Dakar Rally 2026 reveals Saudi Arabia’s untamed beauty amid fierce competition
The 2026 Dakar Rally has reached its most spectacular stretch as competitors race through Saudi Arabia’s rugged landscapes. Stage 8 brought towering dunes, deep canyons and desert valleys into view, yet only some drivers pause to take it all in. For those outside the leading pack, the scenery becomes part of the adventure—while front-runners stay locked in fierce competition.
The rally’s route has showcased some of Saudi Arabia’s most striking terrain. Earlier in the week, the Al-Ula region revealed its dramatic rock formations. By Stage 8, the race reached Wadi Ad-Dawasir, where endless canyons and orange dunes created a breathtaking backdrop.
Sébastien Loeb, the nine-time WRC champion, first joined the Dakar for its sense of adventure. He wanted to explore places most never see, though the intensity of racing often leaves little time to absorb the surroundings. Édouard Boulanger, his co-driver, occasionally glances at the scenery but only fully appreciates it later. For mid-pack competitors like Philippe Boutron, the experience is different. Racing a Can-Am Maverick R in the SSV category (#421), he sits 131st overall after Stage 7, with a cumulative time of 05h 49' 17''—over two hours behind the leader. Without the same pressure as the frontrunners, he notices the unique rock shapes and vast landscapes around him. Defending champion Daniel Sanders admits the scenery is stunning but struggles to soak it in. Speed and exhaustion leave little room for anything beyond the race. Others, like Henk Lategan and Boulanger, dream of returning one day—not to compete, but to travel slowly and truly take in the views.
The Dakar Rally offers two contrasting experiences: a high-speed battle for victory and a rare journey through remote wilderness. While top riders focus on every second, those further back find moments to appreciate the landscapes they pass. For many, the rally’s real magic lies in the places it reveals—even if they can’t stop to admire them just yet.
