Dubai to Host Arabian Travel Market 2026, Focus on Innovation and Technology

Dubai is set to host the 33rd Arabian Travel Market (ATM) from 14 to 17 September 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The event, organized by RX Global, will bring together destinations, tourism authorities, airlines, hotels, technology firms and industry professionals to rebuild connections and address priorities shaping future growth.

The 2026 edition will carry the banner ‘Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology,’ signalling a pivot toward artificial intelligence, digital transformation, smart mobility and evolving traveller expectations. New highlights include ATM Travel Tech—a co‑located exhibition with Sabre as the official strategic partner—and a Tech & Innovation Hub showcasing breakthroughs in AI, immersive tech, robotics, fintech and smart mobility.

Conference sessions will be grouped into a Global Stage, Future Stage and Experience Hub. These forums will convene policymakers, tourism leaders, researchers and tech specialists to tackle aviation, hospitality, destination resilience, luxury travel, accessibility, sustainability and investment.

According to Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director – UAE at RX Global, the travel industry has had to adapt in recent months. “We have listened to customer needs, adjusted where necessary and partnered to deliver the support and flexibility required to navigate changing circumstances,” she said. Curtis added that ATM’s role in reconnecting the global travel community is especially vital, aiming to strengthen partnerships and tackle immediate priorities while eyeing innovation and future opportunities.

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism highlighted the event’s role in fostering international partnerships and advancing the city’s broader economic goals. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, noted that hosting ATM at this juncture underscores Dubai’s status as a trusted global meeting point, where public and private sectors collaborate to restore confidence, unlock business and craft new growth avenues. He also linked the event to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to double Dubai’s economy and cement its position as a leading global destination for business and leisure.

Industry leaders also stressed technology and collaboration. Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates, said the event offers a key platform for deepening relationships, generating new business and showcasing the airline’s latest products. He added that Emirates is advancing joint tourism initiatives and partnerships with organizations targeting specialized traveller segments.

Haitham Mattar, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts for India, Middle East & Africa, observed that the Middle East continues to exhibit strong long‑term fundamentals for travel and hospitality, underpinned by sustained investment in tourism, infrastructure and international connectivity. Mattar explained that as hotel supply expands, the next phase will focus on converting that investment into sustainable, long‑term demand by leveraging technology and data to better understand travellers, reduce friction in the guest journey and deliver more relevant experiences.

Mohamed Al Rais, Executive Director of Al Rais Travel, highlighted the theme’s relevance to the company’s strategy. He noted that Al Rais has grown alongside Dubai since 1977 and is launching a new AlRaisTravel.com platform featuring Voice AI and Chat AI to accelerate travel planning. The company also aims to broaden its footprint in medical tourism by linking travellers with trusted healthcare providers worldwide.

Ramzi Al‑Qassab, Managing Director for the META, EE, CIS, PK division at Sabre, the ATM Travel Tech strategic partner, said the industry is navigating economic and geopolitical uncertainty while seizing real technological opportunities. He added that Sabre’s role is to equip airlines, agencies and hoteliers with the intelligence and technology needed to navigate the present confidently while building for the future.

Jonathan Heastie, Portfolio Director – Travel Sector at RX Global, said the event’s theme reflects the organization’s commitment to evolving alongside industry needs. He added that ATM 2026 will incorporate research from partners such as Tourism Economics, Euromonitor International and Dragon Trail International to enrich the conference programme.

ATM remains one of the Middle East’s premier international travel and tourism events, offering a platform for partnerships, knowledge exchange and new business across the sector. The 33rd edition will take place at Dubai’s DWTC from 14 to 17 September 2026, with a focus on innovation, technology and the future of travel.

The event is expected to draw a diverse mix of stakeholders, from government officials and industry executives to technology specialists, all of whom will examine how emerging technologies can drive sustainable growth and resilience in travel and tourism.

Participants will next attend the various stages and hubs, engage with partners and explore investment opportunities that align with the Travel 2040 theme.