when is dakar 2026

The Dakar Rally 2026 is scheduled to run from 3 January to 17 January 2026 in Saudi Arabia.

Core dates

• Overall rally window : 3–17 January 2026.

• Prologue and ceremonial start: 3 January 2026.

• First full stage: 4 January 2026.

• Final stage and podium: 17 January 2026.

Extra schedule nuggets

• A prologue plus around 12–13 stages are planned across Saudi Arabia’s deserts, with one rest day in the middle of the rally.

• The route is designed as a large loop starting and finishing in Yanbu, with key stops such as Al Ula, Hail, Riyadh, Wadi Ad Dawasir, Bisha and Al Henakiyah.

Mini “Quick Scoop” recap

• When is Dakar 2026? → 3–17 January 2026.

• Where? → Entirely in Saudi Arabia, continuing the post‑2020 trend.

• What’s new? → A refreshed route layout and stage mix, but same hardcore rally‑raid spirit.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.