Aqaba offers a unique strategic and environmental setting that positions Aqaba Blue: Ocean Future in Action as a truly regional and international exhibition.
Aqaba is more than a destination — it is a strategic gateway to the future of the blue economy. Its unique geographical position, rich marine biodiversity, and growing role as a regional innovation hub make it the natural home for ABOFA – Aqaba Blue: Ocean Future in Action.
Located on the shores of the Red Sea, Aqaba offers a rare convergence of environment, industry, tourism, and technology, creating an ideal platform for an international exhibition dedicated to diving, marine products, and ocean innovation
World-Class Biodiversity & Endemic Species:
Aqaba’s waters are home to over 1,200 species of fish and 300 species of hard and soft corals. Notably, the Gulf of Aqaba serves as a sanctuary for endemic species found nowhere else on Earth, such as the Jordanian Damselfish. The ecosystem is also a vital corridor for migratory giants, including the Whale Shark and Manta Rays.
High-Density Reef Coverage: The coastline features a fringing reef system with nearly 50% coral cover in protected zones. Iconic dive sites such as the Cedar Pride Wreck, the Japanese Garden, and the Seven Sisters offer vertical walls and shallow coral gardens that are globally recognized for their health and structural complexity.
Optimal Diving Conditions: The Gulf acts as a thermal buffer, with water temperatures remaining remarkably stable. Even in the depths of winter, temperatures rarely drop below 20°C, peaking at 28°C in the summer. This creates a year-round window for diving operations, equipment testing, and marine research.
Environmental Resilience: Recent scientific studies have highlighted Aqaba’s corals as some of the most heat-tolerant in the world. As global reef systems face bleaching threats, the “Refuge Reefs” of Aqaba represent a critical frontier for international marine conservation and biotechnology discussions
Aqaba’s location at the crossroads of the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia gives it unmatched strategic value. As Jordan’s only coastal city, Aqaba serves as a key maritime and logistics hub, with direct access to regional and international markets.
This connectivity enables ABOFA to:
Aqaba’s accessibility makes it a natural meeting point for the global diving and marine industries.
Aqaba is supported by a forward-looking development framework led by public and private stakeholders committed to sustainable growth. Through partnerships with key entities such as Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC), the city continues to invest in marine infrastructure, tourism, innovation, and environmental preservation.
This shared vision aligns closely with ABOFA’s mission to promote:
ABOFA is not just hosted in Aqaba — it is part of Aqaba’s long-term development story.