Aqaba: International, Arab, and local teams have converged in Aqaba as they gear up for the highly anticipated Jordan Baja Rally. This event marks the second round of the Cross-Country World Cup "FIA Baja," the Middle East Cross-Country Cup "FIA Baja," and the World Cup for motorcycles and quad bikes "FIM Baja." Additionally, it includes the second round of the Asia Cup for the same categories, the Jordan National Baja, and the Wadi Al-Qamar Navigation Rally.
According to Jordan News Agency, administrative and technical inspections are scheduled for Wednesday at the rally headquarters, newly established at the Jordan Baja Center near the Hyatt Regency Aqaba - Ayla Resort. The scenic area of Aqaba will serve as the backdrop for the rally, which officially begins on Thursday, extending from Aqaba to Wadi Rum. The city has been a hub of activity, with engineers and technicians preparing vehicles and motorcycles following recent Baja events in Saudi Arabia. Teams are putting the finishing touches on their setups for the three-day event organized by Jordan Motorsport.
Notably, Qatari driver Nasser Al-Attiyah will make his debut in the Jordan Baja, having previously secured multiple wins in the Jordan Rally, a part of the Middle East Championship rounds. In 2025, he attended the Jordan Baja as the team director of "Nasser Racing." Following a victory at the Dakar Rally, Al-Attiyah triumphed in the first round of the Middle East Baja Cup, leading the Middle East Cross-Country Cup "FIA Baja." This year, he is competing in four regional Baja rounds with an "Optimus Buggy," accompanied by Belgian co-driver Fabian Lurkin.
The rally also features participation from the German "X-Raid" team with a single "Mini Cooper JCW Rally Plus," driven by French duo Lionel and Lucie Baud. They join the Baja World Cup after missing the initial round in Saudi Arabia, aiming for a third victory in the Jordan Baja since its inclusion in the Baja World Cup in 2019.
Polish driver Jakub Przygonski, with German co-driver Timo Gottschalk, previously claimed victory in the Jordan Baja with a "Mini 4x4 racing car." After a hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the "X-Raid" team returned in 2021, securing the title with Saudi Yasser Saeedan and Russian Alexey Kuzmich in a "Mini JCW Rally."
Defending champions include Qatari Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, aiming to retain the "Challenger" category title with French co-driver Stephan Doubly in a "Taurus T3 Max" car, and Abdullah Al-Rabban, competing in the Baja World Cup in a Nissan Patrol alongside Emirati co-driver Ali Al-Ajmi. They face strong competition from Saudi Majed Al-Thunayan, as well as Saudis Abdullah Al-Shqawi, Qatari Ahmed Al-Muhanna, and Portuguese Fernando Barreiros.
In the motorcycle category, Emirati Mohammed Al-Balushi stands out with five consecutive victories, as no other rider has previously secured two wins in the Jordan Baja round.
The 2026 Jordan Baja is sponsored by Zain Jordan, Markazia Toyota (Gazoo Racing), Kumho Tires, Ayla, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), Radio Hala, and Plus.