PADI, one of the world’s best-known scuba diving organizations, has joined ABOFA 2026 – Aqaba Blue: Ocean Future in Action as a Presenting Partner, adding a major global diving presence to Jordan’s growing international blue economy platform.
The partnership brings regional programming, professional engagement, awards, and training initiatives to ABOFA’s inaugural edition, taking place in Aqaba, Jordan, from 9–12 September 2026.
A Major Diving Industry Partnership
Through this partnership, ABOFA 2026 will host PADI’s regional forum and regional awards program, alongside joint marketing initiatives and a series of PADI-led training activities during the event.
The regional forum is expected to bring together dive professionals, operators, and partners from across the Middle East and international markets, creating a dedicated space for industry exchange and collaboration.
Training, Inclusion, and Industry Engagement
One of the key elements of PADI’s participation will be specialized training programming, including the PADI Adaptive Support Diver course. The course focuses on techniques and awareness for supporting divers with physical or cognitive disabilities, highlighting the growing importance of accessibility within the diving community.
ABOFA will also feature PADI’s regional awards program, recognizing excellence within its membership network and giving additional visibility to dive professionals and organizations contributing to the development of the regional diving industry.
“We are pleased to join Aqaba Blue: Ocean Future in Action as Presenting Partner and contribute to a platform that brings together marine science, technology, tourism, education, sustainability, and industry collaboration in one of the world’s most iconic diving regions. Aqaba and the Red Sea continue to play an important role in the development of the regional dive community, and we look forward to engaging with dive professionals and partners from across the Middle East during the event.” – Jason Sockett, Territory Director, PADI
Why This Partnership Matters
PADI’s involvement gives ABOFA a strong connection to the global diving community. Since 1966, PADI has issued more than 30 million certifications worldwide and operates through a network of more than 6,600 dive centers and resorts across over 180 countries and territories.
For a new international marine platform, this partnership adds credibility, reach, and direct engagement with one of the most important sectors within the Red Sea marine economy.
Aqaba as a Red Sea Marine Gateway
Aqaba remains central to ABOFA’s positioning. As Jordan’s Red Sea gateway, the city is recognized for marine tourism, water sports, and advanced tourism infrastructure, including its internationally known diving environment along the Gulf of Aqaba.
With global attention increasingly focused on ocean industries, sustainable coastal tourism, marine technology, and maritime innovation, ABOFA aims to create a meeting point for sectors that are becoming more connected each year.
Event Details
- Event: ABOFA 2026 – Aqaba Blue: Ocean Future in Action
- Dates: 9–12 September 2026
- Location: Aqaba International Exhibition Centre, Aqaba, Jordan
- Presenting Partner: PADI
- Hosted by: Aqaba Development Corporation
- Organized by: 1st Arabia for Conferences and Exhibitions
- In partnership with: Fira Barcelona International and Salon Nautico Internacional de Barcelona
Industry Insight
PADI joining ABOFA 2026 as Presenting Partner is more than a sponsorship announcement. It signals that Aqaba Blue is positioning itself not only as an exhibition, but as a serious regional platform for diving education, professional development, marine tourism, and blue economy collaboration.
For Aqaba and the wider Red Sea region, the partnership reinforces a clear direction: diving, tourism, marine science, and ocean innovation are increasingly part of the same conversation.
Read also: our previous coverage of ABOFA 2026 and the growing Red Sea marine market:
