Jordan’s vast southern desert is ready again. In mid-February, rally cars and bikes will tear across Wadi Rum’s red sands as the Jordan Baja hosts top international and regional competitors, just weeks before Ramadan brings the sporting calendar in the region to a pause.
A Global Rally Date Locked Into February
Jordan Baja will run from February 12 to 14, 2026, after Jordan Motorsport confirmed its place as the second round of several major international championships.
The Aqaba-based rally will count toward the FIA World Baja Cup and Middle East Baja Cup, as well as the FIM Bajas World Cup and FIM Asia Bajas Cup.
The scheduling is earlier than usual, nearly two months ahead of the 2025 edition, and positions Jordan as one of the final major motorsport events in the region before the Holy Month of Ramadan.
It also follows closely after the Saudi Baja at the end of January, keeping teams, crews, and logistics on a tight rhythm.
Wadi Rum Takes Centre Stage Again
Few rally locations look quite like Wadi Rum. Towering sandstone cliffs, open gravel plains, and deep sand channels give the terrain a raw, almost unreal feel.
Competitors will face two demanding days of desert action across southern Jordan, with a total competitive distance of 472.19 kilometres, pending final FIA approval.
The rally headquarters will once again be based at the Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort, marking the second time in three years that the venue has hosted the event.
For drivers and riders, the attraction is obvious. Fast sections invite commitment, while navigation errors can cost dearly, sometimes within minutes.
And yes, the scenery distracts you. Even the veterans admit it.
How the Three Days Will Unfold
The weekend begins with a short but important opener.
An Aseza Prologue stage of 15.50km, located around 58km from Aqaba, will kick off proceedings on Thursday, February 12. It may sound brief, but it sets starting positions and early momentum.
Friday brings the first real test. Crews tackle the Humaymeh selective section, a long 245.02km run through the heart of the Wadi Rum desert.
Saturday, February 14, offers a Valentine’s Day few competitors will forget. A second, shorter desert stage of 211.67km stands between the field and the finish.
After that, it’s back to Aqaba for the podium ceremony, prize giving, and post-event press conference later in the afternoon.
In total, the rally route stretches across 821.69km, combining liaison and competitive sections.
Why This Event Matters on the Baja Calendar
For championship contenders, Jordan is not just another stop.
Points earned here can shape the title race early, especially with the event coming right after the Saudi Baja.
The terrain also provides a sharp contrast. Where Saudi Arabia offers long, open stages, Jordan mixes tighter navigation with technical sand and rock.
A quick snapshot of the rally structure helps explain the challenge:
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total route | 821.69km |
| Competitive distance | 472.19km |
| Prologue | 15.50km |
| Longest stage | 245.02km (Friday) |
| Shorter final stage | 211.67km (Saturday) |
Mistakes add up fast here. One missed waypoint can undo an entire day’s effort.
Organisers, Officials, and the Human Side
Jordan Motorsport has put experienced hands in charge of operations.
Khaled Zakaria will act as Clerk of the Course for the FIA side of the event, while George Khoury fills a similar role for the FIM competition.
Their coordination is key, especially with cars, bikes, and quads sharing overlapping desert corridors.
Behind the scenes, local crews, medical teams, and volunteers will work long hours to keep the rally moving safely through remote terrain.
For Jordan, the event also carries broader value. It brings international attention to Aqaba and Wadi Rum, filling hotels and showcasing landscapes that look more Mars than Middle East.
By the time the last vehicle crosses the finish, the desert will fall quiet again. At least until next year.
