The Tabuk Toyota Baja was supposed to be the second round of the 2025 Saudi Toyota Rally Championship, taking place this weekend on May 7–10. However, the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation announced Monday that the race has been canceled due to “environmental considerations.”

Specifically, the issue is that the race was to take place near a protected nature reserve. Tabuk Province has various reserves such as Bajdah, which is near the Neom project. Racing too close would put the wildlife at risk, organizers determined.

SAMF had initially announced in April that the race would be postponed with hopes of finding a new date and location.

“In light of this, the organising committee reaffirmed its firm commitment to upholding environmental standards and sustainability principles,” noted an SAMF statement.

Yazeed Al-Rajhi won the 2024 Tabuk Rally overall.

With Tabuk’s cancellation, the Saudi national cross-country rally series will be three races long in 2025. The season began in late January with the Ha’il International Rally, also known as the Saudi Baja for the FIA World and Middle East Baja Cups. The season will resume on October 1–4 with the Qassim Rally before concluding on Decmber 3–6 at the Jeddah Rally.

Featured image credit: Yazeed Racing