With just three days to go, the eyes of thrill-seekers and motorsport enthusiasts worldwide are turning to Saudi Arabia, eagerly awaiting the start of the seventh edition of the Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2026. All organizational, logistical, and technical preparations have been completed for the launch of one of the world's most prestigious and challenging desert rallies. Organized by the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation and the Saudi Motorsport Company, under the auspices of the Ministry of Sport, the rally will begin in the coastal city of Yanbu from January 3rd to 17th, 2026.
This event holds exceptional significance, transcending its status as a mere race of speed and endurance. Since its move to the Kingdom in 2020, marking the beginning of its third chapter after Africa and South America, the Dakar Rally has become a global platform showcasing the Kingdom's unique geographical diversity. This seventh edition further solidifies Saudi Arabia's position as a leading global destination for hosting major sporting events, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030, which prioritizes the sports sector as a key driver of the economy and tourism, and a catalyst for enhancing quality of life.
In the context of national participation, veteran driver Yasser Bin Saeedan stated, "My participation in the 2026 Dakar Rally marks my ninth appearance in the event, reflecting my unwavering commitment to participating in all editions hosted by the Kingdom." Bin Saeedan confirmed his readiness to compete in the Challenger category with the Nasser Racing team, expressing his strong ambition to vie for the title and thanking the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation and Al Saeedan Company for their support, which has enabled him to continue competing in this global event.
For her part, Saudi driver Dania Aqeel expressed her enthusiasm for her fifth participation, saying, "I'm looking forward to participating in the Dakar Rally again, and I'm very excited to compete for the lead alongside my co-driver Sébastien Delaunay in the Taurus for the BPR Motorsport team." Meanwhile, competitor Saleh Al-Saif emphasized the national pride in hosting the event, stating, "Having the Dakar Rally on Saudi soil is a source of pride for all Saudis, and it places a responsibility on us to make a significant impact," affirming his ambition to achieve top results with the "Dark Horse" team.
The 2026 edition will witness a significant and historic Saudi participation, with 25 participants, including 10 young talents from the "Next Generation Saudi" program. This reflects the Kingdom's strategy to develop national talent and ensure the sustainability of competition in the future. Leading this list is the reigning champion, Yazeed Al-Rajhi, who boasts extensive experience with 11 participations, alongside established names such as Tariq Al-Rammah, Bader Al-Hamdan, and Hamad Al-Harbi, as well as newcomers like Hamza Bakhashab and Abdullah Al-Shaqawi.
On the media front, fans can follow the adventure moment by moment through the official broadcaster “Shahid” platform, in addition to the digital platforms of the Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Automobile Federation, and the official rally website, which will provide comprehensive coverage of the results and video reports, ensuring a complete viewing experience for rally fans around the world.
