Dakar Rally Route 2026 – New Route Across Saudi Arabia, No Empty Quarter!
- Sven Syfrig
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The Dakar Rally 2026 takes a bold new direction.After five editions featuring similar sections, the upcoming race introduces a completely redesigned route – skipping the legendary but punishing Empty Quarter.
Instead, the Dakar 2026 explores Western and Central Saudi Arabia, combining rocky deserts, mountain regions and scenic valleys – with start and finish in Yanbu on the Red Sea coast.
Start and Finish in Yanbu
Just like in 2025, the rally will start and finish in Yanbu.From there, the route heads northeast towards Ha’il, known for its classic desert stages, before turning east to Al-Qassim and then to Riyadh, the capital city – expected to host the rest day once again.
No Empty Quarter – Exploring New Southern Regions
In a major twist, the 2026 Dakar will not enter the Empty Quarter.Instead of endless dunes, the rally moves west into entirely new regions such as Al-Bahah, Aseer, and possibly Jizan, near the Red Sea.These areas are famous for mountainous terrain, rocky valleys and even patches of vegetation – a striking contrast to the typical dune stages.
This means less repetition, more diversity and more navigation challenges for drivers and co-drivers alike.
A Compact, Scenic Loop
After heading south, the route loops back north through Madinah before finishing in Yanbu.The Dakar 2026 will route thus form a loop of about 8,000 km, keeping logistics tight while offering a dramatically varied landscape.
What Competitors Can Expect of the Dakar Rally Route
Drivers can look forward to:
Rocky, rugged landscapes around Ha’il and Al-Bahah
Technical mountain sections in Aseer
Fast gravel roads near Riyadh
Sandy, twisty trails in Madinah and Yanbu
The mix of altitude, terrain changes, and complex navigation will make Dakar 2026 one of the most strategic editions of the modern era.
Conclusion of the Dakar Rally Route 2026
The Dakar Rally 2026 Route marks a turning point – no Empty Quarter, but more variety, more navigation, and more adventure.With start and finish in Yanbu, a rest day in Riyadh, and stunning new routes in the southwest, this edition promises to be a rally made for real explorers.
