Bisha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 2 December 2025: Tomorrow, Friday, 3 January 2025, the world’s most demanding motorsport challenge gets underway as Bisha hosts the start of the sixth edition of the Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia. Running until 17 January, this year’s rally will feature 439 vehicles across various categories, covering a total distance of 7,737 km, including 5,129 km of timed special stages. The route introduces new tracks that venture into previously unexplored regions, allowing participants to discover some of the Kingdom’s most stunning natural and archaeological sites. Competitors will face fresh challenges designed to push the limits of competition and excitement.

On this occasion, His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sport and Chairman of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, remarked: “Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the Dakar Rally for the sixth consecutive year reflects our nation’s capability to stage the world’s most significant sporting events. This achievement would not have been possible without the generous and unwavering support of our wise leadership, may God preserve them. Their backing has firmly established the Kingdom’s position on the global sporting stage, in line with Vision 2030.”

His Royal Highness welcomed all participants, including drivers, co-drivers, and technical teams, expressing his anticipation for an exceptional edition filled with excitement and competition. He highlighted the new routes that will reveal the beauty and unique landscapes of Saudi Arabia’s diverse terrain.

Similarly, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and Saudi Motorsport Company, extended his welcome to all drivers, participants, Media and visitors from around the globe. He expressed pride in hosting the rally’s sixth consecutive edition in Saudi Arabia, attributing this milestone to the wise leadership and steadfast support of the nation’s leadership, alongside the continued efforts of the Minister of Sport.

“We look forward to writing a new chapter in the journey of the Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia, powered by the talents and determination of our youth. With the experience gained over the past years, we are determined to reaffirm Saudi Arabia’s ability to host the world’s largest events. This year, we promise participants even more challenges that will elevate the thrill and excitement of the world’s ultimate endurance race.”

The Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2025 features a diverse range of categories, with over 800 participants competing in 439 vehicles from 80 countries. In the Bikes category, more than 136 competitors are set to take part. The Cars category will see 130 drivers and co-drivers in action, while the Light Prototype (Challenger) Vehicles category includes over 108 drivers and co- drivers. Meanwhile, the Light Production SSV (Side-by-Side) Vehicles category will feature 78 drivers and co-drivers. In the Trucks category, more than 135 drivers and co-drivers will compete. Additionally, the Dakar Classic competition will showcase 135 participants, including drivers, co-drivers, and assistants, with 76 classic cars and 19 classic trucks.

The stages are as follows: Prologue (Friday, 3 January): Bisha – Bisha, 79 km (29 km special stage).

• Prologue (Friday, 3 January): Bisha – Bisha, 79 km (29 km special stage).
• Stage 1 (Saturday, 4 January): Bisha – Bisha, 499 km (413 km special stage).
• Stage 2 (Sunday–Monday, 5–6 January): Bisha – Bisha, 1,058 km (967 km special stage).
• Stage 3 (Tuesday, 7 January): Bisha – Al-Henakiyah, 847 km (495 km special stage).
• Stage 4 (Wednesday, 8 January): Al-Henakiyah – AlUla, 588 km (415 km special stage).
• Stage 5 (Thursday, 9 January): AlUla – Hail, 492 km (428 km special stage).
• Rest Day (Friday, 10 January): Hail.
• Stage 6 (Saturday, 11 January): Hail – Al-Duwadimi, 828 km (604 km special stage).
• Stage 7 (Sunday, 12 January): Al-Duwadimi – Al-Duwadimi, 742 km (487 km special stage).
• Stage 8 (Monday, 13 January): Al-Duwadimi – Riyadh, 737 km (487 km special stage).
• Stage 9 (Tuesday, 14 January): Riyadh – Haradh, 589 km (357 km special stage).
• Stage 10 (Wednesday, 15 January): Haradh – Shubaytah, 640 km (120 km special stage).
• Stage 11 (Thursday, 16 January): Shubaytah – Shubaytah, 507 km (275 km special stage).
• Stage 12 (Friday, 17 January): Shubaytah – Shubaytah, 131 km (61 km special stage).

The rally will also feature Saudi Arabia’s next generation of drivers selected through the “Next Saudi Generation” initiative, aimed at introducing emerging Saudi talent to the Dakar Rally. Five drivers—Fahad Al-Murshid, Hamzah Bakhashab, Abdullah Al-Shaqawi, Fatimah Banaz, and Merihan Al-Baz—will participate, with one to compete in Dakar 2026.

In addition, the event will host five vehicles equipped with the latest technology as part of the "Mission 1000" programme, racing along the same tracks as the rally.