Most people come to Jordan looking for lost cities, desert landscapes and ancient wonders. Few expect to find some of the Red Sea’s most spectacular diving.
Yet while Petra and Wadi Rum have long captured the world’s imagination above ground, another Jordanian wonder lies beneath the surface. On the shores of the Red Sea, Aqaba is quietly building a reputation as one of the region’s most exciting destinations for diving, marine exploration and sustainable ocean innovation, a hidden gem that many consider one of the Red Sea’s best-kept secrets. Now, with the launch of Jordan’s first international diving and marine technology show, Aqaba Blue: Ocean Future in Action, the destination is preparing to share its story with a global audience.
From 9-12 September 2026, the city will host Aqaba Blue: Ocean Future in Action at the Aqaba International Exhibition Centre (AIEC), marking a major milestone in the city’s emergence as a hub for diving, marine innovation and sustainable ocean development.
As Jordan’s first international marine and blue economy platform, the event will become the Red Sea’s Meeting Point for Global Diving, Watersports and Marine Innovation, bringing together global brands, industry leaders, researchers, policy-makers and ocean advocates to explore the ideas, technologies and partnerships shaping the future of the marine sector.
Red Sea Diving Finds a New Home in Aqaba
Unlike many of the region’s larger and more commercialised diving destinations, Aqaba remains something of a hidden gem. Its waters are home to thriving coral reefs, exceptional visibility, accessible shore diving and arguably the world’s largest Underwater Military Museum, where tanks, helicopters and military vehicles have been transformed into an extraordinary underwater attraction.
Why Aqaba?
- Thriving Red Sea coral reefs
- Less crowded dive sites and a more authentic Red Sea experience
- Exceptional underwater visibility
- Accessible shore diving
- Widely regarded as the world’s largest Underwater Military Museum
- Warm water temperatures year-round
- Regulated marine parks and internationally recognised diving standards
Together, these attributes are helping position Aqaba as one of the most compelling diving destinations in the region.
Why Aqaba Is Emerging as a Blue Economy Hub
The city is becoming a focal point for conversations around the future of ocean development. Its healthy reef systems, growing environmental initiatives and strategic position on the Red Sea make it a natural meeting point for the industries and innovators shaping the future of the marine sector.
Aqaba Blue: Ocean Future in Action has been created to reflect that ambition.
Hosted in partnership with Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) and supported by internationally respected organisations including Fira Barcelona International, Salon Nautico Internacional de Barcelona and PADI, the world’s leading scuba diver training organisation, the platform aims to connect global expertise with regional opportunity.
Global Diving, Watersports and Marine Innovation on the Red Sea
Spanning diving and underwater imaging, marine science and ocean technology, watersports, tourism and hospitality, boating and marine lifestyle, Aqaba Blue will showcase the ideas, products, experiences and partnerships shaping the next decade of the marine industry.
From coral reef restoration and sustainable marine tourism to advanced equipment, marine research and emerging ocean technologies, the platform will highlight practical innovations and new opportunities across the ocean economy.
Aqaba Blue by the Numbers
- 80+ exhibitors
- 150+ brands represented
- 50+ international speakers
- 4,000+ expected visitors
- 25+ participating countries
- 20+ workshops and educational sessions
The world has long known Jordan for what lies above the surface. Aqaba Blue: Ocean Future in Action is an invitation to discover what lies beneath it, and why the future of the Red Sea may well be written from the shores of Aqaba.
To learn more about the event, exhibiting opportunities and the vision shaping Jordan’s marine future, visit www.abofa.jo
