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The world's biggest off-road event, the Dakar Rally, is scheduled to get underway on January 1, 2027, but uncertainty looms over whether it will actually go ahead. Saudi Arabia is slated to host the event, but escalating conflict in the Middle East and Houthi strikes on the country have led to the loss of several major international sporting events in quick succession.
Rally Saudi Arabia was the first casualty, originally scheduled for mid-November as the season finale of the World Rally Championship. The FIA and the championship promoter cancelled the event, and official confirmation is now awaited regarding the postponement of the three-day Extreme H event planned for late October.
Earlier in the spring, the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was also cancelled.
In addition to Dakar, Saudi Arabia is also scheduled to host the Formula E season opener in December, though the status of that race remains unclear as well.
"Following the events of the weekend, we would like to inform you that we are working closely with our partners in Saudi Arabia to determine the next steps regarding the organisation of the 2027 Dakar Rally. We will be in touch as soon as we have answers. Thank you for your understanding," Dakar Rally director David Castera wrote to registered competitors.
The weekend's events included Houthi attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, alongside strikes on other airports across Saudi Arabia, with one attack on Saturday leaving 14 dead and more than 300 injured.
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