PADI joins Jordan's Aqaba Blue as presenting partner

PADI will serve as presenting partner for Aqaba Blue: Ocean Future in Action when the blue economy platform launches in Aqaba, Jordan, from Sept. 9-12, 2026. The partnership brings PADI’s regional forum, awards program and training activities to a regional event focused on ocean industries, sustainability and dive tourism. Why it matters: - PADI’s role adds global dive-industry reach to a new Jordanian platform focused on the blue economy. - The partnership is designed to connect marine science, tourism, education, sustainability and industry players in one event. - The event could strengthen Aqaba’s position as a regional hub for diving and coastal tourism. What happened: - Aqaba Blue: Ocean Future in Action named PADI a Presenting Partner for its inaugural edition in Aqaba, Jordan. - The event runs from 9-12 September 2026 at the Aqaba International Exhibition Centre. - Aqaba Development Corporation hosts the event. - 1st Arabia for Conferences and Exhibitions organizes the event with Fira Barcelona International and Salon Nautico Internacional de Barcelona. - PADI will host its regional forum during the event. - PADI will also run its regional awards program at the event. - PADI will deliver training activities, including the PADI Adaptive Support Diver course. The details: - Aqaba Blue brings together stakeholders from marine, science and technology, tourism, water sports and dive sectors. - The platform is part of Jordan’s blue economy agenda. - The event convenes companies, institutions, experts and policymakers. - The stated focus includes ocean industries, marine sustainability, coastal tourism and maritime innovation. - The PADI Adaptive Support Diver course teaches techniques and awareness for supporting divers with physical or cognitive disabilities. - PADI has issued more than 30 million certifications worldwide since 1966. - PADI operates a network of more than 6,600 dive centers and resorts across over 180 countries and territories. - Aqaba sits on Jordan’s Red Sea coast and is described as a gateway for marine tourism and water sports. - Aqaba offers advanced tourism and marine infrastructure, including a globally recognized diving environment along the Gulf of Aqaba. Between the lines: - The partnership gives Aqaba Blue immediate credibility with a globally recognized dive brand. - PADI gets a regional platform to deepen ties across the Middle East and broaden its professional network. - The inclusion of adaptive diving training signals an emphasis on access and inclusion, not just tourism growth. What’s next: - Aqaba Blue: Ocean Future in Action will take place over four days in September 2026. - PADI is expected to use the event to connect with dive professionals and partners from across the Middle East. - The forum, awards and training sessions should become core programming for the inaugural edition. The bottom line: - Aqaba Blue is positioning itself as a regional blue economy convening point, and PADI’s partnership gives the launch a major industry anchor.