Dates, stages, distance and more

The 46th edition of the Dakar Rally is set to kick off on 5 January, marking the fifth time that the event will be held in Saudi Arabia. This year’s race will feature a total of twelve special stages, along with the Prologue to open the action. One of the biggest novelties for this year is the 48-hour challenge, where competitors will embark on a 584-kilometre timed marathon, starting in the morning, pausing at night, and then resuming the following day.

The challenging nature of the event is reflected in the total distance of 2024 Dakar, which spans 7,891 kilometres, with 4,727 kilometres under the pressure of the stopwatch.

The first week of the race will kick off with the Prologue at Al-Ula, followed by stages to Al Henakiyah, Al Duwadimi, and Al Salamiya. After these initial stages, drivers will face the 48-hour challenge before heading to Riyadh to prepare for the second week. During the second week, participants will navigate a route that includes Al Duwadimi, Ha’il, and Al-Ula before finishing in Yanbu.

In the final stage, the drivers will cover a 175-kilometre loop around the coastal town of Yanbu, crowning the winner of the Touareg Trophy. The event will see a total of 778 competitors, including drivers and teams, across various vehicle categories, making it an exciting and challenging spectacle.

The 2024 Dakar Rally is expected to be a rigorous and action-packed event, drawing participants from around the world to test their skills and endurance in the stunning landscapes of Saudi Arabia. With its unique challenges and demands, the Dakar Rally continues to be a pinnacle of off-road racing, thrilling fans and participants alike.