1st Arabia and Fira Barcelona officially announced the launch of ABOFA – Aqaba Blue Ocean: Future in Action, an international event dedicated to the blue economy, taking place from September 9–12, 2026, at the Aqaba International Exhibition Center (AIEC) in Aqaba, Jordan.
Organized in partnership with Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC), ABOFA is designed to become the regional flagship event and key meeting point for the diving, marine technology, and coastal lifestyle industries. The event reflects the growing strategic focus on advancing the diving and marine technology sector, while reinforcing Aqaba’s position as an emerging regional hub for the blue economy.
ABOFA will focus on the diving sector and dive equipment, ocean technology and marine sciences, water sports and boating lifestyle, as well as diving destinations, watersports, and adventure tourism. The event will bring together leading global brands, innovators, industry experts and global sector personalities from around the world, serving as a strategic platform to showcase cutting-edge marine solutions and foster impactful partnerships that drive innovation and investment across this vital sector.
The exhibition will attract global exhibitors alongside visitors from across the region and beyond and will feature live demonstrations and interactive experiences tailored to both B2B and B2C audiences. Visitors will benefit from hands-on access to the latest innovations in diving, watersports, and marine technologies, alongside curated networking and business development opportunities.
In parallel, ABOFA supports sustainable development pathways and will highlight Jordan’s efforts in marine conservation and their global impact on the industry. The event aims to further position Aqaba as a dynamic convergence point where environment, technology, and tourism come together to shape the future of the blue economy.
The event announcement follows the signing of an agreement between Aqaba Development Corporation, 1st Arabia, and Fira Barcelona, officially appointing 1st Arabia and Fira Barcelona as the show organizers. The partnership combines Fira Barcelona’s global exhibition expertise with 1st Arabia’s strong regional capabilities in delivering high-profile international exhibitions.
Companies and industry stakeholders interested in participating can register now via the official event website: https://abofa.jo/book-your-space/
Further announcements regarding the conference program, international partnerships, and featured speakers will be released in the coming period via the event website WWW.ABOFA.JO
