14 Days, 12 Stages, and Unexplored Terrains Await in the Kingdom’s Sixth Year Hosting the Iconic Event
Saudi Arabia – Riyadh, November 29, 2024 – During a virtual press conference held on 28 November 2024, the Saudi Motorsport Company announced the details of the sixth edition of the Dakar Rally. This prestigious rally is set to take place in Saudi Arabia from 3 to 17 January 2025. The event was attended by HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC), alongside prominent figures such as Yann Le Moenner, CEO of Amaury Sport Organisation, and David Castera, Director of the Dakar Rally.
The rally will commence in Bisha, located in southern Saudi Arabia, traversing various regions from south to north before turning eastward through the Empty Quarter desert. It will conclude in Shubaytah in the southeast after 14 days of intense competition.
Prince Khalid expressed his pride at hosting the Dakar Rally for the sixth consecutive year in Saudi Arabia, underscoring the nation’s prominent status in global motorsports. He acknowledged the support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, emphasising the alignment of the event with Saudi Vision 2030. His Royal Highness also extended a warm welcome to participants and commended the dedication of Saudi youth in preparing for this significant global event.
Key Features of the Rally
- The route comprises 12 stages, traversing diverse terrains across Saudi Arabia.
- Highlights include challenging routes through previously unexplored areas, offering participants stunning natural and archaeological landscapes.
- The rally begins with a prologue stage, passing through locations such as Al Henakiyah, AlUla, Hail, Al Duwadimi, Riyadh, Haradh, and Shubaytah.
2025 Schedule Overview
- 1–2 January: Technical inspections in Bisha.
- 3 January: Prologue stage in Bisha (75 km).
- 4 January: Stage 1 – Bisha (498 km total, 412 km special stage).
- 5–6 January: Stage 2 – Bisha (1,057 km total, 965 km special stage).
- 7 January: Stage 3 – Al Henakiyah (839 km total, 496 km special stage).
- 8 January: Stage 4 – AlUla (589 km total, 416 km special stage).
- 9 January: Stage 5 – Hail (491 km total, 428 km special stage).
- 10 January: Rest day in Hail.
- 11 January: Stage 6 – Al Duwadimi (839 km total, 616 km special stage).
- 12 January: Stage 7 – Al Duwadimi (752 km total, 487 km special stage).
- 13 January: Stage 8 – Riyadh (740 km total, 491 km special stage).
- 14 January: Stage 9 – Haradh (589 km total, 357 km special stage).
- 15 January: Stage 10 – Shubaytah (625 km total, 110 km special stage).
- 16 January: Stage 11 – Shubaytah (538 km total, 314 km special stage).
- 17 January: Final Stage – Shubaytah (109 km total, 63 km special stage).
