The 46th edition of the Dakar Rally will take place in the Kingdom 5-19 January 2024

Arabian Drive - The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in realising the ambitious objectives of Vision 2030, particularly within the realm of international sports. Through unwavering drive, exemplary efforts, and meticulous planning, Saudi Arabia has not only elevated – but distinctly commanded – its presence on the global sports stage. This accomplishment can be attributed to the successful hosting of a plethora of top-level sporting competitions and tournaments, showcasing the nation’s proactive role in shaping the regional sports sector.

It’s no secret that the Kingdom holds a firm commitment to excellence. Saudi Arabia takes pride in its successful organisation of sporting events, leveraging and showcasing its global capabilities as well as the expertise of its national workforce.

A notable highlight since 2020 has been the country’s role as host of the prestigious Dakar Rally. Renowned for its high adrenaline action and exciting challenges, the Dakar Rally – also currently known as Dakar Saudi Arabia – serves as one of the most important motorsports events of the year, eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide.

Usually taking place at the beginning of the year, the Dakar Rally unfolds with one stage occurring per day, covering vast distances of hundreds of kilometres. Lasting around 10-15 days, the final cumulative distance of the competition extends to several thousand kilometres, making the Dakar Rally a unique experience for riders and a thrilling spectacle for audiences. The Kingdom’s hosting of such an important competition stands as a testament to its commitment to leaving an unforgettable mark on the global sports landscape.

The journey begins in 2020

In a landmark achievement, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia played host to the 42^nd edition of the Dakar Rally in 2020, marking the tournament’s first presence in Asia. This important move signified a notable departure from its traditional locations in Africa and South America over the previous 30 years.

Held 5-17 January, Dakar Saudi Arabia 2020 drew the participation of 557 drivers representing 62 countries across six continents. The extensive 7,800-km route commenced in Jeddah and culminated in Riyadh’s Qiddiya.

This ground-breaking event not only expanded the rally’s geographical footprint but also attracted a global assembly of competitors to experience the thrilling journey through the Kingdom’s terrain. The rally route navigated through various cities – including Al Wajh, Neom, Al-Ula, Ha’il, Wadi ad-Dawasir, Haradh, and Shubaytah – showcasing the diverse landscapes of the country.

Competitors, spanning multiple categories, covered the challenging distance, with the race encompassing five vehicle types: cars, motorbikes, quad bikes, trucks, and UTVS (side-by-side vehicles).

The year is 2021

For its second consecutive year, Saudi Arabia successfully hosted the 43^rd edition of Dakar Rally from 3-15 January 2021. This time it spanned 10 cities and 12 stages, taking participants through 7,600 km. Notably, the route differed from the inaugural edition, with Jeddah serving as both the starting and concluding point.

Dakar Saudi Arabia 2021 attracted over 500 competitors over the usual five categories. A sixth category was introduced in the form of the new Dakar Classic category, dedicated to cars and trucks manufactured before the year 2000 (or new vehicles built to original pre-2000 specification).

2021’s route included Bisha, Wadi ad-Dawasir, Riyadh, Al Qaisumah, Ha’il, Sakaka, Neom, Al-Ula, and Yanbu.

2022: New year, new route

The 44^th edition of the Dakar Rally marked its third consecutive year in the Kingdom, with a brand-new route.

Held 2-14 January 2022, this edition garnered exceptional global participation, with 1,065 competitors representing 70 nationalities, making it the most extensive in the rally’s recent history. Dakar Saudi Arabia 2022 featured 578 vehicles competing over 13 challenging stages.

Commencing with a preliminary stage from Jeddah to Ha’il, the tournament took participants through Al Qaisumah, Riyadh, Al Duwadimi, Wadi ad-Dawasir, and Bisha, before once again concluding in Jeddah. The 2022 route covered a staggering distance of over 8,500 km, solidifying its status as one of the world’s toughest races.

2023 for the 45^th Dakar Rally

For its 45^th edition, the Dakar Rally explored Saudi Arabia for the fourth consecutive year from 31 December 2022 to 15 January 2023. This year marked the inaugural round of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship.

Competitors navigated a challenging 8,500-km route across 15 stages, including a unique three-day traverse of the Empty Quarter’s sand dunes. The route unfolded from Yanbu to Dammam, passing through Al-Ula, Ha’il, Al Duwadimi, Riyadh, Haradh, Shaybah, and Al Hofuf, once again highlighting Saudi Arabia’s diverse terrain.

The 45^th Dakar Rally attracted 820 participants from 68 countries, using a total 455 vehicles.

Dakar Saudi Arabia 2024

Looking ahead, the 46^th edition of the Dakar Rally is set to make its return to Saudi Arabia between 5-19 January 2024, once again featuring an entirely new route.

Covering 13 stages over 7,900 km, the new route will take competitors through scenic locations such as Al-Ula, Al Henakiyah, Al Duwadimi, Al Salamiya, Al Hofuf, Shubaytah, Riyadh, Ha’il, and Yanbu.

A total of 434 vehicles across various race categories are expected to compete in Dakar Saudi Arabia 2024, with 778 participants representing over 72 countries.