The Jordan Baja Rally 2026 officially kicks off today, Thursday, in the coastal city of Aqaba, marking one of the region’s most prominent motorsport events. The rally serves as the second round of the FIA World and Middle East Baja Cup and the third round of the FIM Baja World Cup for motorcycles and quad bikes, in addition to the Jordan National Baja and the Wadi Al Qamar Navigation Rally.

The event is expected to attract strong international participation, with 33 crews competing in the FIA car category and 25 riders in the FIM motorcycle divisions. Additionally, around 12 participants will compete in the Jordan National Baja, while nearly 50 teams will take part in the Wadi Al Qamar Navigation Rally.

Ceremonial Start and Opening Stage

The rally begins with the Super Special Stage (ASEZA) held in the Rahma area, approximately 53–58 km north of Aqaba, covering a distance of around 15 km. The first competitors are scheduled to start at 1:35 PM.

A pre-event press conference featuring leading drivers and riders will take place at 5:30 PM at Ayla Resort, followed by the official ceremonial start at 6:15 PM on the main podium.

Three Days Across the Desert Terrain of Wadi Rum

Taking place from February 12 to 14, the rally headquarters will once again be based at Hyatt Regency Aqaba – Ayla for the second time in three years.

The event covers a total distance of 821.69 km, including 472.19 km of competitive timed stages, running through the diverse landscapes of southern Jordan, most notably the spectacular desert terrain of Wadi Rum.

Thursday, February 12: Super Special Stage (ASEZA)

Friday, February 13: First Special Stage in Al-Humayma, covering 245.02 km through Wadi Rum

Saturday, February 14: Second and final desert stage, 211.67 km, followed by the official award ceremony and closing press conference at Ayla Resort

Unique Navigation Challenges

Organizing Committee Chairman Zaid Balqez confirmed that moving the rally to February ensures milder weather conditions in Aqaba and Wadi Rum, enhancing both performance and safety for competitors.

Jordan Baja is known for its demanding navigation challenges and varied terrain, combining fast open desert tracks with technical rocky sections. The breathtaking scenery of southern Jordan adds a distinctive visual dimension to the competition.

Khaled Zakaria serves as Rally Director for the car category, while George Khoury oversees the motorcycle and quad divisions.

A History of Champions

Since its inclusion in the FIA calendar in 2018, Jordan Baja has crowned several notable champions in the car category, including Poland’s Jakub Przygonski, Saudi drivers Yazeed Al-Rajhi (if intended? but original said Yasser Saeedan) correction not change — stick to original — Yasser Saeedan and Saleh Al-Saif, Emirati driver Khaled Al-Jafla, and defending champion Juan Cruz Yacopini of Argentina.

In the motorcycle category, Emirati rider Mohammed Al Balooshi stands out as one of the most successful competitors since 2019. Meanwhile, the quad category has seen Saudi champions such as Faisal Al-Suwaih, Abdulmajeed Al-Khalifi, Abdulaziz Al-Shaiban, and Hani Al-Noumesi.

In the Challenger, SSV, and Stock categories, last year’s winners included Qatari driver Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, Saudi driver Hamza Bakhashab, and Qatari driver Abdullah Al-Rabban, respectively.

A Key Stop on the International Baja Calendar

The Jordan Baja follows immediately after the Saudi Baja, which opened the season in late January, further strengthening Jordan’s position as a key destination on the global cross-country rally calendar.

With elite international drivers and riders, challenging desert stages, and world-class organization, Jordan Baja 2026 promises three thrilling days of high-speed action in the heart of southern Jordan’s desert landscape.