Amman, Jordan – Jordan Motorsport has officially confirmed that the Jordan Baja will host the second rounds of the FIA World Baja Cup, FIA Middle East Baja Cup, FIM Bajas World Cup and FIM Asia Bajas Cup from February 12–14, 2026.
The Aqaba-based event moves two months earlier than its 2025 edition and will be one of the final major sporting events in the region before the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan. It follows closely after the Saudi Baja, scheduled for January 29–31, which opens the respective championship campaigns.
Earlier Date and Cooler Conditions Expected
The shift to February is expected to bring cooler temperatures to Aqaba and the surrounding desert regions, creating more favorable conditions for competitors. The event will once again be headquartered at the Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort, marking the second time in three years that the venue hosts the rally.
Spectacular Route Through Wadi Rum
Competitors will tackle some of the world’s most dramatic off-road terrain, with the rally crossing the iconic Wadi Rum desert in southern Jordan. The total route will cover 821.69 kilometres, including 472.19 competitive kilometres, subject to FIA approval.
Three Days of Intense Competition
Action begins on Thursday, February 12, with a 15.50km Aseza Prologue Stage located 58km from Aqaba.
On Friday, February 13, crews will face the first major challenge with the Humaymeh selective section, a demanding 245.02km stage through the heart of Wadi Rum.
The rally concludes on Saturday, February 14, offering competitors a memorable Valentine’s Day as they take on a second desert stage of 211.67km. The event will end with the podium ceremony, prize giving and post-event press conference at the Ayla Resort later in the afternoon.
Experienced Officials Appointed
Khaled Zakaria will serve as Clerk of the Course for the FIA event, while George Khoury will take on the same role for the FIM competition, ensuring smooth coordination across both championships.
Organisers Confident of Another Successful Event
Zaid Balqez, Chairman of the Organising Committee, welcomed the calendar change and the continued growth of the event.
He said that the earlier date could bring cooler weather to Aqaba and Wadi Rum, and expressed pride in hosting an important round of both FIA and FIM Baja championships. He also highlighted the continued development of the FIM Asia Bajas Cup and noted that the Jordan Baja presents unique navigation challenges and varied terrain, set against some of the most stunning landscapes in southern Jordan.
Strong History of Winners
First held in 2018 as a candidate event for the 2019 FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas, the Jordan Baja has built a strong reputation. The inaugural rally was won by Essa Al-Dossari in the car category, while Jordanian rider Ata Al-Hmoud claimed victory on motorcycles.
Since then, the event has been run five times as an FIA round, producing five different winners: Jakub Przygonski, Yasir Seaidan, Saleh Al-Saif, Khalid Al-Jafla, and defending champion Juan Cruz Yacopini.
