Dakar 2027 could return to Portugal after change of destination
Created by Daniela Ezequiel at Monday, 26 October 2026
The Dakar Rally could return to Portugal in 2027, almost two decades after the competition last passed through the country. The possibility comes after the organisers confirmed that the next edition will not be held in Saudi Arabia, which has hosted the event since 2020.
The decision was announced on October 25 by the Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.) and the Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC), following recent developments and security concerns in the Middle East.
Despite this change, the 2027 Dakar has not been cancelled and remains on the calendar. The new destination is expected to be announced in the coming days, with Portugal, Spain and Morocco among the possibilities being considered to host one of the most demanding off-road competitions in the world.
Dakar 2027 could start in the Algarve
According to information reported by the Lusa news agency, there is a possibility that the 2027 Dakar could start in Portugal, with the start and prologue taking place in the Algarve before continuing to Morocco, where several stages of the competition would be held.
Spain is also being considered as a possible location to be included in the route, although there is still no official confirmation regarding the countries that will host the event.
If this scenario becomes a reality, it would be excellent news for motorsport enthusiasts in Portugal. After all, the Dakar is one of the most iconic competitions in the world, bringing together drivers, teams and vehicles prepared to tackle thousands of kilometres in extreme conditions.
For now, it is important to emphasise that the return of the Dakar to Portugal remains a possibility. The organisers have not yet revealed the new host country or the details of the route.
The A.S.O., responsible for organising the event, is already in contact with competitors, teams and partners to ensure the transition to the new territory.
Portugal already hosted the Dakar Rally in 2006 and 2007
Portugal’s connection with the Dakar is nothing new. Lisbon was the starting point for the 2006 and 2007 editions, two moments that remain in the memory of Portuguese motorsport fans.
In 2008, the Portuguese capital was preparing to host the start of the competition once again, with the rally due to finish in Dakar, Senegal. However, the event was cancelled on January 4, the day before the start, due to security threats in Mauritania.
That cancellation marked the end of an era. In 2009, the Dakar moved to South America, where it remained for 11 editions, passing through countries such as Argentina, Chile, Peru, Bolivia and Paraguay.
In 2020, the competition changed continents once again, moving to Saudi Arabia, which hosted seven consecutive editions.
Now, the 2027 Dakar could represent a return to the competition’s European and African roots, restoring part of the historic connection that made this rally so well known internationally.
Saudi Arabia will host the Dakar again in 2028
Despite the planned change for 2027, the departure from Saudi Arabia will be temporary.
The organisers have confirmed that the country will host the Dakar again in 2028, precisely in the year when the competition will celebrate its 50th edition.
The A.S.O. and the Saudi Motorsport Company are already working on preparations for this commemorative edition, reaffirming their intention to maintain the partnership developed over recent years.
The Dakar was founded in 1979 by Frenchman Thierry Sabine, with a route linking Paris to the capital of Senegal. Since then, the event has crossed different continents and become a global reference in motorsport.
As for 2027, all attention is now focused on the announcement of the new destination. Could we see the Dakar starting in Portugal again? For Portuguese fans, it would certainly be a highly anticipated return.
Sources: Motociclismo, Razão Automóvel, Record
