Organisers announced on Monday that Saudi Arabia will play host to The Dakar Rally from 2020.

The change in venue will offer contestants an “unknown landscape and uncharted terrain”.

“After 30 years of discovering the beauty of Africa and a decade of adventure exploring the spectacular landscape of South America, a new chapter in the history of Dakar will be written as the world’s biggest rally makes its Middle East debut in Saudi Arabia,” a statement released by the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) said.

The Dakar used to be held in Africa until security threats in Mauritania led to the 2008 rally being cancelled. From the following year the multi-stage rally has taken place in South America.

The relocation has been described by Dakar director David Castera as “a voyage into the unknown”.

“By going to Saudi Arabia, it is of course that aspect that fascinates me,” Castera said.

“I’m convinced that such a feeling will be shared by all the riders, drivers and copilots. As the director of the event, it’s a massive challenge to be faced with a blank page with limitless possibilities.”

“We are spoilt for choice. Sports, navigation, a will to surpass oneself: all these aspects will naturally be glorified on this territory made for rally-raids.”