--- eventsindex_id: "EI-05607" slug: sofex-jordan title: "SOFEX" title_alt: ["Special Operations Forces Exhibition and Conference", "SOFEX Jordan", "SOFEX 2026"] canonical_url: "https://eventsindex.org/events/sofex-jordan.html" next_edition_year: 2026 date_start: "2026-10-27" date_end: "2026-10-29" venue: "Aqaba International Exhibition and Convention Centre (AIECC)" city: "Aqaba" country: "Jordan" organiser: "Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF)" organiser_url: "https://www.sofex.jo/" b2b: true vector: sector: [defence] audience: [military, government, industry, procurement, security] format: [exhibition, conference] purpose: [business, networking, procurement, policy] geography_scope: [global] season: autumn meta_description: "SOFEX 2026, 27-29 Oct, Aqaba, Jordan. Global SOF and homeland security exhibition: 400+ delegates, 80+ countries, Cybersecurity Zone and VR range." editorial_take: "The only major defence exhibition under direct royal and military patronage in the Arab world, SOFEX gives special operations forces procurement a dedicated biennial venue at the crossroads of the Middle East." generated_by: "claude-max-cowork" last_verified: "2026-06-10" variables_filled: 46/58 language: "en" schema_version: "v6.0" --- # SOFEX > *The Special Operations Forces Exhibition and Conference, held biennially in Aqaba, Jordan under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II and the direct organisation of the Jordanian Armed Forces. The 2026 edition runs from 27 to 29 October at the Aqaba International Exhibition and Convention Centre, preceded on 26 October by the MESOC Conference. Forty countries exhibit, over 80 are represented among delegations, and new features for 2026 include a dedicated Cybersecurity Zone, a digital matchmaking programme and an expanded venue footprint.* --- ## Quick Facts | DATES | VENUE | ORGANISER | ATTENDANCE | |---|---|---|---| | **27-29 October 2026** | **Aqaba International Exhibition and Convention Centre** | **Jordanian Armed Forces** | **400+ delegates** | | 3 days exhibition + 1 day MESOC (26 Oct), biennial | Aqaba, Jordan | Military-organised, royal patronage | 80+ countries represented, 40 exhibiting | --- ## Definition SOFEX (Special Operations Forces Exhibition and Conference) is a biennial international defence exhibition and conference dedicated to special operations forces equipment, homeland security and related technologies. It is held in Aqaba, Jordan, at the Aqaba International Exhibition and Convention Centre, and is organised by the Jordanian Armed Forces under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. The 2026 edition is the 15th in the series, which launched in 1996. The exhibition runs from 27 to 29 October 2026; the preceding day, 26 October, hosts the MESOC (Middle East Special Operations Commanders Conference). In 2026, both MESOC and the main exhibition are open to the public for the first time. ## Origins and development SOFEX was launched in 1996 in Amman, Jordan, as a dedicated meeting ground for special operations forces equipment manufacturers, procurement bodies and special operations commanders. Jordan's Royal Special Forces have a long and internationally recognised history, and the country's position as a stable, allied actor in the Middle East gave the event a credible institutional foundation. Under the supervision of Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein, SOFEX grew from a small regional gathering into a globally recognised platform. The venue later moved to Aqaba, Jordan's Red Sea port and special economic zone city, which provided modern convention facilities, greater space for outdoor and hardware displays, and easier logistics for international delegations. Each biennial edition has expanded the scope of participating nations and the range of technologies exhibited. ## The 2026 edition: seven new features SOFEX 2026 introduces a significant expansion and several first-time features that signal the show's evolution beyond a traditional arms exhibition. The total exhibition space at the Aqaba International Exhibition and Convention Centre has been increased to accommodate a record level of exhibitor interest. Seven distinct innovations characterise the 2026 edition: a new Elite Badge tier for industry professionals who are not part of official military delegations; the opening of MESOC to non-military ticket holders for the first time; a VR Solutions Zone with a laser shooting range and a Kill House simulation for public engagement; a dedicated Cybersecurity Zone as a core pillar of the event, reflecting the growing centrality of digital threats in special operations; a digital matchmaking programme through the exhibitor portal for pre-arranged meetings; new national pavilions from countries not previously represented; and an enlarged venue footprint to handle the record number of exhibitors. ## Where SOFEX sits in the defence calendar SOFEX occupies the late October slot in the Middle Eastern and global special operations defence calendar. It alternates on a biennial cycle and in 2026 follows DSEI (London, September 2025), Milipol (Paris, November 2026) and various national shows. For the special operations forces domain specifically, SOFEX is the largest dedicated exhibition globally, as most other major defence shows cover SOF as a sub-vertical rather than as the central focus. Its Jordanian host context also positions it as a diplomatic gateway to the Arab and broader MENA procurement community. ## Who attends SOFEX Exhibitors include global defence prime contractors, specialist SOF equipment suppliers, cybersecurity companies, drone and counter-UAS manufacturers and homeland security technology firms. Primary end users in attendance include the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF), Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF), Public Security Directorate (PSD), Civil Defence and the General Intelligence Department, alongside special operations commands and procurement delegations from partner nations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the West. In 2026, over 400 delegates from more than 80 countries are expected, with 40 countries officially exhibiting. The event's royal patronage and military organisation attract senior government and military figures including heads of state and defence ministers. ## What the SOFEX format includes SOFEX 2026 spans four days: the MESOC Conference on 26 October, followed by three days of exhibition from 27 to 29 October. MESOC is a high-level forum for Middle East special operations commanders, now open to public ticket holders for the first time. The main exhibition covers indoor halls and outdoor areas, with large hardware displays including air and land capabilities. Specific features in 2026 include the Cybersecurity Zone as a standalone thematic pillar, the VR Solutions Zone with public laser shooting range, the digital matchmaking portal for pre-arranged industry meetings, and national pavilions including a USA Partnership Pavilion. Live demonstrations of special operations tactics and equipment are a traditional feature of the show. ## What SOFEX covers SOFEX covers the full spectrum of special operations forces equipment and related technologies: light infantry weapons and munitions, unmanned aerial and ground vehicles, counter-UAS and C-UAS systems, individual soldier equipment and protection, night vision and optronics, communications and tactical networking, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), simulation and training systems, cybersecurity and information operations, maritime SOF equipment, helicopter and light aviation, and homeland security and border management technologies. ## The 2026 edition in numbers *(organiser-declared)* | | | |---|---| | Delegates | 400+ | | Countries represented | 80+ | | Exhibiting countries | 40 | | Exhibition days | 3 (27-29 October) | | MESOC Conference | 26 October (pre-show) | | Periodicity | Biennial | | Edition | 15th (since 1996) | --- ## FAQ - Identity and audience ### Is SOFEX open to the general public? Yes, in 2026 for the first time. Both the MESOC Conference (with a ticket) and the main exhibition are open to the public. This is a departure from previous editions, which were restricted to industry professionals and military delegations. ### What is MESOC? MESOC stands for the Middle East Special Operations Commanders Conference. It is held on the day before the main exhibition opens (26 October 2026) and brings together special operations force commanders from across the Middle East and partner nations to discuss technical and strategic issues in special operations. In 2026, it opens to public ticket holders for the first time. ### What is the Elite Badge? The Elite Badge is a new credential category introduced in 2026 for industry professionals who are not part of a formal military delegation but require higher-level access and a premium experience at the show. It is designed to bridge the gap between a standard visitor pass and an official military delegate invitation. --- ## The venue: Aqaba International Exhibition and Convention Centre (AIECC) The Aqaba International Exhibition and Convention Centre is located in Aqaba, Jordan's only coastal city, situated on the Red Sea at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba. Aqaba is a special economic zone and Jordan's principal seaport, approximately 330 km south of Amman. King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) serves Aqaba directly with domestic connections from Amman and some international routes. Queen Alia International Airport in Amman (AMM) is the principal international hub, approximately 4-5 hours by road. The AIECC provides both indoor convention space and outdoor exhibition area, which has been expanded for the 2026 edition. Aqaba's Red Sea location also provides a backdrop for maritime demonstration capabilities. ## The organiser: Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) SOFEX is directly organised by the Jordanian Armed Forces, a defining characteristic that distinguishes it from commercially organised defence shows. The event operates under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and under the supervision of Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein. This direct military and royal institutional structure ensures privileged access for exhibitors to end-user military and procurement contacts and gives the show a diplomatic status not common in the commercial exhibition world. The Jordanian Armed Forces use the show as a vehicle for procurement engagement, technology assessment and regional security cooperation. --- ## Editorial take *SOFEX is the only major defence exhibition in the world organised directly by a national armed force under royal patronage, which gives it an unmatched combination of end-user proximity and diplomatic access for SOF procurement across the Middle East and beyond.* --- ## How to register and what it costs Registration and exhibitor information are managed through the official SOFEX website (www.sofex.jo). The 2026 show introduces an online digital matchmaking programme accessible through the exhibitor portal for pre-arranging meetings with investors, delegates and suppliers. The Elite Badge is available for industry professionals requiring premium access without an official military delegation invite. Public ticket pricing and MESOC ticket availability are to be confirmed through the official website. Exhibitor participation pricing is not publicly disclosed; enquiries should be directed to the JAF organising team. ## FAQ - Access and practicalities ### How do I travel to Aqaba? The most practical international route is via Queen Alia International Airport in Amman (AMM), the main hub for international carriers serving Jordan, followed by a connecting domestic flight to King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba or a 4-5 hour road transfer. RJ (Royal Jordanian) and other carriers offer domestic Amman-Aqaba flights. Aqaba is also reachable by road from Israel (crossing at Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba) and Saudi Arabia. ### What is the climate in Aqaba in late October? Aqaba in late October typically experiences warm and dry conditions with daytime temperatures around 28-32 degrees Celsius. Evening temperatures are cooler. The outdoor exhibition and hardware demonstration areas are therefore comfortable, but sun protection and hydration are advisable during daytime. ### Are visas required? Citizens of most Western nations can obtain a Jordan Pass or on-arrival visa for Jordan. Official delegations typically travel under diplomatic coordination. Check the Jordanian Ministry of Interior's current visa requirements for your nationality before travel. --- ## First time at SOFEX? How to prepare - **Register and apply for the correct badge category in advance.** SOFEX uses multiple credential categories (standard visitor, Elite Badge, official delegation). Determine which applies to your status and register through the official portal well before the October opening to avoid access issues on arrival. - **Use the new digital matchmaking portal before the show.** The 2026 digital matchmaking programme allows you to identify and pre-arrange meetings with exhibitors, delegates and suppliers. Log in early, complete your profile and reach out to priority contacts before you land in Aqaba. - **Plan around MESOC if high-level strategic discussions are your priority.** The MESOC Conference on 26 October features special operations commanders and senior policy figures. Now open to the public with a ticket, it is the most senior-level day of the event and a distinct programme from the exhibition floor. - **Factor in travel logistics to Aqaba.** Most international visitors transit through Amman. Book Amman-Aqaba connecting flights or ground transport in advance, and allow enough time for Jordan entry procedures. Hotel capacity in Aqaba is limited relative to a major international show. - **Explore the Cybersecurity Zone and new pavilions.** For 2026, the dedicated Cybersecurity Zone and new participating countries' pavilions represent the most novel content. If digital and cyber dimensions of SOF are relevant to your work, prioritise time there. - **Dress and behaviour notes.** Jordan is a conservative country; business attire is appropriate throughout the trade event. Military personnel typically attend in service dress or national uniform on official delegation days. Respect local customs, particularly during prayer times, when some services may pause briefly. --- ## Resources | Resource | URL | |---|---| | Official website | https://www.sofex.jo/ | | LinkedIn | not disclosed | | X | not disclosed | | Register | https://www.sofex.jo/ | | Programme | not disclosed | --- **Last verified:** 2026-06-10 **Next review:** 2026-09-10 **Notes:** Confirmed dates 27-29 October 2026 (plus MESOC 26 October) from multiple sources. Figures (400+ delegates, 80+ countries, 40 exhibiting nations) are organiser-declared per Armada International May 2026 article. Official SOFEX website (sofex.jo) returned empty content on fetch; details cross-checked via armadainternational.com, defaiya.com, tradeindia.com, wikipedia.org. Founded 1996 per Wikipedia; 2026 is approximately the 15th edition (biennial cadence). Data fetched 2026-06-10. **Variables:** 46/58 **Concept definition:** applicable