The Red Sea will take centre stage this September as ABOFA 2026 arrives in Aqaba, bringing together marine industry players, tourism stakeholders and water sports enthusiasts at a time of rapid regional growth. Taking place from 9 to 12 September at the Aqaba International Exhibition and Convention Centre, the event is positioned around the theme “Aqaba Blue: Ocean Future in Action”.
Long regarded as one of the world’s most renowned marine environments, the Red Sea is now seeing renewed attention beyond its established reputation for diving. Alongside its well-known underwater ecosystems, the region is experiencing expansion across marine recreation, coastal development and ocean-related technologies, signalling its emergence as a broader blue economy hub.
ABOFA 2026 will be organised across three main components: an exhibition, B2B networking sessions and a congress programme. Together, these are intended to create a structured environment for industry exchange, product presentation and commercial discussions.
The event operates as a hybrid platform, combining trade access with a consumer-facing element. Exhibitors are expected to use the platform to introduce new diving equipment and accessories, present developments in marine innovation and smart water technologies, and showcase water sports gear and recreational solutions. The format also allows direct engagement with distributors, retail buyers, diving centres, resorts and operators, as well as opportunities to establish partnerships across the Red Sea corridor.
Aqaba’s location underpins the event’s regional focus. Positioned at the intersection of Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt and within reach of the wider Gulf, the city functions as a natural meeting point for marine and water sports industries operating across these markets.
The broader context is one of sustained investment. Across the Red Sea region, funding is being directed into coastal tourism projects, marina and waterfront developments, water-based entertainment and marine safety and environmental technologies. At the same time, demand for diving and water sports equipment continues to grow, reflecting rising interest in marine leisure and adventure activities.
ABOFA organisers say the timing reflects a period of acceleration for the sector, as infrastructure development and consumer demand begin to align. For companies entering the market, early participation is seen as a way to establish distribution networks and build long-term relationships while the ecosystem is still developing.
The exhibitor base is expected to cover a wide cross-section of the industry, including diving equipment and apparel, underwater photography and exploration gear, dive centres and training organisations, marine safety and rescue equipment, as well as boat and yacht technology, navigation and smart marine systems. Water sports equipment such as jet skis, kayaks, paddle boards and towables will also be represented, alongside surf and adventure gear and marina solutions.
Visitors are set to include diving professionals and instructors, dive centres and operators, marine retailers and distributors, as well as water sports enthusiasts. The event is also expected to draw resort and marina developers, government tourism authorities, adventure tourism investors and buyers of marine technology.
As the Red Sea continues to expand its footprint in global tourism and marine industries, ABOFA 2026 is positioned to reflect that momentum on the ground in Aqaba.
Exhibition space is currently open for booking at https://abofa.jo/book-your-space/
For more on the latest in luxury yachting reads, click here.
