An oasis for migratory birds, the reserve was established in 1978 and covers 12 square kilometres (4.6 sq mi).

[6] Millions of cubic meters of freshwater attracted camels caravans[7] carrying spices and herbs traveling between Arabia, Mesopotamia, and Syria.

RSCN maintains an Azraq Lodge several kilometers away from the wetlands[7] which features a gift shop, restaurant, 16 rooms in a 1940s British military hospital,[12] and a reception area.

[12] Birds migrating between Africa and Eurasia stop in Azraq[13] during the long journey each year, passing through Anatolia along the way.

[14] The partial restoration of the wetlands by RSCN have resulted in the return of several migratory species, such as the hoopoe lark, Cetti's warbler, the desert finch, and the marsh harrier.

[12] Additionally, several birds of prey stop in Azraq, such as the European honey buzzard and Montagu's harrier.

Anne Catherine Emmerich, identifies the Azraq wetland as the place at which Jesus Christ visited the last two surviving of the Three Kings, who had journeyed to meet him, at his birth, and who had afterward resided there.