The 33rd Arabian Travel Market (ATM) opens tomorrow at the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC), bringing the travel and tourism community to Dubai for four days of business, networking, knowledge exchange and collaboration.
ATM 2026, taking place from September 14-17, marks a pivotal moment for the global travel industry. After a period of industry-wide disruption, this year’s event will provide a platform for destinations, tourism authorities, airlines, hospitality brands, technology companies, buyers and industry experts to reconnect, strengthen commercial relationships and identify opportunities for the next phase of global tourism growth.
Held under the theme ‘Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology’, ATM 2026 will explore the forces reshaping the global tourism landscape, from artificial intelligence and digital transformation to changing traveler expectations, destination resilience, smart mobility and sustainable long-term growth.
Daniel Curtis, UAE Regional Portfolio Director at RX Global, said: “We are delighted to open the doors of Arabian Travel Market 2026 tomorrow and welcome the global travel and tourism industry back to Dubai.”
“This year is especially important as we see continued evolution in both the industry and ATM itself. From the debut of ATM Travel Tech and our expanded focus on innovation, to our conference program exploring the trends and opportunities shaping global tourism, there is much to look forward to over the next four days.”
“The industry has faced similar challenges in recent months, reinforcing the value of bringing communities together in person. We’re excited to be back and look forward to seeing the conversations, partnerships and opportunities that emerge during the show.”
Technology will be a major focus at this year’s event, with ATM Travel Tech debuting as a dedicated concurrent show. Featuring more than 180 exhibitors from 30 countries across two purpose-built halls, ATM Travel Tech brings together technology companies, innovators and industry leaders to explore solutions and partnerships that transform the travel ecosystem.
At the heart of ATM Travel Tech, the 850 square meter Tech & Innovation Hub offers an immersive look at developments across artificial intelligence, VR and AR, robotics, fintech and green technology. The hub will also feature a Futures Stage where technology leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators explore how emerging technologies are reshaping industries through sessions tackling artificial intelligence and automation, data and digital transformation, fintech, immersive technology, robotics, and next-generation travel platforms.
The stage will begin with Dr. Marwan Alzarooni, CEO of AI at Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET), who will explore the role of AI in reshaping the travel landscape. The program will also bring together senior representatives from Saber, Trip.com, Tripadvisor, Wego, MakeMyTrip, RateGain, and Visa to explore agent AI, the future of online travel agencies, investments and integration, digital discovery, and the evolving travel supply chain.
Continuing to promote the importance of knowledge exchange, the Global Stage and Experience Hub will bring together industry leaders, policy makers, researchers and technology experts over the course of four days of events.
The Global Stage will open with a ministerial debate, Building a Resilient Industry through Cooperation, which will bring together senior tourism industry leaders to discuss how the GCC can restore traveler confidence, strengthen its global position and lay the foundations for a resilient tourism future. Speakers include His Excellency Abdullah bin Touk Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism; Shaikha Al Nuwais, UN Secretary-General for Tourism; Fatima Jaafar Al Sayrafi, Minister of Tourism. and Apostolos Tsitsikostas, EC Commissioner, United Nations Tourism Authority.
Leading research institutions, including Oxford Economics Company Tourism Economics, Euromonitor International, STR, Dragon Trail International and other industry experts, will share research and practical insights to help tourism businesses navigate changing market conditions and identify new growth opportunities.
Curtis added: “The opportunities ahead for travel and tourism remain significant. Research by 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 traveler expectations.”
This year, a refreshed brand identity for the ATM will also be introduced and will be seen throughout the event. This evolution reflects ATM’s continued growth beyond the traditional exhibition floor into a year-round platform that connects communities, ideas, and commercial opportunities across the global travel and tourism ecosystem.
Now in its 33rd year, the Arabian Travel Market remains the Middle East’s leading international travel and tourism event, bringing together the global travel community to build partnerships, share knowledge and explore new business opportunities across sectors.