Rally Saudi Arabia will go ahead in November 2026, but it will no longer be part of the FIA World Rally Championship. The FIA and WRC Promoter confirmed that the Saudi event, previously scheduled as the championship’s final round, has been removed from the 2026 WRC calendar because ongoing regional uncertainty has affected logistical arrangements. ([wrc.com](https://www.wrc.com/en/news/fia-and-wrc-promoter-confirm-final-round-of-the-2026-wrc-season?utm_source=openai))
The event is still scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia from 12 to 15 November, but as a round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship rather than the global WRC. For local fans, competitors and organisers, that means the rally remains on the calendar, although it will not bring the full WRC field, international points battle or season-finale status that had been planned. ([wrc.com](https://www.wrc.com/en/news/fia-and-wrc-promoter-confirm-final-round-of-the-2026-wrc-season?utm_source=openai))
What changes for the 2026 rally season
With Saudi Arabia no longer hosting the finale, Rally Italia Sardegna is set to become the 13th and final round of the 2026 WRC season, running from 1 to 4 October. The calendar amendment remains subject to approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council. ([wrc.com](https://www.wrc.com/en/news/fia-and-wrc-promoter-confirm-final-round-of-the-2026-wrc-season?utm_source=openai))
The decision is specifically about the WRC element of the November event. The FIA said Saudi Arabia remained ready to host the rally safely and that the Kingdom’s national systems and wider sports calendar continue to operate. Saudi organisers also said preparations had been advanced and reiterated their commitment to bringing the WRC back. ([wrc.com](https://www.wrc.com/en/news/fia-and-wrc-promoter-confirm-final-round-of-the-2026-wrc-season?utm_source=openai))
Why this matters in Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region
The change is significant because Rally Saudi Arabia had been due to be one of the region’s highest-profile international motorsport events of 2026. A WRC round attracts factory teams, leading drivers, global broadcasters, specialist suppliers and travelling fans, creating a much larger international footprint than a regional championship round.
However, the continuation of the event within the Middle East Rally Championship means Saudi rally fans will still have a major competitive event to attend in November. It also preserves an important opportunity for regional drivers and teams from markets including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Oman and the UAE to compete on Saudi stages.
What happens next
The FIA, WRC Promoter, Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and local organisers say they will continue working toward a Saudi return to the World Rally Championship in 2027. That is an announced intention rather than a confirmed 2027 calendar entry, so fans should wait for a future FIA calendar decision before making travel plans around a WRC return. ([wrc.com](https://www.wrc.com/en/news/fia-and-wrc-promoter-confirm-final-round-of-the-2026-wrc-season?utm_source=openai))
Key points for fans
- Rally Saudi Arabia is not cancelled.
- It is scheduled to run from 12 to 15 November 2026.
- It will count toward the FIA Middle East Rally Championship, not the WRC.
- Rally Italia Sardegna is set to host the 2026 WRC finale instead.
- A Saudi WRC return is being targeted for 2027, but has not yet been formally confirmed.