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The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority wrapped up its involvement in Arabian Travel Market 2026 on a positive note following four days of active engagement with industry partners, travel professionals, media representatives and decision makers from markets worldwide. The authority’s Visit Sharjah pavilion functioned as an interactive platform that presented the emirate’s diverse offerings spanning Sharjah City, the Central Region and the East Coast along with year-round cultural, heritage, nature, family and adventure experiences. Khalid Waleed Bin Falah Al Mansoori, director of the international promotion department at the authority, thanked all participating governmental and private sector organisations for their contributions to the exhibition and voiced expectations that future participations and promotional tours would deliver even stronger results. Al Mansoori noted that the event marked Sharjah’s 29th time at the exhibition, with each edition used to highlight the latest advancements in the emirate’s tourism and hospitality projects while fostering direct interaction between international tourism companies and local businesses.
The authority held multiple meetings and provided comprehensive briefings to visiting entities during the market, resulting in beneficial outcomes for all sides, according to Al Mansoori. Participation featured the unveiling of a new design for the Visit Sharjah pavilion at a press conference on the third day of the exhibition alongside announcements of partnerships and initiatives designed to develop the sector and improve visitor experiences. The authority stated that one key outcome was a new collaboration with Kalimat Group to produce updated visitor guides that will better inform tourists about Sharjah’s attractions. This activity forms part of a sustained effort to strengthen the emirate’s profile in international markets through high-quality alliances that support sustainable tourism expansion.
Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, described the market as a strategic platform that demonstrates coordination between public and private entities to advance a competitive and sustainable tourism industry capable of adapting to global changes. In statements carried by Sharjah24, Al Midfa emphasised how the updated pavilion incorporates virtual and digital technologies to deliver an immersive overview of the emirate’s integrated tourism ecosystem, development projects and distinctive experiences across its three main regions. The chairman added that such presentations help reinforce Sharjah’s standing as a destination focused on culture, nature and sustainability. The authority’s pre-event planning indicated that more than 30 government and private sector partners joined the pavilion, among them Sharjah International Airport, Sharjah Museums Authority, the Environment and Protected Areas Authority through Sharjah Safari, and several other specialised entities.
Organisers of Arabian Travel Market 2026 reported that the exhibition drew travel buyers representing more than 115 countries to the Dubai World Trade Centre from September 14 to 17. The 33rd edition of the event examined trends including artificial intelligence, digital transformation and evolving traveller preferences that are shaping the future of the industry, a Zawya press release on the gathering noted. Sharjah’s consistent presence at the market since its early editions has enabled the authority to build long-term relationships that translate into increased visitor flows and investment in tourism infrastructure. The authority’s latest participation aligns with these broader objectives by prioritising measurable partnerships over simple promotion.
Sharjah Asset Management used the platform to present its diversified portfolio spanning 14 economic sectors with both local and international investments that contribute to the emirate’s tourism-related development. Salim Al Midfa, chief officer for corporate communications and customer experience at the company, outlined how the participation reflected a shift toward greater efficiency and sustainable value creation through targeted collaborations. The company’s display at the pavilion complemented the authority’s focus on unlocking new opportunities in heritage, environmental and leisure projects. Such coordinated representation underscores the integrated approach that characterises Sharjah’s tourism strategy at major trade events.
