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The 33rd edition of Arabian Travel Market will open its doors on Monday bringing together more than 2,000 exhibitors and over 40,000 visitors from across the globe for four days of networking and deal-making at Dubai World Trade Centre. RX Global which organises the event rescheduled the gathering from earlier planned dates after consulting exhibitors buyers and partners to ensure maximum participation and business opportunities. The decision reflects ongoing dialogue with the travel industry amid a sector that organisers said has shown repeated resilience despite regional geopolitical developments.
This year’s programme centres on the theme Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology with the debut of ATM Travel Tech a co-located exhibition featuring more than 180 exhibitors from 30 countries. An 850-square-metre Tech and Innovation Hub will highlight artificial intelligence robotics fintech immersive experiences and sustainable mobility solutions according to the organiser’s preview. Conference sessions on the Global Stage Future Stage and Experience Hub will feature economists technology specialists and researchers examining destination resilience aviation innovation traveller behaviour and digital transformation.
Danielle Curtis regional portfolio director for the UAE at RX Global said the event prioritises creating a strong platform for business networking and partnerships. “Our priority is always to ensure that ATM delivers the strongest possible platform for business, networking and partnership opportunities for the international travel community,” Curtis said. She added that the revised September dates following industry feedback will allow exhibitors buyers and visitors to maximise their engagement at the gathering.
Organisers reported that the 2025 edition attracted 55,000 industry professionals from 166 countries marking a 16 percent increase on the prior year with more than 2,800 exhibiting companies. Nearly one-fifth of those exhibitors were based in the Middle East a detail that underscores the event’s regional significance according to RX Global data. The 2026 edition aims to build on those numbers by fostering long-term value through knowledge exchange and collaborative partnerships in a market projected for continued expansion.
Dubai Police will participate with a dedicated stand showcasing smart tourist services including the Dubai Police App tourist support solutions smart lost and found systems and awareness sessions on cybercrime prevention. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs plans to highlight biometric travel systems flexible visa options and related digital services at the event local authorities confirmed. Such engagements illustrate how public entities are integrating with the private travel sector to enhance visitor experiences and operational efficiency.
The Ajman Department of Tourism Culture and Media is among other UAE participants presenting cultural heritage interactive experiences and tourism offerings through a pavilion that includes archival photographs and private sector partners. RX Global has collaborated with entities such as Dubai World Trade Centre and the Department of Economy and Tourism to stage the event successfully. Additional confirmed speakers include representatives from Tourism Economics an Oxford Economics company and Euromonitor who will provide market insights during the conference programme.
Success of Arabian Travel Market 2026 will be measured by the quality of relationships formed and ideas generated rather than attendance figures alone Curtis noted in previews of the gathering. The organiser emphasised that the event serves as a forum for discussions on market confidence resilience and the future shape of global travel. Attendees have been advised to download the official app and secure meetings in advance to make the most of the four-day schedule.
