Aqaba, a coastal city, is gearing up to host a major international event in diving and marine sports: “ABOFA – Aqaba Blue Ocean Future in Action,” set for September 9-12, 2026, at the Aqaba International Exhibition Center (AIEC). The gathering is anticipated to draw about 4,000 attendees from 25 nations, establishing Aqaba as a key player in the worldwide surge of marine sports, underwater discovery, and the blue economy. ABOFA 2026 will offer a premier global forum for top companies, expert divers, marine sports professionals, and innovators to display cutting-edge technologies, gear, and experiences driving the industry’s future. Organized by Arabia First for Conferences and Exhibitions, hosted by the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC), and partnered with Fira Barcelona—a top global exhibition organizer—the event bolsters Aqaba’s role as a regional center for marine sports and the blue economy, leveraging its prime spot on the Gulf of Aqaba, home to one of the planet’s richest and most unspoiled marine environments. ADVERTISEMENT. ABOFA 2026 will showcase the swift expansion of the marine sports and diving sectors, underscoring the blue economy’s importance as a sustainable framework that harmonizes economic progress with environmental protection. The event will present diverse marine sports and pursuits, such as diving, subsea exploration, watersports, and ocean adventures, complemented by cutting-edge advancements in marine tech, gear, and underwater photography. It expects robust international participation from niche firms, athletes, specialists, and investors, fostering a worldwide arena for connections, alliances, and insight sharing in the marine sports community. On-site demos, engaging experiences, and face-to-face interactions among industry players will spark fresh collaboration and investment prospects, propelling this vibrant industry’s momentum. Timed with rising worldwide interest in marine sports and Red Sea tourism, the event bolsters Aqaba’s position as a premier spot on the global sports and events landscape. Via ABOFA, Aqaba seeks to position itself as a central nexus for marine sports, innovation, and tourism, solidifying its standing as a premier venue for top-tier events in this booming field.
