Dakar Rally 2027 to be Held in Portugal and Morocco

The 2027 Dakar Rally will take place in Portugal and Morocco from January 7 to 23, 2027, after Saudi Arabia was unable to host the event due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

The rally will commence at the Algarve Stadium in Portugal, where the Prologue will be held, followed by the first full stage in Portugal before moving to Morocco for the remaining stages. Competitors will travel nearly 8000km, concluding the rally in Marrakesh.

Dakar director David Castera emphasized that despite the short preparation time, the event will maintain its high sporting standards. Morocco was chosen for its favorable landscape and history in rally-raid, while Portugal was selected to start the event, marking the first time since 2020 that Dakar will be held outside Asia.