For more than 30 years, Arabian Travel Market has united the global travel and tourism industry, and last year’s edition proved once again why ATM remains the most influential meeting point for the sector
In 2026, ATM returns once again to Dubai with a sharper focus on innovation, technology, and high-growth travel segments, setting the agenda for what comes next
Over the past three decades, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has sat at the centre of the global travel and tourism conversation, acting as a catalyst for growth, collaboration and meaningful progress. This annual exhibition is where industry leaders, decision-makers, and innovators gather to explore new ideas, unlock commercial opportunity, and shape the future direction of travel.
Bringing together Leisure, Luxury and Ultra-Luxury, Business Events, and Corporate Travel under one roof, ATM is able to give a truly holistic view of the industry. It is the single platform where destinations, hospitality brands, technology providers, and travel businesses connect at scale, supported by world-class content, data-driven insights, and an unmatched international audience.
A Look Back at the Previous Edition
A must visit event for everyone involved in the industry, last year’s edition reinforced ATM’s position as the gateway to global travel and tourism growth. With strong international participation and a packed conference programme, the event spotlighted the forces reshaping the industry, with innovation, sustainability and entrepreneurship at the forefront. All of these themes were explored in depth in our Arabian Travel Market 2025 blog, which looked at how the show continues to evolve alongside the markets it serves.
ATM 2025 also demonstrated the power of the event as a commercial engine for the sector. With billions of dollars in deals generated and an ever-growing exhibitor base, the show once again delivered tangible value for brands and destinations looking to expand their global footprint. The conversations that took place on and off stage highlighted how collaboration, technology, and new thinking are essential to long-term growth in an increasingly complex travel landscape.
An Unmissable Annual Showpiece
Building on this momentum, Arabian Travel Market 2026 will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre from May 4th to 7th, bringing the global travel community back to the heart of Dubai. The upcoming edition continues ATM’s future-focused narrative, placing innovation and technology at the core of how the industry evolves over the next decade and beyond.
One of the defining themes of ATM 2026 is the role of innovation in unlocking new frontiers for global tourism. Across the exhibition floor and conference stages, visitors can expect deep dives into smart mobility, AI-powered travel planning, immersive AR and VR experiences, fintech solutions, and the technologies accelerating sustainable growth. The dedicated ATM Travel Tech area and Tech & Innovation Zone will once again serve as a hub for the industry’s most forward-thinking brands and start-ups.
Ultra-luxury travel will also take centre stage, with the exclusive ATM Ultra Luxury Lounge providing a curated environment for the world’s most prestigious travel brands to connect with high-net-worth buyers. As traveller expectations continue to evolve, discussions will explore how personalisation, wellness, experiential travel and boundary-pushing concepts are redefining luxury across global markets.
Business Events and corporate travel remain a key growth pillar for the region, and the expanded IBTM @ ATM will play a major role in 2026. This dedicated hub connects the international meetings and events community with the Middle East’s fast-growing MICE sector, featuring AI-driven matchmaking, experiential design showcases and high-profile speakers on the Experience Stage. As mega-events continue to drive tourism and economic impact, these conversations are more relevant than ever.
The Business of Sport
Sports tourism will be another major focus at ATM 2026. New research from ATM’s official partner, GSIQ, reveals that sports-led travellers spend up to twice as much as the average leisure tourist, with many seeking premium accommodation, curated VIP experiences, and extended stays beyond the event itself.
Valued at approximately US$600 billion in the Middle East alone, sports tourism has become a powerful catalyst for destination loyalty, longer length of stay, and repeat visitation. Across the conference programme, industry leaders will explore how major sporting events, immersive technology, and experience-led hospitality can convert passion-driven travel into long-term tourism revenue, reinforcing sport as a strategic gateway to sustainable growth.
Sustainability is another facet that remains woven into every aspect of the event. Building on its sustainability pledge and long-term net-zero ambitions, ATM 2026 will continue to champion responsible tourism, carbon-reduction strategies, and biodiversity initiatives. These discussions reflect a broader industry shift, where sustainable practices are no longer optional but fundamental to future success.
As Arabian Travel Market prepares to open its doors once again, the 2026 edition will be sure to deliver insight, inspiration, and opportunity in equal measure. With its unrivalled ability to bring the global travel ecosystem together, ATM remains the place to connect, learn, and be part of the conversations shaping the future of tourism.
For anyone invested in the evolution of travel, across leisure, luxury, business events or corporate travel, Arabian Travel Market 2026 is an experience best witnessed first-hand.
For more details on Arabian Travel Market 2026, visit the website or follow them on Instagram @Arabian_Travel_Market to keep up to date.
For more related updates and to Katch us covering similar topics, watch this space!
Katch our game-changing PR and Communications, Social Media, Branding and Design, Brand Consultancy, Digital Marketing, and Global Communications services to help your brand make noise. Get in touch with our 360-Marketing agency in Dubai, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and London, and let’s get the conversation started!