If you’ve spent any time in Dubai, you know that winter isn’t just a season—it’s the peak of our social and sporting calendar. While we’re busy enjoying the cool breeze at Kite Beach or the buzz of the Dubai Shopping Festival, our neighbors in Saudi Arabia are preparing for something a lot more intense.
The Dakar Rally 2026 is officially back for its seventh edition in the Kingdom, and it’s promising to be the most grueling one yet. Mark your calendars: the action kicks off on January 3 and wraps up on January 17, 2026.
This isn’t just a race; it’s a two-week survival test that covers nearly 8,000 kilometers of some of the most unforgiving terrain on the planet. For those of us used to the smooth asphalt of Sheikh Zayed Road, the sheer scale of this trek through dunes, canyons, and rocky plains is hard to wrap your head around. But for the 800+ competitors signed up, it’s the ultimate adrenaline fix.
The 2026 Route: From the Red Sea to the Deep Desert
This year, the organizers have changed things up with a “circular” itinerary. The race will both start and finish in the coastal city of Yanbu on the Red Sea. Starting and ending in the same spot might sound simple, but the loop in between is anything but.
Competitors will tackle 4,845 kilometers of timed “special stages.” These are the sections where every second counts and navigation is king. The route dives deep into the heart of the Kingdom, passing through iconic spots like AlUla, Hail, and the capital, Riyadh.
The Key Stages to Watch:
- The Start (Jan 3): A 23km prologue in Yanbu to set the starting order.
- The Canyons of AlUla (Jan 5-7): This is where the scenery is breathtaking, but the navigation is a nightmare.
- The “Monster” Stage (Jan 9): A massive 925km haul from Hail to Riyadh. This is the longest stage of the rally and will likely break a few hearts (and machines).
- Rest Day in Riyadh (Jan 10): A chance for the teams to wash off the dust and weld their vehicles back together.
- The Empty Quarter & Beyond (Jan 11-16): The second week hits the massive dunes of Wadi Al-Dawasir and the tricky tracks of Bisha.
- The Finish (Jan 17): A final 105km sprint back to Yanbu for the podium celebrations.
Gritty Racing Meets High-Goal Glamour
While the Dakar drivers are fighting for survival in the sand, there’s a much more elegant event happening simultaneously. If your idea of a desert adventure involves more linen and less grease, the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2026 is where you want to be.
Taking place on January 16 and 17, this event is the world’s only modern polo tournament played on sand. Set against the towering sandstone canyons of AlUla, it’s a stunning contrast to the raw power of the rally.
It’s a big draw for the region’s fashion-forward crowd. Between matches, guests can enjoy gourmet food, local crafts, and live music. It’s essentially the equestrian version of a VIP lounge at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix—super exclusive and incredibly scenic.
Passes for AlUla Desert Polo:
- Single-Day Premium Pass: SAR 400
- 2-Day Weekend Pass: SAR 600
- Polo Players Circle (VIP): SAR 590 per day (includes meet-and-greets)
How Saudi Region is Obsessed with Dakar?
For us in the UAE, the Dakar Rally feels like home turf. We have a deep-rooted culture of dune bashing and off-roading, and many of the top competitors have trained right here in the Liwa Desert.
This year’s field includes a massive variety of vehicles—from nimble motorbikes and quads to the “Ultimate” class cars and massive trucks that look like they belong in a Mad Max movie. There’s even a Dakar Classic category for vintage 80s and 90s rigs, which is always a hit for the nostalgia.
The presence of the Dakar in the region until at least 2030 cements our part of the world as the global hub for motorsports. Whether it’s F1 in Abu Dhabi and Jeddah or the Dakar in the deep desert, the Middle East is where the biggest sporting stories are being written right now.
Planning Your Trip: Tips for Fans
If you’re thinking of hopping over from the UAE to catch the action, AlUla or Riyadh are your best bets. Riyadh offers the “Rest Day” experience where you can see the bivouac (the traveling city of the rally) up close. AlUla, however, gives you the double-header: the Dakar passing through and the Desert Polo happening at the AlFursan Equestrian Village.
Just a heads-up for travelers: January in the Saudi desert is freezing at night. If you’re heading out to watch a stage, pack your heavy jackets alongside your sunblock. The desert doesn’t do “mild” very well.
What’s Next for Motorsports?
As the Dakar Rally 2026 draws closer, the excitement in the local community is palpable. It’s a reminder of the incredible landscapes we have right in our backyard and the spirit of adventure that defines this region.
Whether you’re a fan of the mechanical grit of the rally or the sophisticated luxury of the polo, this January offers a perfect excuse to explore more of the GCC.
Read More: Liwa International Festival 2025 Kicks Off in Abu Dhabi’s Golden Desert
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