ABOFA Opens Aqaba as a Regional Blue Economy Showcase

Aqaba International Exhibition Center to host ABOFA with coastal demo zones

The Aqaba International Exhibition Center (AIEC) will stage ABOFA – Aqaba Blue Ocean: Future in Action from 9–12 September 2026, combining indoor exhibition halls with adjacent coastal demonstration areas for live watersports, diving trials and marine technology showcases. Organizers have planned dedicated zones for trade-buyer meetings, consumer experiences and short-field demonstrations in the bay, enabling simultaneous B2B and B2C programming without conflicting foot traffic or demonstration schedules.

Event structure, stakeholders and strategic aims

ABOFA has been launched through a formal agreement between the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC), 1st Arabia and Fira Barcelona, merging local regulatory and infrastructure backing with international exhibition management. The collaboration positions the event as a regional flagship platform for the blue economy, with emphasis on marine innovation, sustainable tourism and the diving industry.

Who will exhibit and what to expect

ABOFA targets a wide range of participants: manufacturers of dive equipment, ocean-technology firms, marine-science institutions, watersports brands and tourism boards. Attendees can expect:

• Live equipment demonstrations in controlled coastal areas
• Immersive consumer experiences for diving and water-sports
• Curated B2B meetings and investor roundtables
• Conference sessions on sustainability, conservation and policy

These elements are designed to create immediate commercial opportunities while showcasing technology and conservation measures that can be adopted across the Gulf and wider Middle East.

Sustainability and policy integration

Sustainability is central to ABOFA’s agenda. The programme will highlight Jordan’s marine conservation projects and how those models can influence regional industry practices. Policy-makers and private-sector leaders will be invited to present case studies on sustainable coastal management and low-impact tourism. The integration of conservation with tourism is intended to produce commercially viable pathways that reduce environmental pressure while maintaining sector growth.

Operational and logistic implications for marine tourism

For operators in boating and charter sectors, ABOFA presents several practical outcomes:

• Equipment procurement: Direct access to new dive and watersport gear from exhibitors.
• Service partnerships: Opportunity to contract marine-technology providers for fleet upgrades or sustainability retrofits.
• Destination marketing: Exposure for coastal tourism operators and marinas seeking international bookings.

Why Aqaba matters as a marine innovation hub

Aqaba’s strategic location on the Red Sea, its deepwater approaches and established port infrastructure make it a natural staging ground for an event of this scale. The region already supports a growing recreational diving economy and a coastline attractive to charter operators and sailors. Hosting a focused blue economy event reinforces Aqaba’s role as a gateway for marine research, yachting activity and sustainable tourism initiatives in the region.

Practical information for participants and visitors

Companies and stakeholders interested in exhibiting can register via the official event channels. The organisers plan to publish detailed conference schedules, speaker line-ups and partnership announcements in the months ahead. For flotilla operators and small charter businesses, early registration will be important to secure demonstration slots and on-water access.

How this affects the sailing and boat rental market

ABOFA’s emphasis on diving, watersports and boating lifestyle creates direct opportunities for charter businesses, marinas and yacht brokers. Manufacturers showcasing compact dive technology and lightweight tenders could change how charter fleets are equipped for guest experiences. Policy discussions on sustainable boating practices may influence regulations that impact vessel operation, waste management and marina services—factors that charter managers should monitor closely.

GetBoat always keeps an eye on industry news and coastal events like ABOFA because these gatherings often set trends that ripple through charter offerings, equipment preferences and destination marketing strategies. The GetBoat service values freedom, energy, and the ability to choose your own course; it places no limits on a good life, allowing clients to find a vessel that suits their preferences, budget, and taste.

Key takeaways and what to watch for

Important points to note:

• ABOFA combines B2B and B2C programming with live coastal demonstrations.
• Organisers pair global exhibition expertise with strong regional support.
• Sustainability and marine conservation will shape content and partnerships.
• Opportunities exist for charter operators, marinas and equipment suppliers.

Experiencing a new seaside location is always a multifaceted process: one learns about local culture, nature, the indescribable palette of colors, the rhythm of life and the unique aspects of service. If you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language GetBoat.com.

Provide a short forecast on how this news could impact the global tourism and travel map. However, it's still important to us since GetBoat aims to stay updated with all developments and keep pace with the changing world. Start planning your next seaside adventure and make sure to book the best boat and yacht rentals with GetBoat before the opportunity sails away!

In summary, ABOFA’s inaugural edition in Aqaba brings together industry, policy and conservation under a single blue-economy umbrella, offering tangible benefits for diving, watersports and boating sectors. For charter and yacht operators, the show is likely to influence equipment choices, destination promotion and sustainable operating practices. GetBoat.com supports these trends by offering a transparent, user-friendly platform to book or buy yachts, boats, sailboats and superyacht experiences worldwide, providing detailed listings, ratings and clear information so users can make confident choices—set sail with confidence. The event is an encouraging step toward stronger regional connectivity in yachting, boating and marine activities and a reminder that sea-based tourism combines technology, conservation and lifestyle in every gulf, marina and clearwater inlet.