The activities of "SOFEX 2026" kicked off on Tuesday at the Exhibition and Conference Grounds in Aqaba under Royal patronage, lasting for three days, with the participation of more than 400 official delegations representing 75 countries, and 350 exhibiting companies from 38 countries, to showcase the latest defense and security equipment and technologies and discuss ways of cooperation and exchange of expertise. Aqaba also witnessed the launch of the Middle East Special Operations Commanders Conference, under the patronage of HRH Prince Faisal bin Hussein, with the participation of military and security officials and representatives from brotherly and friendly countries.
The Chairman of the Jordan and Amman Chambers of Industry, Eng. Fathi Al-Jaghbir, emphasized that "SOFEX" constitutes an opportunity to enhance Jordan's presence in defense and technological industries, and to benefit from global developments in engineering, electrical, electronic, and metal industries, information technology, and smart systems.
He explained that Jordanian industry possesses a production base and technical expertise that can be built upon to develop specialized industries and enhance the integration of local companies into regional and global supply chains, stressing the importance of investing in the exhibition to establish partnerships with international companies, transfer technology, and expand local manufacturing, which raises added value and provides qualitative job opportunities.
For his part, the Chairman of the Zarqa Chamber of Industry, Eng. Faris Hammoudeh, stated that "SOFEX" has become one of the most prominent specialized exhibitions in defense and security industries, due to the global companies it attracts that showcase the latest technologies and protection systems. He added that the exhibition provides opportunities to enhance economic partnerships with Jordanian companies, and to promote local products and solutions, especially in the field of drones, thereby supporting investment opportunities and the localization of this industry in the Kingdom.
In turn, economic expert Wajdi Makhamreh explained that the importance of the exhibition goes beyond the security aspect to enhancing international cooperation, marketing Jordanian defense industries, attracting investments, and transferring technology, which opens new markets for local products, supports exports, and provides specialized job opportunities.
He pointed out that holding the exhibition in Aqaba enhances its position as a regional hub for exhibitions, conferences, and business, and supports the hotel, tourism, transportation, and logistics sectors, thereby achieving direct and indirect returns for the local economy. He emphasized that sustainable utilization of the event requires converting international meetings into export contracts, investments, and actionable production partnerships.
For his part, financial and economic expert Dr. Mohammad Al-Hadab Al-Sarhan said that the participation of hundreds of international companies and delegations reflects the importance of "SOFEX" as a platform to enhance partnerships and transfer knowledge and technology, noting that the economic impact extends to the tourism, hotel, transportation, and logistics sectors, in addition to opportunities to develop engineering, electronic, cybersecurity, and smart systems industries with civil and commercial applications.
He added that Jordan can build upon the expertise of the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) and specialized national competencies in engineering and technology through establishing joint projects, developing local products, and training cadres. He suggested allocating an investment track linking global companies with Jordanian factories and technology companies, with the aim of turning cooperation opportunities into actionable manufacturing, development, and training agreements.
The experts stressed that maximizing the economic impact of "SOFEX" requires building upon the international momentum it provides, and directing it toward industrial and technological investments with added value, in line with the objectives of the Economic Modernization Vision, contributing to diversifying the production base, increasing exports, providing job opportunities, and enhancing Jordan's position as a regional hub for specialized industries and advanced technology.
