Wialon Challenge: Following the Dakar Rally 2026

Extreme terrain, an unyielding sun, endless sands, and unforgiving heat. No, this is not a description of Arrakis from Frank Herbert’s renowned Dune series — it’s the adrenaline-fueled reality awaiting the next Wialon Challenge participants as they navigate Saudi Arabia’s desert landscapes.

That’s right — Wialon is heading to Dakar Rally 2026, a world-famous off-road racing event taking place in Saudi Arabia since 2020. While we won’t be competing in the main race, we’ll be embarking on our own thrilling adventure alongside the legendary rally, tracing the routes of professional teams and crossing paths with motorsport’s biggest stars. Do you have what it takes to push beyond limits and prove the strength of the Wialon community in the heart of the desert?

Read on to learn all the details about the upcoming Wialon Challenge Dakar 2026!

The ultimate adventure awaits

We’re no strangers to thrilling challenges. Our previous adventure happened in 2023, when we took on Mount Rinjani — an active volcano and the second-highest peak in Indonesia. That was a breathtaking journey for the Wialon community — both figuratively and literally, as climbing to 3,726 meters above sea level is a true physical challenge!

Having tested ourselves in the mountains of Indonesia, we now set our sights on the vast plains of Saudi Arabia: it’s time to master the way of the desert!

In January 2026, a select group from the Wialon partner community will embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure — the Wialon Challenge at Dakar Rally 2026. The desert holds countless obstacles hidden in the sands, but one thing is certain from the start — this is no luxury tour. It’s a survival experience, a test of skill, endurance, and teamwork, set against the backdrop of the toughest motorsport event on the planet.

This is a true test for the Wialon community: can we navigate the unknown, overcome challenges together, and emerge stronger?

Racing the sands: What to expect

Our desert crew will consist of 4 Wialon team members and 12 partners, divided into 4 squads of 4 participants each. For 5 days, we’ll be living and driving alongside the Dakar Rally, following its route and spirit — but on our own unique journey through the Saudi desert.

Teams will compete by tackling a series of survival challenges, including navigating the desert without GPS, starting a fire the traditional way, capturing the best photos, maximizing fuel efficiency, and many more. The team that completes the most challenges throughout the race will be crowned the winner of the Wialon Challenge!

Here’s what awaits the participants of the Wialon Challenge Dakar 2026:

• Electrifying atmosphere of desert racing — travel alongside the world’s most legendary rally, navigating the sands and witnessing the intensity of the race from up close.

• Unexpected off-road challenges — get stuck, dig yourselves out, change a wheel in the middle of nowhere, and learn to handle tough desert conditions.

• A camp like no other — visit the legendary Dakar bivouac (the mobile mini-city where rally participants rest and take care of their vehicles), and meet other adventurers and real racing teams.

• The ultimate test of teamwork and community spirit — your squad of 4 will face challenges that demand coordination, problem-solving, and resilience.

How to join the racing crew

Out of the 12 available spots for partners, 9 will be dedicated to representatives from Wialon partner companies with Gold status — a group of hand-picked adventurers selected for their business results, enthusiasm, availability, and readiness to embrace everything this Wialon Challenge brings. The remaining 3 spots will be awarded to the most active and engaged members of the Wialon ecosystem. Selection criteria and participation details will be announced soon, but one thing is certain — only those who truly embody the Wialon spirit will earn their place on this unforgettable journey!

The final list of participants will be revealed at our Wialon community reunion in Dubai, UAE, on October 12. However, the “Chosen ones” will begin receiving invitations as early as May. If you're one of the lucky recipients of our correspondence, it means we believe you're perfectly suited for this unique experience. You'll have exactly one week to RSVP, otherwise, the invitation will be extended to another deserving partner.

And what about the expenses? From flights and accommodation to rental cars, meals, and gear, Wialon is covering every cost for Wialon Challenge Dakar 2026 participants. You bring the spirit — we’ll take care of everything else, including the once-in-a-lifetime experience of the Dakar Rally.

Aliaksandr Kuushynau
Head of Wialon

“At Wialon, our partners are more than just business connections — they’re part of a true community. We take on challenges like these not only to push our limits but also as a way to connect with our community, to help it grow, thrive, and achieve incredible things together.

Earlier this year, I personally got a glimpse of what the Dakar Rally is really like when we traveled to support the Gurtam Toyota Gazoo Racing Baltics team. It was a bit of a recon mission for us: to feel the excitement, immerse ourselves in the atmosphere, and see whether this event could be the right fit for the Wialon Challenge. And the answer was a resounding ‘absolutely.’ The energy of the Rally is something you have to experience firsthand — and now, we want to share those emotions with our partners.

Wialon Challenge Dakar 2026 will test how well we work as a team, support each other, and overcome obstacles side by side. Are you ready to embrace the extreme, take on the adventure of a lifetime, and show the true Wialon spirit?

Let’s make this a story worth telling!”

The Wialon team explores the atmosphere of the Dakar Rally 2025

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