- Arabian Travel Market 2026 runs from 14 to 17 September at Dubai World Trade Centre
- The theme is Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology
- Dubai welcomed approximately 7m international visitors in the first eight months of 2026
- ATM Travel Tech debuted with more than 180 exhibitors from 30 countries
- A ministerial debate focused on tourism resilience and coordinated policy
The 33rd edition of the Arabian Travel Market has opened at the Dubai World Trade Centre under the theme Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology. The event runs from 14 to 17 September 2026. More than 55,000 industry professionals are expected to attend.
Day one focused on industry resilience, the debut of next-generation travel technology, and major commercial partnerships. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, highlighted that Dubai welcomed approximately 7m international overnight visitors in the first eight months of 2026 with around 21m hotel room nights booked.
The new Future Stage opened with a keynote from Dr Marwan Alzarouni, CEO of AI at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. ATM Travel Tech made its full debut with more than 180 exhibitors from 30 countries across two halls. A high-level ministerial debate examined how governments and the private sector can build a more resilient tourism industry.
Key takeaways from day one of Arabian Travel Market 2026 (
The 33rd edition opened under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology,” with strong emphasis on recovery, resilience and technology after a period of regional disruption.
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, and Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed toured the show. Sheikh Mohammed highlighted that Dubai welcomed approximately 7 million international overnight visitors in the first eight months of 2026, with around 21 million hotel room nights booked, and stressed the emirate’s commitment to remaining a leading global tourism destination. Artificial intelligence takes centre stage
- The new Future Stage (part of the debut ATM Travel Tech zone) opened with a keynote from Dr Marwan Alzarouni, CEO of AI at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. Discussions focused on AI moving beyond personalisation and chatbots to reshape core industry systems, governance, data, connectivity and collaboration. Ministerial focus on resilience and collaboration
- A high-level ministerial debate examined how governments and the private sector can build a more resilient tourism industry. Participants included UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UN Tourism’s Shaikha Al Nuwais, Bahrain’s Tourism Minister, and European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas. Topics covered traveller confidence, crisis communications and coordinated policy. Technology platform launches
- ATM Travel Tech made its full debut with more than 180 exhibitors from 30 countries across two halls. The 850 sqm Tech & Innovation Hub showcased AI, virtual and augmented reality, robotics, fintech and green technologies. Broader industry mood
- Sessions also covered hospitality growth trends, the return of Chinese outbound travellers, and destination resilience. Airlines (including Emirates and Etihad), hotel groups, national tourism boards and technology firms were strongly represented.
