The legendary rally-raid makes its historic return with 11 stages mapped across the Kingdom’s landscapes.
The Kingdom’s positioning as a premier host nation for major international sporting events has been resplendently confirmed on the global motorsport stage. In early November 2026, Dakar Rally Director David Castera officially announced the return of the iconic event to the African continent for its 49th edition, scheduled to take place from 9 to 23 January 2027. Following an absence of more than 20 years from the continent and a last national stopover dating back to 2007, organizers selected the country’s tracks as the primary arena for this exceptional competition. Out of the 12 scheduled stages connecting Portugal to Africa, 11 will take place entirely on national soil, setting off from Bouarfa to cross the Southern provinces down to Dakhla before making a dramatic push back toward the final finish line in Marrakech.
A demanding route through diverse national landscapes
This monumental course covering more than 3,300 kilometers will test the technical capabilities of 370 vehicles entered across car, motorcycle, and truck categories. The sporting caravan will rely on five giant bivouacs deployed successively in Bouarfa, Zagora, Agadir, Smara, and Marrakech, highlighting the country’s logistical mastery in hosting high-tech temporary installations. The 500-kilometer marathon stage connecting Bouarfa to Zagora promises to deliver a top-tier sporting challenge, testing machine endurance and crew navigation precision in the heart of rocky and desert zones. This edition will also highlight decarbonization technologies, featuring vehicles powered by renewable energy sources within a category dedicated to future mobility.
Impact on tourism economy and regional promotion
The return of the Dakar serves as a powerful vector of international promotion for the diversity of landscapes and the tourism potential of the provinces along the route. The race’s passage and global media coverage across the North-East, the Atlas, the Souss, and the Sahara directly stimulate activity for regional hotel providers, dining establishments, and transport services. On the sidelines of the main rally, the country will also host the closing round of the World Rally-Raid Championship in autumn 2027, solidifying its status as an outdoor motorsport capital. The inclusion of local motorcyclists and drivers within the official field showcases national talent, supports technical training for regional staff, and strengthens economic attractiveness across the country’s rural territories.
