07 May 2026

The Dakar Rally is widely regarded as the world’s toughest and longest off-road motorsport event.

Its 49th edition is scheduled to run from January 1-15, 2027, across the vast desert of Saudi Arabia.

Organisers revealed that the upcoming edition will feature a record-breaking 8 390km route, making it the longest course in the history of the Dakar Rally.

Competitors in the bike and quad categories will start and finish the race at King Abdullah Economic City.

The demanding route will pass through several regions of Saudi Arabia, including Yanbu, AlUla, Hail, Al Duwadimi, Wadi Ad-Dawasir and Bisha among other desert landscapes.

Botswana’s celebrated rally rider, Ross Branch was among riders and drivers who attended the official route unveiling in Paris.

“It looks amazing. The stages are super long and it is going to be one of the longest stages they have ever had in the Saudi Arabian region. The race is going to be really tough, probably the toughest one they have had in Saudi Arabia to date,” Branch explained.

Branch said he was already starting the preparations with his team Hero MotoSports Rally Team as they were busy working on making some adjustment to his bike.

“I am really looking forward for it. I am preparing very hard and we have done a lot of work on the bike. We have changed a lot of settings on the bike and so it is really in a good condition,” he said.

Branch said he will refine his form and skill by participating in several of the world championships featured in the 2026 motorsport calendars.

According to information published on the Dakar Rally website, the event’s bivouac camp will be established at King Abdullah Economic City from December 29 until New Year’s Eve ahead of the official start.

Organisers also highlighted that the 2027 edition will feature more competitive mileage than any previous Dakar Rally races held in Saudi Arabia, with 5 320 kilometers set against the clock. 

The terrain is expected to be more diverse and challenging than ever before.

Branch, popularly known as the “Kalahari Ferrari,” won the 2024 Dakar Rally title and earlier this year finished eighth overall riding for Hero MotoSports. The 2027 edition will mark the eighth consecutive edition of the Dakar Rally staged in Saudi Arabia. ENDS