Bisha governorate is preparing to host, tomorrow, the launch of the sixth edition of the "Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2025," considered the largest and longest race in the world of motorsport, organized by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and supervised by the Ministry of Sport. Competition continues until January 17, in an exceptional edition spanning a distance of 7,737 km, of which 5,129 km are special stages, covering diverse terrain across regions of the Kingdom.

A Global Sporting Event in the Kingdom

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sport, affirmed that the Kingdom's hosting of the event for the sixth time reflects its commitment to strengthening its standing as a global sports destination, and highlights the strong capabilities it possesses in organizing the world's leading international events.

Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdullah Al-Faisal, President of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, also expressed his pride in this global rally taking place in the Kingdom, noting that this year's edition features new routes that showcase the beauty of the Kingdom's terrain, adding to the excitement for competitors and spectators alike.

Wide Global Participation

More than 800 athletes from 70 nationalities are taking part in the Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2025, driving 439 vehicles across six categories:

  • Cars: 130 competitors and navigators.
  • Motorcycles: more than 136 competitors.
  • Light desert vehicles (Challenger): 108 participants.
  • Light desert vehicles (Side-by-Side): 78 competitors.
  • Trucks: more than 135 participants.
  • Dakar Classic: featuring 76 classic cars and 19 classic trucks.

A Distinctive Route and Exciting Stages

The race runs across 12 main stages plus a prologue, starting in Bisha and finishing in Shubaytah, passing through regions including Al-Henakiyah, AlUla, Hail, Riyadh, and Harad.

  • Prologue stage: Bisha (79 km).
  • Stage 1: Bisha to Bisha (499 km).
  • Stage 2: Bisha to Bisha (1,058 km).
  • Stage 3: Bisha to Al-Henakiyah (847 km).
  • Stage 4: Al-Henakiyah to AlUla (588 km).
  • Stage 5: AlUla to Hail (492 km).
  • Rest day: in Hail.
  • Remaining stages: continuing through Al-Duwadimi, Riyadh, and Harad, before finishing in Shubaytah.

The Next Saudi Generation

The Kingdom continues to support national talent through the "Next Saudi Generation" initiative, which gives promising Saudi drivers their first taste of the rally. Five competitors are taking part this year, with the winner earning a spot in the 2026 edition.

Innovative Initiatives During the Event

  • The "Mission 1000 Challenge": five cars equipped with the latest technology will tackle the same route.
  • Separate stages: five stages will be held with separate routes for cars and motorcycles.

A Sporting Legacy and Natural Heritage

The Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia represents an opportunity to promote the beauty and diversity of the Kingdom's terrain, in line with Vision 2030, which focuses on making the Kingdom a global sports and tourism destination.