Sport, culture, and hospitality come together in a global event that once again transforms Jordan into an international stage for endurance, adventure, and sharing.
Amman – In a major announcement for Jordan's tourism sector, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Lina Annab and CEO of the Global Marathon Des Sables (MDS), Cyrilie Gauthier, held a press conference in Amman to officially launch the fifth international Marathon Des Sables, scheduled to take place in the Wadi Rum desert from November 1 to 8, 2025.
The desert ultramarathon, organized by the Jordan Tourism Authority (JTB) and Experience Jordan Adventures, is one of the toughest endurance races in the world, bringing together around 650 runners from across the European Union and beyond.
The growth of this global event in Jordan is concrete proof of the perfect setting the country offers, and this year's edition promises to be the largest ever.
The Marathon Des Sables in Jordan for the fifth consecutive year
Minister Annab said: "Hosting the Marathon Des Sables in Jordan for the fifth consecutive year strongly reinforces our country's position as a premier destination for adventure tourism. Over the past decade, Jordan has taken significant steps to shape a tourism offering geared toward active exploration, investing in trails, infrastructure, and authentic experiences that connect visitors with our nature, culture, and heritage.
From the celebrated Jordan Trail—a 650-kilometer route through diverse landscapes and communities—to this iconic race set against the majestic backdrop of Wadi Rum, Jordan continues to showcase the richness and variety of its outdoor offerings.".
Minister Annab concluded by expressing her “ gratitude to the organizers of the Marathon Des Sables and to all the extraordinary runners who will join us from all over the world. We look forward to welcoming them this November and wish each participant the best for this extraordinary adventure .”
Jordan as a global hub for endurance events
MDS CEO said"The MDS Jordan has become the flagship of our international circuit. Its breathtaking scenery, unparalleled hospitality, and the emotional connection it creates with runners from around the world have set a new standard for what an adventure race can represent.
But this is just the beginning. We believe this is the right nation to grow, innovate, and build a long-term vision, where sport, culture, and tourism meet in unique synergy.
Jordan has all the makings of a global hub for our endurance events, and we are proud to be part of this journey.".
Jordan positions itself as a premier destination for adventure tourism
The Director General of the Jordan Tourism Authority, Dr. Abdelrazzak Arabiyat, said:
"As the Jordan Tourism Board, we are proud to support international events like the Marathon Des Sables. This event not only showcases Jordan's extraordinary landscapes, but also reflects our ongoing commitment to positioning the Kingdom as a premier destination for adventure tourism. Through events like this, we welcome responsible travelers eager to connect authentically with nature, culture, and history.
Events of this kind allow visitors to discover the true spirit of Jordan and that profound richness that makes our country truly unique.".
Experience Jordan Adventures is proud to continue hosting this iconic race
Experience Jordan Adventures CEO Ayman Abd-AlKareem commented:
"As the official local partner, Experience Jordan Adventures is proud to continue hosting this iconic race, which brings together hundreds of international runners in a celebration of endurance, connection and discovery.".
He emphasized the team's commitment to sustainability and collaboration with the local community in Wadi Rum, expressing gratitude for the ongoing support of the Ministry of Tourism, the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), and the Jordan Tourism Board in strengthening the country's position as a leading adventure tourism destination.
More than just a race, the Marathon Des Sables is a transformative experience
As host of the Marathon Des Sables, Jordan marks an important milestone on its path to becoming a premier international sports and adventure tourism destination.
More than just a race, the event represents a transformative experience, combining endurance, culture and exploration against the breathtaking backdrop of Wadi Rum's desert landscapes.
With global interest in adventure travel steadily growing, MDS Jordan positions the country at the forefront of this emerging sector, attracting high-profile international visitors and supporting the national tourism strategy, highlighting Jordan's natural beauty, heritage, and hospitality on a global scale.
I believe events like this help tourism grow, but we also need to think about sustainability for local communities. Jordan's hospitality is famous, and I hope it's respected.
The event is truly interesting; Jordan seems like the perfect place for these races. We hope the participants have fun and that everything goes well. Culture and sport together are a beautiful thing.