1st Arabia and Fira Barcelona have announced the launch of ABOFA – Aqaba Blue: Ocean Future in Action, a new international event dedicated to the blue economy, to be held from 9–12 September 2026 at the Aqaba International Exhibition Centre (AIEC) in Aqaba, Jordan.
Developed in partnership with the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC), ABOFA is positioned as a new flagship regional event and a central meeting point for the diving, marine technology and coastal lifestyle sectors. The initiative reflects a growing strategic focus on the diving and marine technology industries, while further strengthening Aqaba’s role as an emerging regional hub for the blue economy.
The event will place a strong emphasis on the diving sector and dive equipment, alongside ocean technology and marine sciences, water sports and boating lifestyle, and diving destinations, watersports and adventure tourism. ABOFA is expected to bring together leading global brands, innovators, industry experts and sector leaders from around the world, providing a platform to showcase new marine solutions and encourage partnerships that support innovation and investment across the sector.
The exhibition will host international exhibitors and attract visitors from across the region and further afield. Live demonstrations and interactive experiences will be a key feature, catering to both business and consumer audiences. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the latest developments in diving, watersports and marine technologies, supported by curated networking and business development activities.
ABOFA will also highlight sustainable development pathways, with a focus on Jordan’s marine conservation initiatives and their broader impact on the global industry. Through this lens, the event aims to position Aqaba as a place where environmental stewardship, technology and tourism intersect to help shape the future of the blue economy.
The announcement follows the signing of an agreement between Aqaba Development Corporation, 1st Arabia and Fira Barcelona, formally appointing 1st Arabia and Fira Barcelona as the event organisers. The partnership brings together Fira Barcelona’s international exhibition expertise with 1st Arabia’s regional experience in delivering large-scale, high-profile events.
Companies and industry stakeholders interested in exhibiting can register via the official event website: https://abofa.jo/book-your-space/
Further announcements covering the conference program, international partnerships and featured speakers will be released in due course through the event website at www.abofa.jo
