Dakar Rally 2026 returns for its sixth Saudi edition with a format that pushes endurance and technical skill to new levels. The event gathers top rally-raid drivers from more than 60 countries, competing across bike, quad, car, and truck categories. With nearly 15 days of racing through dunes and rock formations, the rally maintains its reputation as one of the toughest motorsport challenges in the world.

Organizers introduce a unique loop this year, starting and ending in Yanbu on the Red Sea coast. The 8,000-kilometre circuit includes 5,000 kilometres of special stages, supported by six desert bivouacs and a dedicated rest day in Riyadh. The mix of coastal terrain, deep desert tracks, and circuit stages creates a balanced route that blends adventure with strategic navigation.

The rally unveils several new upgrades, including the Marathon-Refuge, a basic-support zone where competitors may assist each other. Organizers also introduce separate tracks for bikes and four-wheel vehicles to increase safety. The Dakar Classic expands to 7,000 kilometres, breaking previous records, while the Saudi Next Generation Academy continues to develop emerging Saudi talent. Additionally, the Desert Lab returns with Mission 1000 to test alternative-energy vehicles during real desert racing.

This edition highlights the Commercial Stock category, designed to welcome near-standard vehicles with only limited modifications. The aim is to broaden participation while maintaining competitive capability on desert terrain. Major brands such as Land Rover with three Defender units and Toyota are confirmed participants. Motorsport legend Stéphane Peterhansel will also join the competition, adding more excitement to this year’s lineup.