((FIA)) announces Dakar Rally 2027 will not be held in Saudi Arabia

The statement indicated that the destination of the 2027 rally will be announced in the coming days.

The FIA statement confirmed that Saudi Arabia will return to host the Dakar Rally in 2028, in a historic edition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the famous desert rally.

It noted, "The two organizing bodies are already working on preparing for this pivotal event, with the aim of making the 2028 edition an exceptional milestone in the history of the rally and the Kingdom, stemming from a joint commitment to deliver an iconic world-class sporting event according to the highest standards."

Since 2020, Saudi Arabia has hosted seven consecutive editions of the Dakar Rally.

However, since last July, Saudi Arabia, which supports the internationally recognized Yemeni government, has been subjected to almost daily attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis, using missiles and drones that targeted airports, energy facilities, and military sites.

The unstable conditions in the region, against the backdrop of the war between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other, have resulted in the postponement or cancellation of many major sporting events.

Last April, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Formula 1 race, scheduled to be held in Jeddah, was canceled, as was the Bahrain Grand Prix.

It was also previously decided to hold the WTA Finals tennis tournament, which gathers the top eight players of the season at the end of every season, in the American city of Indian Wells between November 8 and 15 next, instead of Riyadh, which was the scheduled destination to host the tournament.

The "Riyadh Season" entertainment program also announced the postponement of the "Six Kings Slam" exhibition tennis tournament.

Football has not been spared from the repercussions of security developments either, as the Saudi Pro League announced about ten days ago the postponement of three matches from the ninth round for reasons it described as "logistical," amid escalating Houthi attacks launched from Yemen.

Yesterday, the Asian Football Confederation announced the postponement of the match between Saudi Al-Nassr and Emirati Al-Wasl, which was scheduled for today in Riyadh within the third round of the single-group stage of the AFC Champions League Elite.

The continental body said in a brief statement on its official website: "It has been decided to reschedule the league stage match (West Region) within the AFC Champions League Elite 2026-2027 bringing together Saudi Al-Nassr Club and Emirati Al-Wasl Club, which was scheduled to take place on Monday, October 26, 2026, at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to a later date."

The statement continued: "The new date and kickoff time of the match will be confirmed and announced in due course."