PADI has been announced as a partner for Aqaba Blue: Ocean Future in Action (ABOFA), Jordan’s new international blue economy platform, which is holding its inaugural edition in Aqaba from 9–12 September 2026.
ABOFA is a new conference which the organisers say ‘brings together international stakeholders across the marine, science and technology, tourism, water sports, and dive sectors under the umbrella of Jordan’s blue economy agenda.’
Through the partnership, ABOFA will host PADI’s regional forum and regional awards program, alongside joint marketing initiatives and a series of PADI-led training activities during the event.
Hosted in Aqaba, renowned for its reputation as one of the Red Sea’s best scuba diving destinations, the four-day platform will bring together companies, institutions, experts, and policymakers at a time of growing global focus on ocean industries, marine sustainability, coastal tourism, and maritime innovation.
As Presenting Partner, PADI will host its regional forum during ABOFA, bringing together dive professionals and operators from across the region and different parts of the world.
The event will also feature PADI’s regional awards program, recognising excellence within its membership network. In addition, PADI will deliver specialised training activities during the event, including the PADI Adaptive Support Diver course, which develops techniques and awareness for supporting divers with physical or cognitive disabilities.
‘We are pleased to join Aqaba Blue: Ocean Future in Action as Presenting Partner and contribute to a platform that brings together marine science, technology, tourism, education, sustainability, and industry collaboration in one of the world’s most iconic diving regions,’ said PADI Territory Director, Jason Sockett.
‘Aqaba and the Red Sea continue to play an important role in the development of the regional dive community, and we look forward to engaging with dive professionals and partners from across the Middle East during the event.’
Aqaba Blue: Ocean Future in Action takes place from 9–12 September 2026 at the Aqaba International Exhibition Centre. For more information, visit abofa.jo
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