ABOFA exhibition passes 80 per cent capacity ahead of inaugural event

More than 80 per cent of exhibition space has already been allocated for Aqaba Blue: Ocean Future in Action (ABOFA), Jordan’s first international scuba diving and marine innovation exhibition, which will take place in Aqaba from 9-12 September 2026.

The four-day event at the Aqaba International Exhibition Centre (AIEC) will bring together the diving, watersports, boating, marine technology, tourism, conservation and blue economy sectors. Organisers say exhibitors and organisations from 11 countries have already committed to taking part.

PADI and SeaKeepers have been confirmed as Presenting Ocean Research Partners, with support from a number of other international marine organisations.

Related: PADI joins the Aqaba Blue: Ocean Future in Action conference as a Presenting Partner

Designed as a platform for business, collaboration and knowledge sharing, Aqaba Blue will connect manufacturers, suppliers, tourism operators, researchers, environmental organisations and policy-makers to explore the future of sustainable marine development across the Red Sea.

Organisations already supporting the event include:

PADI
SeaKeepers
Reef Check Foundation
Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA)
Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE)
Royal Jordanian Marine Sports Federation
Aqaba Marine Reserve
Egyptian Chamber of Diving and Water Sports (CDWS)

‘In close collaboration with the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) and our key stakeholders, we have seen an extraordinary response since day one of leasing, with over 80 per cent of exhibition space already gone,’ said Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO of 1st Arabia.

‘This overwhelming demand has exceeded our expectations for an inaugural edition, proving the immense potential of our market and demonstrating that this platform will lead in shaping the Red Sea marine industry’s next decade.’

With more than 80 per cent of exhibition space already allocated, organisations interested in exhibiting, sponsoring or partnering with Aqaba Blue are being encouraged to secure one of the remaining opportunities before the inaugural event reaches capacity.