Amman, Jan. 6 (Petra) -- The Jordan Baja Rally continues to stand out as one of the Kingdom’s most significant international sporting events, forming part of the FIA World Baja Cup. The upcoming edition will take place from February 12 to 14, charting challenging routes across southern Jordan, from the coastal city of Aqaba to the iconic desert landscapes of Wadi Rum.

Bringing together elite competitors from around the globe, the rally places Jordan’s exceptional natural beauty and tourism potential in the international spotlight, blending high-level motorsport with adventure and exploration.

Beyond competition, the event represents a dynamic platform that stimulates tourism and commercial activity during its run, while reinforcing Jordan’s image as a destination capable of hosting world-class sporting events, with promotional benefits that extend well beyond the finish line.

Hamza Al-Hassan, Media Officer at the Jordan Olympic Committee (JOC), noted that the rally plays a key role in promoting Jordanian tourism by connecting a global sports championship with some of the country’s most renowned destinations. Aqaba’s role as the starting point reflects its status as a major tourist hub, while the rally’s stages in Wadi Rum showcase the region’s dramatic desert terrain to an international audience.

He added that this year’s rally is receiving heightened media attention as the second round of the global championship, with broad participation from international drivers. This has resulted in extensive coverage across local, regional, and international media, supported by strong digital exposure through the platforms of competing teams and drivers.

According to Al-Hassan, the visual content shared from race stages and surrounding tourist sites significantly expands the event’s media reach, further strengthening Jordan’s reputation as a global destination for sports and tourism.

Driver Abdullah Abu Aisha emphasized that the Jordan Baja Rally contributes to the development of motorsport at the national level, offering Jordanian competitors valuable exposure to international expertise and higher standards of professionalism. He added that the rally reinforces Jordan’s standing on the global sporting map.

He also highlighted the rally’s role in positioning Jordan as a leading adventure tourism destination, thanks to its diverse terrain and unique landscapes, which attract participants and spectators alike and generate positive economic impact for local communities.

Meanwhile, driver Hisham Kalbouneh described the Jordan Baja Rally as the flagship event on the Kingdom’s motorsport calendar, noting that its desert stages rank among the most demanding worldwide due to their varied and challenging nature.

Kalbouneh added that the rally provides a powerful boost to tourism promotion in Aqaba and Wadi Rum, while underscoring Jordan’s strong capabilities in organizing international sporting events to the highest professional standards.

The rally is held under an integrated organizational framework, with Hyatt Regency Aqaba – Ayla serving as the main headquarters. Competition runs over three days across diverse terrain in southern Jordan, covering a total distance of 821.69 kilometers, including 472.19 kilometers of timed special stages, supported by advanced logistics and comprehensive safety measures.

//Petra// WH

06/01/2026 09:29:04