The Saudi Ministry of Sport unveiled details of the highly anticipated Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2025. Scheduled from January 3 to 17, the sixth edition promises a thrilling experience across the Kingdom’s diverse landscapes.
A Route Spanning Over 8,000 Kilometers
The rally will cover nearly 8,000 kilometers, beginning in Bisha and ending in the Empty Quarter. Additionally, this year’s route includes iconic locations such as Hail, AlUla, and Riyadh. Rally director David Castera highlighted the inclusion of challenging features like the 48-hour chrono and marathon stages. These tests will push participants to their limits in the unforgiving Saudi desert.
The Dakar Rally Stages
Prologue (January 3): Bisha – Bisha, 79 km (special 29 km)
Stage 1 (January 4): Bisha – Bisha, 500 km (special 412 km)
Stage 2 (January 5 and 6): Bisha – Bisha, 1,057 km (special 965 km)
Stage 3 (January 7): Bisha – Al Henakiyah, 845 km (special 496 km)
Stage 4 (January 8): Al Henakiyah – AlUla, 588 km (special 415 km)
Stage 5 (January 9): AlUla – Hail, 491 km (special 428 km)
Rest (January 10): Hail
Stage 6 (January 11): Hail – Al Duwadimi, 829 km (special 606 km)
Stage 7 (January 12): Al Duwadimi – Al Duwadimi, 745 km (special 481 km)
Stage 8 (January 13): Al Duwadimi – Riyadh, 733 km (special 487 km)
Stage 9 (January 14): Riyadh – Haradh, 589 km (special 357 km)
Stage 10 (January 15): Haradh – Shubaytah, 638 km (special 119 km)
Stage 11 (January 16): Shubaytah – Shubaytah, 506 km (special 280 km)
Stage 12 (January 17): Shubaytah – Shubaytah, 205 km (special 134 km)
Dakar’s Innovative Race Format
For the first time, five stages will feature separate routes for FIM and FIA vehicles. This innovation enhances safety while adding complexity to navigation. The race also includes the Dakar Classic and the Mission 1000 Challenge, showcasing vintage cars and futuristic tech.
The “Saudi Next Gen” initiative will spotlight emerging Saudi racers, offering them a chance to compete in the 2026 rally. Meanwhile, global champions like Ross Branch and Nasser Al-Attiyah will compete among a record-breaking 340 entries.
The Climax Awaits in Shubaytah
The final stages will push competitors through the Empty Quarter’s massive dunes, culminating in a grand finale in Shubaytah. This marks the first-ever conclusion within the bivouac, symbolizing a new chapter in Dakar history.
The 2025 edition of Dakar Rally promises a thrilling spectacle, blending innovation, tradition, and extreme adventure, and pushing competitors to their limits and showcasing the beauty and challenges of the Saudi Arabian desert.
