Less than a year before opening its doors, ABOFA 2026 – Aqaba Blue: Ocean Future in Action is already demonstrating remarkable international momentum. Organizers report that more than 80% of exhibition space has already been allocated, while exhibitors and industry organizations from 11 countries have confirmed their participation, positioning Jordan’s inaugural marine and diving exhibition as one of the most closely watched new events in the Red Sea region.
Strong International Demand Ahead of the Inaugural Edition
Launching a completely new international exhibition is never easy. Yet ABOFA 2026 appears to be gaining traction well before its September opening. According to the organizers, exhibition space is already more than 80% committed months ahead of the event, suggesting strong confidence from companies and organizations across the global marine sector.
The exhibition will take place from September 9–12, 2026 at the Aqaba International Exhibition Centre (AIEC), bringing together businesses and professionals involved in diving, boating, watersports, marine technology, tourism, conservation, and the blue economy.
Global Organizations Are Already On Board
One of the strongest indicators of the event’s growing profile is the list of organizations that have already confirmed their support. Among them are:
- PADI
- SeaKeepers
- Reef Check Foundation
- HEPCA
- Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE)
- Royal Jordanian Marine Sports Federation
- Aqaba Marine Reserve
- Chamber of Diving and Water Sports (Egypt)
Together, these organizations represent marine conservation, diver training, tourism, scientific research, and international industry development adding considerable credibility to the event’s first edition.
Earlier this month, we covered how PADI joined ABOFA 2026 as Presenting Partner, reinforcing the event’s growing international profile.
Why Aqaba Matters
Located on Jordan’s Red Sea coastline, Aqaba has long been known among divers for its coral reefs and underwater attractions. ABOFA aims to build on those natural assets by creating a broader business platform where manufacturers, tourism operators, marine technology companies, researchers, environmental organizations, investors, and policymakers can exchange ideas and develop new partnerships.
Rather than focusing solely on recreational diving, the exhibition brings together multiple sectors connected to the marine economy, reflecting the growing importance of sustainable ocean development throughout the region.
International Momentum Continues to Grow
With exhibitors already confirmed from eleven countries spanning the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and North America, ABOFA is steadily expanding beyond a regional exhibition into an increasingly international marketplace. Early participation from companies and institutions across several continents demonstrates growing interest in Jordan’s emerging role within the Red Sea marine sector. Commenting on the strong response from exhibitors, Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO of 1st Arabia, said:
“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% of exhibition space already gone. This overwhelming demand has exceeded our expectations for an inaugural edition, proving the immense potential of our market and demonstrating that this platform will help shape the Red Sea marine industry’s next decade.”
Limited Exhibition Opportunities Remain
With most exhibition space already reserved, organizations interested in exhibiting, sponsoring, or becoming partners may have only limited opportunities remaining before the inaugural edition reaches full capacity.
During the past several months, OceanShaker has followed the evolution of ABOFA from its initial announcement through successive partnership announcements with organizations such as PADI. The latest update suggests that interest from the international marine community is continuing to build.
While every new exhibition faces the challenge of proving itself, early industry participation often provides one of the clearest indicators of future success. If the current momentum continues, ABOFA 2026 could establish itself as a significant annual meeting point for the diving, marine technology, tourism, and blue economy sectors across the Red Sea region.
For organizations considering participation, the window for securing exhibition space appears to be narrowing as the inaugural event approaches.
Limited Exhibition Opportunities Remain
According to the organizers, with more than 80% of exhibition space already allocated, only a limited number of opportunities remain for companies and organizations interested in exhibiting, sponsoring, or partnering with ABOFA 2026.
Businesses looking to establish a presence at Jordan’s first international marine and blue economy exhibition may wish to explore the remaining options while space is still available.
For event information, exhibitor details, and registration, visit www.abofa.jo.
As September approaches, the combination of strong exhibitor demand, international participation, and support from leading marine organizations suggests that ABOFA 2026 is evolving into more than a first-time exhibition. It is positioning itself as a new meeting point for the Red Sea’s diving, marine technology, tourism, and blue economy sectors.
