Aqaba International Exhibition Center.. A strategic project that boosts business tourism and attracts global events

Al-Safadi added that the importance of the center extends beyond hosting exhibitions and conferences to stimulating economic sectors linked to business tourism and opening new opportunities for investment and trade exchange by attracting international companies, institutions, and specialized delegations. He noted that its location near King Hussein International Airport and the integration of its facilities give it a competitive advantage for hosting major events.

He explained that the company views the center as a long-term investment in Aqaba's economic and tourism future, given the opportunities it provides to diversify economic activities and enhance the sustainability of tourism traffic throughout the year. He affirmed the continued development of high-quality projects that support the city's competitiveness, attract investments, and contribute to the national economy.

The establishment of the Aqaba International Exhibition Center (AIEC) comes within the framework of efforts aimed at diversifying the tourism and economic product and developing the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, which represents an important tributary for tourism and investment activity, as it provides opportunities to attract companies, institutions, and specialized delegations, and to enhance communication between regional and international markets.

The project spans a total area of 170,000 square meters, of which 35,000 square meters are built-up areas. It includes specialized exhibition halls, multi-use spaces, service and organizational facilities, as well as outdoor exhibition areas and vehicle parking. The indoor exhibition halls cover about 15,000 square meters, providing flexible options for organizing exhibitions, conferences, and major events according to their nature and the volume of participation.

These capabilities allow for hosting business-to-business (B2B) trade exhibitions, international conferences, and specialized events within an environment that meets the needs of organizers, exhibitors, and visitors, and provides flexibility in using indoor and outdoor spaces.

SOFEX 2026 is one of the most prominent international exhibitions specialized in special operations, security, and defense. It brings together military and security leaders, decision-makers, experts, and global companies to showcase the latest technologies, equipment, and solutions, exchange expertise, and discuss opportunities for cooperation and partnerships between participating entities.

The center is scheduled to host the Jordan International Freight, Logistics, and Services Conference (JIFIIX 2026) during the last quarter of 2026. The agenda for the first quarter of 2027 includes the World Ocean Summit 2027, the Aqaba Blue Ocean & Fishing Arena (ABOFA), as well as "The Reach 2027" forum, which specializes in information and communications technology in the Middle East and North Africa region.

The diversity of events reflects the wide range of sectors targeted by the center, including defense and security, shipping and logistics, the blue economy and maritime activities, and information and communications technology. This provides opportunities to exchange knowledge, showcase modern technologies, discuss investment opportunities, and build partnerships between institutions, companies, and experts from Jordan, the region, and the world.

The economic impact of the center extends to supporting sectors, as attracting exhibitions and conferences contributes to increased demand for hotel services, transportation, restaurants, hospitality, and commercial activities. It also allows international participants and delegations to learn about the tourism potential and investment opportunities available in Aqaba.

Organizing events throughout the year enhances opportunities to stimulate tourism and commercial activity outside traditional seasons and expands the benefits for tourism and service establishments from the movement of delegations and participants, thereby supporting the sustainability of economic activity and diversifying income sources.

The center combines a strategic location, specialized infrastructure, and multi-use capabilities within the system of development investments led by the Aqaba Development Corporation. It provides a base for developing exhibition and conference tourism and attracting international events of economic and knowledge value. The Aqaba International Exhibition and Convention Center represents a strategic addition to the city's economic and tourism infrastructure, and a facility that enhances its ability to attract international events and stimulate investment and commercial activity, thereby consolidating Aqaba's position as a Jordanian gateway for communication with regional and global markets, and supporting the building of sustainable development foundations that keep pace with its economic future.