The Dakar Rally’s fifth edition in Saudi Arabia will be held from January 5 to 19, 2024, starting in the thousand-year-old city of AlUla, crossing the country in the direction of the Empty Quarter and finishing in Yanbu on the shores of the Red Sea, announced the race organizers in a statement.
“The Dakar competitors discovered the wonders of AlUla in the first edition of the rally in Saudi Arabia in 2020,” it continued.
“However, this time around, they will have the opportunity to immerse themselves even further in the atmosphere of the thousand-year-old archaeological sites: the principle of the start camp, which was a tremendous success among the competitors in its coastal version, has now been extended to the desert, with the bivouac located in the vicinity of the majestic temples built by the Nabataeans,” it added.
“Drawing inspiration from buildings that have stood the test of time, this is the perfect way to get into adventure and discovery mode before tackling the thousands of kilometers of the route,” said the statement.
Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Motorsports Company and the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), said: “I am delighted that Dakar Saudi Arabia returns for its fifth consecutive year. This prestigious rally has become a highly coveted annual tradition that showcases the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s valued position and remarkable stature in the world of motorsports.”
“Dakar Saudi Arabia is the jewel that adorns our distinguished and diverse sports calendar, solidifying our nation’s standing at the forefront of global motorsport events,” he stressed.
“The event embodies our ambitious plans to achieve further developments and accomplishments in the sports sector, keeping pace with the Kingdom’s overall progress and leadership across various sectors, such as tourism,” he added.
“A major global event, such as Dakar Saudi Arabia, continues to reflect the Kingdom’s strong commitment to developing the sports scene, making it a leading model in the region and beyond; a destination for sports stars, and a home for motorsports worldwide,” he remarked.
“We look forward to writing a new chapter in the journey of the Dakar Rally in the Kingdom. We hope to affirm the Kingdom’s deserving position as an ideal home for the most prestigious rally on Earth,” he said.
“We look forward to welcoming guests from all around the world to enjoy this exceptional competitive atmosphere on the Kingdom’s soil. Through this, we will once again showcase to the world the unique beauty and diverse landscapes that embody the splendor of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
