The 33rd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will open tomorrow at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), bringing the global travel and tourism community together for four days of business, networking, knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Taking place from
14–17 September, ATM 2026 arrives at a pivotal time for the global tourism
industry following a period of disruption across the sector.
The event is expected
to bring together destinations, tourism authorities, airlines, hospitality
brands, technology companies, buyers and industry professionals to rebuild
commercial relationships, exchange expertise and explore opportunities for the
next phase of tourism growth.
Held under the theme
‘Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology’, this
year’s ATM will examine the major forces reshaping tourism, including
artificial intelligence, digital transformation, changing traveller
expectations, destination resilience, smart mobility and sustainable long-term
growth.
Danielle Curtis,
Regional Portfolio Director – UAE, RX Global, said: “I’m delighted to be
opening the doors to Arabian Travel Market 2026 tomorrow and welcoming the
global travel and tourism industry back to Dubai.
“This year is
particularly significant as we see continued evolution across both the industry
and ATM itself. From the debut of ATM Travel Tech and an expanded focus on
innovation to a conference programme exploring the trends and opportunities
shaping global tourism, there is a great deal to look forward to over the next
four days.
“The industry has also
faced its share of challenges in recent months, reinforcing the value of
bringing our community together in person. It is great to be back, and I’m
looking forward to seeing the conversations, partnerships and opportunities
that emerge over the course of the show.”
Technology will be a
central focus at ATM 2026 with the debut of ATM Travel Tech, a dedicated
co-located event featuring more than 180 exhibitors from 30 countries across
two halls.
The platform will
bring together technology companies, innovators and industry leaders to examine
the solutions transforming the travel ecosystem.
A key attraction will
be the 850sqm Tech & Innovation Hub, showcasing developments in artificial
intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, robotics, fintech and green
technologies.
Its Future Stage will
feature technology leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators
discussing artificial intelligence and automation, digital transformation,
fintech, immersive technology, robotics and next-generation travel platforms.
The programme will
open with Dr Marwan Alzarouni, CEO, AI at the Dubai Department of Economy and
Tourism (DET), examining the role of AI in reshaping travel.
Senior representatives
from Sabre, Trip.com, Tripadvisor, Wego, MakeMyTrip, RateGain and Visa will
also discuss agentic AI, online travel agencies, investment, digital discovery
and the evolving travel supply chain.
Knowledge exchange
will remain central to the event, with the Global Stage and Experience Hub
hosting tourism leaders, policymakers, researchers and technology specialists
throughout the four days.
The Global Stage will
begin with the Ministerial Debate: Building A Resilient Industry Through
Collaboration, bringing together senior tourism figures to consider how the GCC
can rebuild traveller confidence, strengthen its international position and develop
a more resilient tourism sector.
Speakers include UAE
Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla Al Marri, UN Tourism Secretary General Shaikha
Al Nuwais, Bahrain’s Minister of Tourism Fatima Jaafar Al Sairafi, and EC
Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas.
Research organisations
including Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, Euromonitor
International, STR and Dragon Trail International will provide insights into
changing market conditions and emerging growth opportunities.
Curtis added: “The
opportunity ahead for travel and tourism remains significant. Research from our
partners continues to demonstrate the underlying resilience of travel demand,
while innovation is creating new ways for destinations and businesses to respond
to changing traveller expectations.”
ATM 2026 will also
introduce a refreshed brand identity, reflecting the event’s evolution from a
traditional exhibition into a year-round platform connecting communities, ideas
and commercial opportunities across the global travel and tourism ecosystem.
Now in its 33rd
edition, Arabian Travel Market remains a major international travel and tourism
event in the Middle East, providing a platform for the global industry to build
partnerships, share knowledge and identify new business opportunities. -TradeArabia News Service
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