The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) inaugurated the first dedicated cycling trail in the Wadi Rum region as part of the Rum–Rashidiyya road development project. The step aims to solidify the area's standing as a leading destination for eco- and sports tourism, while providing modern infrastructure that meets the needs of cycling enthusiasts and promotes sustainable transport.
اضافة اعلان
The inaugural event witnessed the participation of around 60 cyclists, jointly organized with the Jordanian Cycling Federation and several travel agencies specializing in bicycle tours, as part of ongoing efforts to attract more visitors and diversify Wadi Rum’s rich tourism offerings.
The Commissioner for Tourism and Youth at ASEZA, Dr. Thabet Hassan Al-Nabulsi, emphasized that establishing the trail represents a qualitative addition to Wadi Rum’s tourism assets. He noted that it reflects the Authority’s direction toward expanding sports tourism as a promising sector, pointing out that the region now hosts numerous sports championships and events throughout the year, enhancing its presence on both the regional and international tourism maps.
Al-Nabulsi added that Wadi Rum’s unique geography, combined with its status as a World Heritage Site, qualifies it to host further sporting events and adventures. He affirmed ASEZA's commitment to continuously improving visitor services via the Wadi Rum Visitors Center to ensure an integrated tourism experience.
For his part, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Jordanian Cycling Federation, Dr. Tareq Al-Khayyat, stated that launching a specialized cycling trail in Wadi Rum serves as a practical model for developing infrastructure that supports the sport. He noted that it aligns with national goals to expand safe cycling paths across various regions of the Kingdom.
He added that providing dedicated trails allows cyclists to practice safely and systematically, while playing a key role in encouraging sports tourism and drawing enthusiasts from both within Jordan and abroad.
The new trail extends along the Rum–Rashidiyya road for approximately 19 kilometers, featuring a separate lane for bicycles that enhances traffic safety and promotes the use of bikes as an eco-friendly mode of transport.
The execution of this project falls within ASEZA’s broader strategy aimed at developing tourism infrastructure, supporting sustainability concepts, and expanding options for eco- and adventure tourism in Wadi Rum, thereby boosting the area's competitiveness as one of Jordan’s top tourist destinations.
The cycling trail is part of a wider package of projects implemented by ASEZA in Wadi Rum, which also includes creating new hiking trails to diversify visitor activities and enrich their experience within the reserve, in line with the vision for sustainable tourism development and the preservation of the region's natural and heritage value.
