arabia is cancelled. This is not an official announcement. If you booked with us and have questions about your package, talk to us directly.

Will there be a Dakar across several African countries?

No. According to Dakar director David Castera, that is not possible because of the security situation.

Source: Mundo Deportivo, Oriol Muñoz, "El Dakar perfila un plan A y un plan B para que la carrera de 2027 se dispute", updated 5 October 2026. Read the original article