Nissan Desert Rally 2026-27 Season Expands to UAE and Qatar
Nissan has launched the 2026‑2027 Desert Rally season, adding new rounds in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. The season opens in Jeddah on 20‑21 November 2026 and concludes with a regional final in Ha'il in March 2027, targeting professional and amateur drivers across multiple vehicle classes.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- The rally adds events in the UAE and Qatar and expands to more cities
- Timing
- First round runs 20‑21 November 2026, final in Ha'il March 2027
- Who is affected
- All drivers entering the Nissan Desert Rally, professionals and amateurs
The details
- Announced by
- Nissan
- Takes effect
- 20‑21 November 2026
- Previous rule
- The inaugural 2025 season featured three rounds held only in Saudi Arabian cities.
- New rule
- The 2026‑27 season introduces additional rounds in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, increasing the number of venues and maintaining multiple vehicle categories.
Announcement and Scope
Nissan announced the launch of the 2026‑2027 Desert Rally season after the success of the first edition held in Saudi Arabia in 2025. The new season broadens the competition footprint from three Saudi cities to include venues in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, aiming to attract a wider regional audience.
- Expansion reflects strong participation in the first season
- Partnerships with local Nissan dealers will support each market
Event Schedule and Locations
The opening round will take place in Jeddah on 20 and 21 November 2026, followed by a second Saudi round in Dammam on 11 and 12 December. Subsequent rounds will be held in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar before the series returns to Saudi Arabia for the regional final in Ha'il during March 2027.
- Jeddah: 20‑21 November 2026
- Dammam: 11‑12 December 2026
- UAE and Qatar: dates to be announced
- Final in Ha'il: March 2027
Categories and Participation
The season welcomes both professional and amateur competitors across several vehicle classes, including modified and stock Nissan SUVs with four, six or eight‑cylinder engines, as well as two‑wheel motorcycles and four‑wheel quad bikes. Special categories for female drivers are also offered to promote inclusivity.
All participants must comply with technical regulations and safety standards set by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation for Saudi rounds and by the respective local authorities for the UAE and Qatar events.
- SUVs, motorcycles and quad bikes eligible
- Separate classes for women, amateurs and professionals
- Technical and safety rules enforced by local regulators
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Drivers planning to compete must note the new November start date in Jeddah.
- Travel itineraries should include the additional UAE and Qatar stops once dates are released.
Cost and documents
- Entry fees remain unchanged from the previous season.
- Participants must provide proof of vehicle compliance with technical regulations.
What you need to do
- Register for the season before the first round on 20 November 2026.
- Monitor official channels for exact dates of the UAE and Qatar rounds.
- Ensure travel visas and insurance cover all listed host countries.
Who this affects
-
Professional drivers entering Nissan Desert Rally
The season now includes additional international venues that affect travel and logistics.
What to do Register early and arrange travel to the UAE and Qatar stops.
-
Amateur drivers entering Nissan Desert Rally
Amateur categories are retained and expanded to new locations.
What to do Confirm eligibility and submit required vehicle documentation.
-
Female drivers
A dedicated women’s class is offered in the expanded season.
What to do Apply through the same registration process and meet class-specific requirements.
Frequently asked questions
When does the 2026‑27 Nissan Desert Rally season start?
The season opens with the Jeddah round on 20‑21 November 2026, followed by events in Dammam, the UAE, Qatar and a final in Ha'il in March 2027.
Which new countries are included in the Nissan Desert Rally this year?
The 2026‑27 season adds rounds in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar to the existing Saudi Arabian venues.
Are there new vehicle categories for the 2026‑27 season?
The rally continues to allow SUVs, motorcycles and quad bikes, with separate classes for professional, amateur and female competitors.
Do I need a new visa for the UAE and Qatar events?
Travelers must obtain appropriate visas for each host country; the rally organizers do not provide visas, so participants should arrange them in advance.
How can I register for the expanded season?
Registration is handled through Nissan’s official rally portal; applicants should sign up before the first round on 20 November 2026 and follow the posted guidelines.
