The modern Dakar takes place in Saudi Arabia, featuring a mix of rocky terrain, deep canyons, and massive sand dunes, especially in the Empty Quarter.

Competitors compete in five main categories: Bikes, Cars, Trucks, Quads, and SSVs (Lightweight Vehicles).

During these stages, crews are not allowed external support, meaning they must fix their own vehicles or survive on their own skills.

It is a 14-day competition (a marathon, not a sprint) comprising 12 to 14 stages.