Saudi Arabia is set to host the Dakar Rally, with the two-week event commencing on January 2, 2026. Yazheed Al-Rajhi, the first Saudi to win this prestigious rally, is aiming to defend his title in what is anticipated to be one of the most competitive years yet. The 2026 edition will run over 13 stages and cover more than 8,000 kilometers exclusively within the kingdom. A tough challenge awaits Al-Rajhi from contenders like Henk Lategan, Toyota's runner-up last year, alongside champions from Ford and Dacia, promising a closely contested race. The ensuing competition will kick off with a short prologue near Yanbu on the Red Sea, followed by a 305-kilometer special stage. Drivers face diverse terrains, including towering sand dunes and canyons. The sixth stage is noted as the longest at 920 kilometers. Al-Rajhi noted the importance of patience in the early stages while he recovers from past injuries that sidelined him for part of the previous season. The event kicks off the World Rally-Raid Championship season, heightening stakes and competitive tension. Other notable competitors include Nasser Al-Attiyah, a five-time Dakar winner, who is partnered with the nine-time world rally champion Sebastien Loeb, and numerous other experienced drivers. The considerable number of strong teams points to a dynamic and unpredictable atmosphere expected during this year’s race, with a larger field than in previous years. Given the rocky history of the Dakar Rally, which originally began in 1978 as a race from Paris to Senegal, this edition represents a significant evolution. The rally moved to Saudi Arabia in 2020 due to security concerns in other regions. This shift aims to enhance safety while revitalizing the race's format, ensuring that the spectacle, with increased participation, brings fresh attention and excitement to this challenging motorsport event.