[3] The race started and ended in Jeddah, allowing the competitors to venture through the desert and alongside the Red Sea.

[4][5] The rally was originally intended to run through 2–3 additional countries, with Egypt and Jordan being rumoured likely candidates.

However, due to travel and border restrictions implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the route stayed entirely within Saudi Arabian territory.

Original by MOTUL category will continue, which limits and controls on the use of external assistance.

Improvements in safety include a speed limit of 90 km/h in hazardous sectors, mandatory first aid training certificate for all competitors, automatic Sentinel sound warning system for dangers classed level 2 and 3, and mandatory airbag vests for all bike and quad drivers.

Dakar Experience ranking and regulations have been revamped, it will only be available for amateur, non-Elite/Priority drivers.

[7] Further changes came just before the event, when revamped FIA regulations for Cross-Country rally stipulated speed limits across all categories.

Trucks #523 and #526 withdrew after Francesc Ester and Jorge Ballbe contracted coronavirus.

[14] The "Original by Motul" category refers to bikes and quads competitors competing without any kind of assistance.

The organizers provide 1 trunk per competitor for storage of the personal belongings, spare parts and tools.

CS Santosh, riding Hero 450 Rally, suffered high speed crash on Stage 4, sustaining head injuries.

[16] Toyota Gazoo Racing Hilux driver Henk Lategan crashed heavily on Stage 5, and was airlifted to hospital with a broken collar bone.

French rider Pierre Cherpin, riding Husqvarna bike, crashed heavily at kilometer 178, sustaining head injuries.

[18][19] On 14 January 2021 Pierre Cherpin died while being transferred from Saudi Arabia to France.

Gerini suffered heavy fall 30 km to the finish, but managed to complete the stage.

KTM rider Toby Price crashed on kilometre 155 and suffered broken collar bone and both wrists as well as extensive bruising.

[25] Luciano Benavides riding Honda was also airlifted after falling and dislocating his shoulder on kilometre 242.

[18] Husqvarna rider Maciej Giemza withdrew after he tore his shoulder ligaments and suffered two fractures in the foot after hitting a rock at 110 km/h and rolling several times.

[29][30] Juan suffered a fall two days ago, where he fell unconscious for a short time, but was able to continue.