The Arabian Travel Market 2026 will take place from 4 to 7 May 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together policymakers, tourism boards, airlines, hotel groups, travel technology firms and investors from across the world. Widely regarded as one of the most influential travel trade events globally, ATM continues to serve as a central meeting point for shaping strategy, partnerships and investment decisions across the tourism ecosystem.
The scale of the event reflects its growing global relevance. Recent editions have attracted over 55,000 industry professionals from more than 160 countries, alongside 2,800-plus exhibitors, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global hub for tourism dialogue and deal-making. Organisers expect ATM 2026 to build on this momentum as travel demand, investment and innovation accelerate worldwide.
A forward-looking agenda focused on Travel 2040
Arabian Travel Market 2026 will be held under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology,” positioning the event firmly around long-term transformation rather than short-term recovery. The programme is designed to examine how technology, sustainability, shifting consumer behaviour and demographic change will redefine how people travel over the next two decades.
The conference agenda will unfold across multiple stages, including a Global Stage focused on macroeconomic trends, policy and investment flows; a Future Stage examining technology, artificial intelligence, automation and digital travel platforms; and an Experience Stage dedicated to business events, experiential tourism and destination engagement. Sessions will feature senior industry leaders, government officials and data specialists, supported by insights from global research and analytics firms.
Innovation, travel technology and sustainable growth
Innovation will sit at the core of Arabian Travel Market 20266, with a dedicated Travel Tech zone showcasing emerging solutions across artificial intelligence, data analytics, immersive travel experiences, fintech, automation and smart destination management. The focus reflects the rapid digitalisation of the travel sector, where technology is increasingly central to customer experience, operational efficiency and revenue growth.
Sustainability and inclusion will also be prominent themes throughout the programme. Discussions will address responsible tourism development, climate adaptation, accessibility and workforce diversity, alongside forums dedicated to leadership and gender inclusion in travel. Organisers say this integrated approach reflects a growing industry consensus that long-term competitiveness depends on balancing innovation with environmental and social responsibility.
Market opportunity and economic impact
Arabian Travel Market 2026 takes place against a backdrop of strong long-term growth projections for global travel. Industry estimates suggest global leisure travel spending could rise to around $15 trillion by 2040, up from roughly $5 trillion in 2024, driven by expanding middle-class populations, improved connectivity and rising demand for experiential travel.
The Middle East is expected to be one of the fastest-growing regions within this expansion. International tourism nights across the region are projected to approach 1.5 billion by 2030, nearly double mid-2020s levels, supported by large-scale infrastructure investment, airline expansion and destination development. ATM provides a platform for governments and businesses to position themselves within this growth cycle and attract international capital and partnerships.
Outlook
As global travel enters a more complex and competitive phase, Arabian Travel Market 2026 is positioning itself as more than a trade exhibition. Organisers describe it as a strategic knowledge and deal-making platform, where data-driven insight, technology adoption and cross-sector collaboration converge.
With thousands of decision-makers expected to attend, the event is likely to influence policy priorities, investment flows and innovation strategies well beyond the four-day exhibition. By anchoring its agenda around long-term horizons and measurable market opportunity, Arabian Travel Market 2026 aims to help shape how destinations, airlines, hospitality groups and technology providers prepare for the next era of global travel and tourism.
