Back to previous page    Language

Aqaba Blue 2026, Jordan looks towards the future of the sea

From 9 to 12 September, Aqaba hosts a new international event for boating, watersports and the growing blue economy

Aqaba Blue 2026 brings boating, diving, tourism, research and innovation together to explore the future of the Red Sea

Overlooking the Red Sea, Aqaba is preparing to host an event designed to connect sectors that are often discussed separately. Boating, diving, watersports, marine research, coastal tourism and new technologies will come together at Aqaba Blue, Ocean Future in Action, whose inaugural edition will take place from 9 to 12 September 2026 at the Aqaba International Exhibition Centre.

The event is intended to be more than an exhibition of marine products and services. Its organisers aim to establish Aqaba as a new meeting point for companies, professionals, researchers, environmental organisations and institutions involved in the development of the blue economy across the Red Sea and the wider Middle East.

Jordan’s first international marine event

Aqaba Blue will be the first international event of its kind in Jordan to bring diving, boating, marine science, watersports and tourism together under one roof. The choice reflects the distinctive position of Aqaba, Jordan’s only coastal city and the country’s natural gateway to the Red Sea.

The exhibition has been conceived as a bridge between Middle Eastern operators and international businesses, organisations and specialists. The sea therefore becomes a starting point for discussing economic development, technological innovation, ecosystem protection and more responsible forms of tourism.

International interest builds ahead of the opening

According to information released by the organisers, more than 80% of the available exhibition space has already been allocated several months before the event. Exhibitors and organisations from eleven countries are also reported to have confirmed their participation in the inaugural edition.

The response suggests that there is considerable interest in a market that remains relatively underrepresented within the international exhibition calendar. Aqaba is well placed to connect the Gulf countries, the eastern Mediterranean, North Africa and Asian markets associated with diving and marine tourism.

Boating, diving and watersports share one platform

The exhibition is structured around five connected areas. Boating and marine technology will be presented alongside diving, watersports, tourism and ocean research, creating a broader format than that of a conventional boat show.

Manufacturers, suppliers, dive centres, tourism operators, researchers and environmental organisations will be able to meet within the same venue. Visitors will therefore have an opportunity to explore the sea from different perspectives, moving from equipment and boats to environmental monitoring technologies and emerging coastal tourism experiences.

PADI supports Aqaba’s development as a diving destination

One of the most significant international participants is PADI, which has confirmed its involvement in the event. Forums, seminars and workshops will be organised during the four days, including sessions for dive centres focused on business development, operational safety and the continued growth of diving tourism in Jordan.

The announced subjects include standard operating procedures, emergency plans, legal responsibilities and practical tools for improving the management of diving activities. PADI’s participation strengthens the professional dimension of the event and supports Aqaba’s ambitions as an emerging Red Sea diving destination.

Marine research meets the yachting community

The International SeaKeepers Society has also listed Aqaba Blue among its events. The international organisation is known for programmes that involve yachts and other vessels in scientific data collection, marine research and educational activities supporting ocean conservation.

The involvement of organisations working to protect the marine environment allows Aqaba Blue to move beyond a purely commercial format. Boats can become observation platforms, resources for scientists and a practical link between the yachting community and marine research.

A programme exploring changes across the industry

The event’s conference area, known as The Deep Dive, is expected to feature more than fifty speakers and around twenty sessions over four days. The final agenda is still being developed, although the announced themes will cover the five sectors around which Aqaba Blue has been structured.

Bringing together business leaders, researchers and public institutions will be a central part of the programme. Alongside product presentations, the event will encourage discussions about the future of marine activities, the responsible use of natural resources and the opportunities created by innovation.

Aqaba aims to become a gateway to the Red Sea

The Jordanian city is smaller than many of the region’s established destinations, yet this may help it develop a more distinctive character. Aqaba is being presented as an accessible coastal destination where tourism, diving, watersports and boating can grow alongside the protection of its natural heritage.

Aqaba Blue is therefore attempting to create a new role for the city. Rather than competing directly with the world’s established boat shows, it may become a specialised meeting point for those who see the Red Sea as an area of tourism, scientific and commercial development.

An emerging date on the international marine calendar

The inaugural edition will provide the first real indication of how far this format can develop in the coming years. The strong demand reported by the organisers and the backing of recognised marine organisations nevertheless suggest that there is genuine interest in an international marine platform based in Jordan.

From 9 to 12 September 2026, Aqaba will present a vision in which boating, tourism, sport, science and sustainability are not travelling on separate routes. That perspective may help Aqaba Blue become one of the Red Sea’s most interesting emerging marine events.

__
www.abofa.jo

22 July 2026
© MED Yachting Editorial Team
Aqaba Blue 2026, Jordan looks towards the future of the sea
__
The information in this article has been sourced from and adapted from official sources and/or press releases, in accordance with our editorial code of ethics.