Saudi Arabia is deeply steeped in culture and history, but also has a storied legacy with cars. Since 2020, the yearly Dakar Rally desert rally raid has been held all over the country. And this year, I visited to check out this iconic and grueling competition. I documented many competitors who tried their hand at finishing (or winning) Dakar Rally during Stage 2 and Stage 3 days near al-Ula. This included a first-hand look at the Defender trio of teams, Defender Dakar D7X-R rally rigs, and bivouac setup. I also visited historical areas and modern sites nearby, too. The culture was welcoming and accommodating as I made my way around the country.
A Wide Variety of Interesting Vehicles
I saw many diverse and interesting vehicles during my time in Saudi Arabia. This is even apart from covering the Dakar Rally. The desert landscape of al-Ula reminded me of Death Valley with its varied dessert terrain, palm trees, and date farms. However, this region also boasted steep rock walls and formations reminiscent of Moab, Utah, or Sedona, Arizona.
Jeeps, Jeeps, and More Jeeps
Saudi Arabians love their Jeeps. Not only did I see them on pretty much every road in al-Ula, I met a few of the owners when a large Jeep club arrived at Maraya, the largest mirrored building in the world. They took turns driving past the building as the desert landscape continued to change shape with every bit of movement. They were interested in why I was there, and some had ties to the Dakar Rally, and invited me along for their excursion. I wasn’t able to change my plans, but we exchanged contact info in case I found myself back in Saudi Arabia to meet up for some off-roading.
Maraya’s Mirrors
Maraya is a purpose-built event space nestled among the striking desert landscape of Ashar Valley, al-Ula, Saudi Arabia. Although I didn’t have the chance to go inside other than a quick peek at their coffeehouse, I marveled at its stunning reflections. The grounds showcased endless swaths of perfectly groomed sand, as is many of the areas I visited. Maraya is a modern marvel built among thousands of years of history.
The History of Hegra
I packed in as much as much as possible with my free day in Saudi Arabia. I visited Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site in the al-Ula region. It’s famous for its well-preserved Nabataean rock-cut tombs that have varying facades, featuring ancient architecture like Petra in Jordan. Hegra was the southernmost city of the Nabataean Kingdom and served as a crucial trading hub. The area has over 110 tombs and facades dating from the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD. Hegra was fascinating and humbling.
Arriving at the 2026 Dakar Rally
I caught a variety of rally raid teams in action during Stage 2 as they headed towards the finish line in al-Ula. One by one they roared past, sometimes passing others competitors as they began an uphill crest over a large sand dune before curving to the left towards the finish line—if they were following the rally’s digital route book correctly.
Defender Glory
After my arrival, the collective Defender team’s maiden voyage debut displayed true grit, determination, talent, and guts. Upon my arrival, the teams collectively earned a 1-2-3 Stock class win with their D7X-R rally rigs. Each of the three teams had also earned a first-place Stock class award, even though they all competed with other types of rally vehicles previously.
Here are the Defender team’s Stock class standings once this year’s Dakar Rally finished:
- 1st place: driver Rokas Baciuška (@rbaciuska), co-driver Oriol Vidal (@OriolVidal64) No. 502
- 2nd place: driver Sara Price (@sarapricemx), co-driver Sean Berriman (@SeanBerriman) No. 504
- 4th place: driver Stéphane Peterhansel (@s.peterhansel), co-driver Mika Metge (@mikametge) No. 500
Massive MAN Trucks and Everything in Between
Dakar Rally vehicles come in all shapes and sizes. The largest are heavy-duty T5 trucks close to 7.5 tons in weight (or more) for engines over 10 liters. These behemoths can either compete in the Dakar Rally, or they could be traveling support centers to help competitors.
Up Close Rally Action
Experiencing the Dakar Rally was intense and exhilarating. Not only did I get behind-the-scenes access to the bivouac in al-Ula, but I also had the chance to see up-close action from Stage 2 and Stage 3, too.
Moto Mania
Many motos competed in the 2026 Dakar Rally. They were either factory-backed or pro riders or semi-pro and privateer competitors. An extra hardcore category is Original by Motul, where riders compete without external assistance or help from registered support crews. They essentially get one 2.8 cubic-foot box (80 liters) of tools, parts, and personal belongings, but are able to help each other.
The 2026 rally also features specialized Mission 1000, showcasing alternative, low-emission, or electric technology. This year, the Mission 1000 challenge had seven 100% electric motorcycles, as well as a hybrid hydrogen-biodiesel truck. They tracked their progress on courses of approximately 62 miles (100 kilometers).
At Your Own Risk
Bystanders watch rally raid competitors at their own risk. Even though there is a specific route book for teams to follow, they may veer off course at any given moment due to mechanical failures, wrong navigational directions given to the driver, or simply running out of driving talent.
SSV Side-By-Side Teams, Including Can-Am
Can-Am entered five factory-supported teams, including No. 208 Portugal’s João Monterio, the 2025 Dakar rookie winner, and his co-driver Morais Nuno. They finished fourth, just missing the podium. Fellow teammates and Americans Kyle Chaney (driver) and co-driver Jacob Argubright nabbed second place.
The 2026 Dakar Rally Experience
During my time in Saudi Arabia, I was met with glowing sunrises, stunning rock formations (other than cleverly disguised fake rock cell phone towers that stick straight up out of nowhere like the one pictured here. Many places took pride in their surroundings, by caring for sandy landscapes like a perfectly groomed lawn and incorporating a variety of sculptures into the mix.
Fellow Rallyists from Around the World
You never know who you’ll run into, especially half the way around the globe. I spied a white Ford Bronco at Stage 3’s start line to later find out it was fellow Alcan 5000 Rally competitor, Nathan Hayashi from Canada. Getting to the start line of this grueling event is a win in-and-of itself, but he and his teammate successfully finished, too!
Heart Palpitating Moments
There’s something electrifying about the start line of competitor’s taking off, especially when they’re in massive T5-type trucks that shake the ground while idling at the start line. These trucks could either run as competitors in the Dakar Rally or part of a bigger collective who supplies assistance to teams as they make their way around the 13-stage course.
Powered by What?
The 2026 Dakar Rally vehicles were powered by petrol, diesel, electric power, and even by hydrogen. Teams constantly push boundaries of vehicle design and ability while still adhering to rally regulations.
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