Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 will place resilience, connectivity, and future tourism growth at the centre of its agenda when it returns to Dubai World Trade Centre from 14–17 September 2026. The event will bring together global tourism stakeholders at a time when the industry continues to navigate evolving market conditions and geopolitical challenges.
Organisers said the event reinforces Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most resilient and best-prepared tourism destinations, supported by strong infrastructure, operational continuity, and coordinated public-private sector collaboration.
The revised September dates have been introduced to provide exhibitors, buyers, visitors, and partners with greater flexibility while maximising opportunities for participation and business engagement.
Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director – UAE, RX Global, said, “We appreciate the move to September means change for everyone; however, ATM’s role as a vital platform for the travel and tourism community to reconnect, strengthen partnerships and drive meaningful dialogue at a time when industry collaboration is needed most, is a key priority.
“Supported by Dubai’s world-class infrastructure, operational resilience and strong public-private sector coordination, ATM 2026 remains firmly positioned to bring the tourism industry together and support long-term recovery and future growth.”
Dubai reinforces tourism leadership
According to the organisers, Dubai has maintained operational continuity across its aviation, tourism, hospitality, and events sectors through a series of strategic initiatives, including economic stimulus measures, tourism support programmes, and enhanced public safety legislation.
Hoor Al Khaja, Senior Vice President, International Operations, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said, “Dubai’s approach, guided by the city’s visionary leadership, has always been rooted in long-term planning, agility and strong collaboration across government and industry stakeholders. Throughout recent regional developments, the city has remained open, operational and welcoming, reinforcing the trust placed in Dubai by travellers, businesses and international partners worldwide. The city continues to provide a powerful platform for major events and meetings across key sectors, including tourism, and we look forward to engaging with the international travel community at ATM 2026.”
The organisers noted that air connectivity across the region continues to recover, with the UAE resuming full air traffic operations in May 2026. Emirates has restored 96 per cent of its global network, operating to 138 destinations across 73 countries with more than 1,300 weekly frequencies, while Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Qatar Airways continue to rebuild schedules.
The lifting of travel advisories by key source markets, including the UK and Australia, is also expected to support international travel demand to the region.
Focus on innovation and preparedness
Held under the theme ‘Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology’, ATM 2026 will examine how destinations and travel businesses can strengthen resilience, improve operational agility, and prepare for future disruptions.
The conference programme will feature discussions across the Global Stage, Future Stage, and Experience Hub, covering crisis management, destination resilience, traveller confidence, aviation continuity, digital transformation, and sustainable tourism growth.
Research-led sessions in partnership with organisations including STR, Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, GSIQ, and ICCA will explore traveller sentiment, mobility trends, destination competitiveness, and future tourism demand.
Stephen Dutton, Global Insight Manager – Travel, Euromonitor International, who will deliver a keynote session titled The State of Travel: Inflation, Polycrisis & the New Travel Reality, said, “Travel spending surged to record levels in 2025, outpacing GDP growth in many markets. This is a powerful testament to the enduring demand for meaningful cross-border experiences. This resilience is not incidental – travel has repositioned itself as an attainable luxury that consumers actively protect, even amid mounting economic and geopolitical pressures, and when consumers need to make trade-offs elsewhere to do so. Travel allows consumers to escape the day-to-day challenges they face and to experience the world positively.”
Industry collaboration in focus
Curtis added, “Dubai has consistently demonstrated resilience, stability and leadership during periods of global uncertainty, supported by proactive governance, world-class infrastructure and a highly coordinated tourism ecosystem. The city remains fully operational, connected and firmly focused on the future.
“ATM 2026 will play an important role in bringing the international travel community together at a time when collaboration, confidence and long-term planning are more important than ever. By convening industry leaders, policymakers, tourism authorities and innovators from around the world, ATM will continue to support meaningful partnerships and contribute to the future growth and resilience of global tourism.”
The 33ʳᵈ edition of Arabian Travel Market is expected to bring together travel leaders, policymakers, tourism boards, researchers, and technology innovators from around the world to discuss the future of global tourism and the role of resilience in shaping long-term industry growth.