Jordan Makes Motorsport History with First-Ever Drag Race Event at Dead Sea, Boosting Tourism and Economic Growth

Published on December 22, 2025

The first official drag race event in Jordan’s history was held at the Dead Sea track on Friday, marking a watershed moment for motorsport fans. This event, organised by the Jordan Motorsport Federation, was a watershed moment in the country’s motorsport history, thrilling both local drivers and spectators. The event not only highlighted Jordan’s potential as a growing motorsport hub but also the country’s emerging role in combining sport and tourism, which offers promising economic opportunities in a variety of sectors.

A Step Toward Motorsport Development in Jordan

The event held at the Dead Sea was a demonstration of Jordan’s commitment to expanding its motorsport scene. Straight-line drag racing, a popular form of motorsport where drivers race on a closed, flat track, was the main attraction. The 400-metre track at the Dead Sea hosted various categories of vehicles, from standard models to modified ones, with a precise electronic timing system used to record the times of each vehicle individually.

The excitement at the event was palpable as local drivers competed fiercely for the top spot, with each race offering a glimpse into the growing potential of drag racing in Jordan. Though the event was the first of its kind in Jordan, it laid the groundwork for future developments, both in terms of motorsport and tourism.

The Role of Motorsport in Jordan’s Tourism Strategy

The race at the Dead Sea is not just a step forward for Jordan’s motorsport scene; it also contributes significantly to the Kingdom’s tourism strategy. Motorsport events, like drag racing, have a unique ability to draw both local and international visitors, injecting fresh energy into the tourism sector. The success of the first event has already started to generate interest from both domestic and foreign tourists who are now more likely to visit Jordan for future races.

Tourism-related industries such as hotels, car rentals, restaurants, and other service providers stand to benefit immensely from this growing interest in motorsport tourism. Visitors attending the event not only enjoyed the thrill of high-speed races but also experienced the stunning backdrop of the Dead Sea, a globally recognized destination known for its therapeutic waters and natural beauty.

As the event progressed, it became clear that such races could become regular fixtures on the Jordanian tourism calendar, potentially attracting motorsport fans from around the world. The event’s organizers aim to position Jordan as a major destination for motorsports in the region, with plans already in motion to expand the competition in the coming years.

Expanding the Motorsport Horizon

The organizers of the event have made it clear that this is just the beginning. They are focused on gradually expanding the scale of drag racing competitions in Jordan, with the hope of turning it into a prominent regional event. The future of drag racing in the country looks bright, with organizers confident that the sport will continue to grow and attract both local talent and international participants.

With this expansion, it is anticipated that Jordan will see a rise in the number of motorsport enthusiasts visiting the country. As the sport gains traction, the local economy will benefit from the increased demand for travel services, including accommodations, transport, and dining options. This influx of visitors could also create jobs and drive investment in the motorsport sector, fuelling further growth in Jordan’s tourism and hospitality industries.

The Economic Impact on Jordan

The economic impact of this event cannot be underestimated. Motorsport events such as drag racing have long been proven to stimulate local economies. They bring together thousands of spectators, participants, and industry professionals, all of whom contribute to the local economy through spending on travel, accommodation, food, and other services. For a country like Jordan, which has been working to diversify its economy, such events provide a much-needed boost to various sectors beyond traditional tourism.

In the case of the Dead Sea drag race, local businesses, including hotels and car rental services, saw increased demand due to the influx of spectators. Additionally, service providers catering to the event, such as catering companies and merchandise vendors, also experienced growth in business activity.

The event also offers a broader opportunity for the local government to invest in infrastructure and marketing. The growing global appeal of motorsports means that Jordan can use the Dead Sea race track to attract a more diverse range of tourists. With the event gaining popularity, future races could have an even larger impact, drawing even more international attention to Jordan’s unique blend of adventure and relaxation.

Looking Ahead: A Motorsport Legacy

As Jordan continues to grow as a motorsport destination, the hope is that the first drag race at the Dead Sea will become a staple in the country’s event calendar. The organizers’ commitment to expanding the competition over the next few years reflects their belief in motorsport’s potential to contribute to the Kingdom’s economic and tourism sectors.

The event’s success has shown that there is a strong and growing passion for motorsport among Jordan’s youth. It has provided an outlet for young people to engage with the sport, potentially nurturing future drivers who could represent Jordan on the international stage. With more events like this, Jordan could soon establish itself as a key player in the motorsport world, while simultaneously providing a unique and exciting experience for tourists.

Conclusion

The first drag race at the Dead Sea is a promising step towards the growth of motorsports in Jordan, with the potential to boost the country’s tourism offerings. By successfully combining speed, excitement, and the natural beauty of the Dead Sea, the event demonstrated how motorsports can be used as an economic driver. Jordan is on track to become a popular destination for both motorsport fans and adventure tourists as future races are planned.

By combining the growth of motorsports and tourism, Jordan is not only creating a new niche in its tourism market but also providing the world with a one-of-a-kind experience at the heart of the Middle East’s most famous natural landmark. With additional investment in infrastructure and international promotion, the Dead Sea could become one of the region’s premier motorsport destinations, drawing enthusiasts and tourists from all over the world.