The Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2026 began on Saturday, January 3, with the opening prologue stage in Yanbu, marking the Kingdom’s seventh consecutive year hosting the event. Organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation under the Ministry of Sport, the 95 km route—including a 22 km special stage—tested competitors’ readiness and determined starting positions. A total of 787 participants competed across multiple categories, alongside entries in the Dakar Classic and Mission 1000.
