WRC Rally Saudi Arabia
The FIA World Rally Championship heads to the Middle East for Rally Saudi Arabia from 11 to 14 November 2026. One of the newer additions to the WRC calendar, the event takes competitors through the dramatic desert landscapes of Saudi Arabia, featuring fast, flowing stages across sand, gravel, and rocky terrain that test both car and crew to their limits.
What Is Rally Saudi Arabia?
Rally Saudi Arabia is a round of the FIA World Rally Championship, motorsport’s premier rally series. The WRC visits locations across the globe, with each rally presenting unique challenges based on terrain, climate, and road surface. Saudi Arabia’s stages are characterised by wide desert tracks, soft sand sections, and rocky mountain passes in the NEOM region of north-west Saudi Arabia. The rally follows the standard WRC format of timed special stages spread across four days, with a shakedown stage preceding the competitive action.
When and Where
The rally runs from Wednesday 11 November to Saturday 14 November 2026, with the service park and rally headquarters based in the NEOM region. Stages wind through the dramatic landscapes of north-west Saudi Arabia, featuring a mix of desert plains, wadis, and mountainous terrain. The region offers some of the most visually striking backdrops on the WRC calendar, with ancient rock formations and vast open spaces.
Key Contenders
The 2026 WRC season features intense competition between the manufacturer teams. Toyota Gazoo Racing, Hyundai Motorsport, and M-Sport Ford field the leading entries. Kalle Rovanpera, Elfyn Evans, Thierry Neuville, Ott Tanak, and Sebastien Ogier are among the top drivers expected to contest the event. The desert stages tend to favour drivers comfortable with loose-surface rallying and those who can manage tyre degradation in abrasive conditions. Road position and stage strategy play a crucial role, as the first car on the road often sweeps loose gravel for those behind.
How to Watch
WRC+ All Live is the championship’s official streaming platform, offering live coverage of every special stage, onboard cameras, and expert commentary. In the United Kingdom, TNT Sports broadcasts WRC rounds. Red Bull TV provides free coverage of selected stages. Regional broadcasters carry coverage across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, so check local listings for specific details.
History
Saudi Arabia joined the WRC calendar as part of the championship’s expansion into new markets. The Middle East has a long history in rally motorsport, with events in Qatar, Jordan, and the former Rally of Lebanon featuring on various international calendars. Saudi Arabia’s entry brought a new challenge to WRC crews, with the unique desert terrain differing markedly from the gravel, tarmac, and snow stages found elsewhere on the calendar. The event has quickly established itself as one of the most spectacular rounds of the season.
Tickets
Rally Saudi Arabia stages are accessible to spectators at designated viewing points along the route. Access details and any ticketing requirements are published through the rally’s official website and the WRC event guide. The service park is typically open to the public, offering the chance to see the cars and teams up close between stages. Hospitality and VIP packages may be available through the event organisers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What surface are the stages?
Rally Saudi Arabia features a mix of desert sand, gravel, and rocky terrain across its special stages in the NEOM region of north-west Saudi Arabia.
How long does the rally last?
The event runs across four competitive days from Wednesday to Saturday, with a shakedown stage before the rally begins.
Where can I watch Rally Saudi Arabia?
WRC+ All Live streams every stage live. TNT Sports broadcasts in the UK, and Red Bull TV offers free coverage of selected stages.
Can spectators attend the rally stages?
Spectators can watch from designated viewing areas along the route and visit the service park. Details are published through the official rally event guide.