Dubai is preparing to welcome travel and tourism professionals from around the world as Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 returns to Dubai World Trade Centre from September 14 to 17.
Organised by RX Global, the 33rd edition of the leading regional travel trade event will bring together tourism authorities, destinations, airlines, hotels, technology companies and industry professionals at a time when the global travel sector continues to navigate economic, geopolitical and technological changes.
This year’s ATM will focus on the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology”, highlighting the growing role of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, smart mobility and evolving traveller expectations in shaping the next generation of tourism.
A major addition to the event will be ATM Travel Tech, a dedicated co-located exhibition developed with Sabre as its official strategic partner. The event’s Tech & Innovation Hub will feature emerging technologies across artificial intelligence, immersive experiences, robotics, fintech and smart mobility.
The conference programme will span the Global Stage, Future Stage and Experience Hub, with policymakers, tourism executives, researchers and technology experts examining issues ranging from aviation and hospitality to destination resilience, luxury travel, accessibility, sustainability and investment.
Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director – UAE at RX Global, said the current environment had required the industry to remain adaptable while maintaining strong relationships with customers and partners.
“ATM has always been about bringing the global travel community together, and this year that role feels particularly important,” Curtis said. She added that the event would focus on rebuilding connections, strengthening partnerships and addressing immediate industry priorities while exploring the innovations expected to shape the future of travel.
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism officials also underlined the importance of ATM to the emirate’s international tourism and economic ambitions.
His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said hosting ATM at this point in the global travel cycle reinforces Dubai’s position as an international hub for government and private-sector collaboration.
He said the event supports Dubai’s efforts under the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy and strengthen its position as a leading global destination for business and leisure.
“Platforms such as ATM are vital to strengthening international partnerships and accelerating innovation across the visitor economy,” Kazim said, adding that Dubai was looking forward to welcoming the international travel community once again.
The aviation and hospitality sectors are also expected to place strong emphasis on technology and collaboration during the event.
Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates, said ATM remains an important platform for the airline to deepen relationships with partners, develop new commercial opportunities and showcase its latest products.
He noted that Emirates would continue developing tourism initiatives and partnerships targeting specialised traveller segments, while strengthening long-standing relationships across the industry.
IHG Hotels & Resorts also highlighted the importance of technology as the Middle East’s tourism and hospitality sectors continue to expand.
Haitham Mattar, Managing Director for India, Middle East & Africa at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said sustained investment in tourism infrastructure, destination development and international connectivity was creating strong long-term opportunities for the region.
However, he said the next stage of growth would increasingly depend on turning that investment into sustainable demand. Technology and data, he added, will be important in understanding travellers, reducing friction throughout the guest journey and creating more personalised experiences.
Travel company Al Rais Travel is also using ATM 2026 to introduce new technology initiatives.
Mohamed Al Rais, Executive Director of Al Rais Travel, said the company plans to launch its new AlRaisTravel.com platform, which will incorporate Voice AI and Chat AI to make travel planning faster and more personalised.
The company is also expanding its focus on medical tourism by connecting travellers with healthcare providers internationally.
Sabre, the strategic partner for ATM Travel Tech, said travel companies are having to balance economic and geopolitical uncertainty with rapidly developing technology.
Ramzi Al-Qassab, Managing Director for META, EE, CIS and Pakistan at Sabre, said the industry needs technology and data-driven intelligence to navigate current challenges while preparing for future changes.
Jonathan Heastie, Portfolio Director – Travel Sector at RX Global, said ATM would continue evolving alongside the travel industry and the communities it serves.
He said the 2026 theme reflects the need to address immediate challenges while also looking ahead to the technologies and opportunities that could influence tourism over the coming years.
Research from ATM knowledge partners, including Tourism Economics, Euromonitor International and Dragon Trail International, will also contribute to discussions during the conference programme.
Now in its 33rd edition, Arabian Travel Market continues to serve as a major international meeting point for the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector, providing opportunities for industry stakeholders to develop partnerships, exchange knowledge and explore new commercial opportunities.
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