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Middle EastTrade shows & exhibitions

27–29 Oct 2026

SOFEX Jordan 2026

Aqaba International Exhibition & Convention Centre (AIECC) · Aqaba, Jordan

Dates
Tue, 27 October 2026 – Thu, 29 October 2026
Venue
Aqaba International Exhibition & Convention Centre (AIECC)
Location
Aqaba, Jordan
Organizer
Jordanian Armed Forces / SOFEX Jordan
Cost
paid
Scale
major
Recurrence
biennial
Format
On-site

Why it matters

SOFEX is the only dedicated SOF and homeland-security exhibition in the Middle East and North Africa, making it the primary gateway for defence suppliers seeking access to Arab and broader MENA procurement communities. Delegations are headed by Ministers of Defence, Chiefs of Staff, and Special Operations Commanders, meaning exhibitors engage directly with senior decision-makers and procurement directorates rather than intermediaries. For SMEs and startups, the new Elite Badge tier and digital matchmaking programme lower the barrier to securing pre-arranged meetings with high-value buyers.

About

SOFEX (Special Operations Forces Exhibition and Conference) is the world's largest dedicated biennial exhibition and conference for special operations forces equipment, homeland security, and related defence technologies. Held under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II and organised by the Jordanian Armed Forces, the 2026 edition runs 27–29 October at the Aqaba International Exhibition & Convention Centre, preceded on 26 October by the MESOC (Middle East Special Operations Commanders Conference). The event brings together defence prime contractors, specialist SOF equipment suppliers, cybersecurity firms, UAS and counter-UAS manufacturers, and official military delegations from across the globe. New features for 2026 include a dedicated Cybersecurity Zone, a VR Solutions Zone, a digital matchmaking programme, and an expanded venue footprint.

Market intel

Moderate pricingmedium confidence

SOFEX is the world's largest dedicated SOF and homeland-security exhibition, drawing ~300 companies and over 400 official delegations from 70+ countries in its most recent (2024) edition. The 2024 show was notably impacted by regional tensions, with some Western primes scaling back, while Turkish and Chinese exhibitors maintained a strong presence. The 2026 edition is targeting a record exhibitor count with an enlarged venue footprint and new thematic zones.

Notable exhibitors
BAE SystemsThalesBaykar (Bayraktar drones)AM GeneralAvon ProtectionBarrett FirearmsJordan Design and Development Bureau (JODDB)Hytera

AI-researched Mon, 24 August 2026. Estimates from public sources. Verify with the organizer.

Topics

Soldier SystemsUAS / DronesC-UASCyberISR & Sensors

Who it's for

PrimesSMEsStartupsInstitutions

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