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The Sharjah Airport Authority announced its participation in the 33rd edition of the Arabian Travel Market, one of the leading travel and tourism exhibitions in the region, according to the Emirates News Agency. The event is scheduled to take place from September 14 to 17, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, with the authority joining under the umbrella of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority together with Sharjah Airport Travel Agency and Air Arabia. This appearance builds on the authority’s active engagement in similar global platforms throughout the previous year to promote connectivity and service improvements.
Visitors to the Sharjah Airport stand will receive detailed briefings on the latest infrastructure projects, most notably the ongoing expansion of the passenger terminal that will increase overall capacity. Advanced digital tools aimed at simplifying check-in, security and boarding processes will feature prominently alongside a variety of passenger-focused initiatives designed to reduce wait times and elevate comfort. The authority’s advantageous location continues to facilitate direct links to more than 100 destinations worldwide, supporting its role as a vital regional hub.
According to the authority, the Arabian Travel Market serves as a critical forum for dialogue with international stakeholders. Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Airport Authority, said, “Arabian Travel Market continues to be a vital platform for engaging with the global travel community and showcasing Sharjah Airport’s progress. Our participation this year reflects our commitment to strengthening international partnerships, enhancing connectivity to key markets, and supporting the Emirate’s wider tourism vision. As we continue our development journey, we remain focused on delivering a travel experience that meets the highest international standards and reinforces Sharjah’s standing as a leading destination.” Al Midfa emphasised the event’s value in building long-term collaborations that align with broader economic objectives.
The involvement of Sharjah Airport Travel Agency will allow for expanded discussions with exhibitors and buyers on integrated travel packages while Air Arabia prepares to outline recent additions to its route map and fleet modernisation efforts. These joint efforts are expected to generate new business opportunities and reinforce existing relationships across the aviation and tourism sectors. Industry representatives from airlines, hotel groups and technology providers will converge at the exhibition to explore potential synergies.
Sharjah Airport Authority figures show the facility welcomed 19.48 million passengers in 2025, a 13.9 percent rise from 17.1 million the year before, reflecting sustained demand that the current participation seeks to further stimulate. The authority’s 2026-2028 strategy prioritises innovation, environmental sustainability and operational excellence to accommodate this growth while maintaining high service standards. Earlier appearances at the 2025 edition of the same event and other major gatherings helped highlight comparable upgrades and attracted additional carriers to the network.
Arabian Travel Market 2026 was rescheduled to these September dates from an original May slot to maximise attendance following regional developments, and will proceed under the theme Travel 2040 with a strong focus on innovation and technology. A co-located Travel Tech section will host more than 180 exhibitors from 30 countries presenting solutions in artificial intelligence, sustainable mobility and digital booking platforms. The gathering typically draws tens of thousands of professionals from over 160 nations, creating a concentrated environment for deal-making and knowledge exchange.
Participation in the exhibition highlights the airport’s integral contribution to the emirate’s tourism infrastructure and economic diversification aims. By presenting its expansion roadmap and service enhancements, the authority aims to draw further investment and route development that bolster Sharjah’s position as a competitive destination. The stand forms one element of a comprehensive Sharjah pavilion featuring multiple government bodies and private operators.
