The 2027 Dakar Rally will begin in Portugal and end in Marrakech, making the 49th running a return to Africa after two decades away. Competition is scheduled for January 9–23, with the route using Portugal for its opening and Morocco for the bulk of its racing.

The change follows security concerns in Saudi Arabia after Iran-backed Houthi strikes. Amaury Sport Organisation and Saudi Motorsport Company have described the relocation as an exceptional, one-off decision. Saudi Arabia is still scheduled to host the event’s 50th edition in 2028.

A Portuguese launch, then a Moroccan traverse

The opening programme combines a prologue with the first special stage in the Loulé-Faro area of the Algarve. The 30,000-capacity Algarve Stadium will host the start; the venue has also been used for a World Rally-Raid Championship event under the Automóvel Club de Portugal. Once the first special is complete, the rally will board a ship for an overnight Mediterranean crossing to Nador.

Morocco is set to provide 11 specials as well as the rest day in Agadir. The route will leave its first bivouac at Bouarfa and run south through the Atlas Mountains and Zagora. In the second week, competitors will reach Smara and travel almost as far as Dakhla, then reverse direction along the Atlantic coast before the finish in Marrakech.

A long route under a tight schedule

The planned course measures approximately 4,862 miles, spread across six bivouacs, with about 2,698 miles devoted to special-stage racing. Most timed tests are expected to measure roughly 217 to 311 miles, while the longest will exceed 300 racing miles. Race Director David Castera said the relocated event would preserve the sporting standards associated with Dakar despite the short preparation window.

Registration has already reached 350 competitors, while the broadcasts are planned to reach more than 190 countries. The 2027 Dakar will serve as the opening round of both the FIA and FIM World Rally-Raid Championships, placing a Portuguese start ahead of a demanding Moroccan route.