This year marked the 15th anniversary of the competition, and the 20th anniversary of MIDE. A long-time highlight of the expo, the photo competition, which has been developed and managed by the organisers of MIDE since its inception, attracted great enthusiasm and attention from visitors. It showcased a spellbinding collection of underwater imagery from talented photographers, both international and domestic.

According to independently audited figures submitted to the Malaysian government, no fewer than 19,887 visitors attended MIDE 2026. The exhibition featured 355 booths, completely sold out the main exhibition hall at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur and, by every measure, was a resounding success.

Those numbers alone are impressive.

This international event continues to spotlight exceptional visual storytelling from beneath the sea by underwater imagers from around the world.

Returning for its 2026 edition from 5-7 June at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur, MIDE aims to deliver its most ambitious and dynamic showcase yet—bringing together dive professionals, ocean advocates, newcomers and world-leading brands in a single, vibrant venue.

Now in its 19th edition, MIDE continues to develop and grow as Southeast Asia’s leading dive expo, where “business meets passion and innovation meets preservation.” This year, the organisers are delving even deeper into their shared dedication to the underwater realm with this year’s theme, “Explore, Connect and Conserve the Ocean's Enigma,” featuring a range of topics such as women in diving, cave exploration, technical diving, freediving, adaptive diving, marine conservation and sustainability.

Since its debut in 2006, MIDE has grown into a key event in the international dive event calendar, drawing over 250,000 attendees during its first 18 editions. It serves as a cornerstone for promoting the dive industry, fostering community connections and showcasing innovations in the underwater and watersports sectors.

The event welcomed ten hearing-impaired students from Sekolah Kebangsaan Pendidikan Khas Besut, Terengganu, many of whom had never set foot on a boat or an island, despite living near the coast of Besut. The students, accompanied by their teachers, explored the wonders of the underwater world in Terengganu through snorkeling and scuba diving, where they experienced the sensation of weightlessness. Dr Tengku Farah Kamilia, a lecturer in environmental and marine pollution at UMT, conducted a sharing session with the participants, highlighting the importance of marine conservation.