ATM 2026 will highlight Dubai’s resilience, global connectivity and future tourism growth | News

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 has strengthened Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most resilient and best-prepared destinations for global travel and tourism, as the sector continues to navigate changing market conditions.
ATM 2026 will take place from September 14 to 17, 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) and will bring together the international travel community at a pivotal time for the industry, underscoring confidence in Dubai’s ability to maintain business continuity, operational excellence and global connectivity.

The revised dates for ATM 2026 reflect a considered, collaborative approach aimed at supporting the global travel industry, giving exhibitors, buyers, visitors and partners greater flexibility and confidence to participate, while maximizing opportunities for participation and business engagement.
Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director – UAE, RX Global, said: “We recognize that the move to September means change for everyone; ATM’s role as an essential platform for the travel and tourism community to reconnect, strengthen partnerships and drive meaningful dialogue at a time when industry collaboration is most needed 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 sector together and support its long-term recovery and future growth.”

Amid a series of strategic government initiatives, including AED 2.5 billion in economic stimulus packages, tourism support measures and enhanced public safety legislation, Dubai has maintained operations across the aviation, tourism, hospitality and events ecosystem, strengthening the emirate’s long-term preparedness and resilience.
Hoor Al Khaja, Senior Vice President, International Operations at Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: “Dubai’s approach, led by the city’s visionary leadership, has always been rooted in long-term planning, agility and strong collaboration between government and business stakeholders. Throughout recent regional developments, the city has remained open, operational and welcoming, reinforcing the trust placed in Dubai by travelers, businesses and international partners worldwide. City continues to provide a powerful platform for major events and gatherings in key sectors, including tourism, and we look forward to engaging with the international travel community at ATM 2026.”
Airline connectivity is steadily returning and as a result, inbound tourism is expected to increase. The UAE announced the full resumption of air traffic operations on May 2, while Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait have also opened their airspace. Emirates has restored 96% of its global network, operating to 138 destinations in 73 countries, with more than 1,300 weekly flights. Etihad Airways, flydubai and Qatar Airways all continue to restore their flight schedules.

To further boost confidence in travel to the region, the UK government has withdrawn its travel warning for the UAE, reflecting improved regional stability and supporting the recovery in international travel demand. Australia has also downgraded its travel advisory for several Middle Eastern destinations, including the UAE, recognizing the easing of regional tensions and providing additional assurance to travelers, tourism companies and event organizers planning future trips to the region.
Additional industry data further highlights the resilience of the GCC’s hospitality sector amid recent regional disruption. Research presented by STR, ATM’s official research partner, shows that hotel occupancy rates in key GCC markets have continued to recover steadily in recent weeks, mainly supported by strong domestic demand and the continued operation of key tourism infrastructure.
Dubai has maintained stable performance in the hospitality industry during this period, strengthening the strength of its diversified tourism economy, advanced infrastructure and coordinated public-private sector response. The findings support broader industry expectations that destinations with strong connectivity, established tourism ecosystems and proactive government support, such as Dubai and the wider UAE, are likely to recover faster as regional conditions stabilize.

Curtis continued: “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 together the international travel community at a time when collaboration, trust and long-term planning are more important than ever. By bringing together 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.”
Under the theme ‘Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers through Innovation and Technology’, ATM 2026 will place greater emphasis on resilience, adaptability and future preparedness in the global travel ecosystem.
The comprehensive ATM conference program will explore the evolving challenges and opportunities shaping international tourism, with special sessions on crisis management, destination resilience, traveler confidence, aviation continuity, digital transformation and long-term sustainable growth strategies.
In the Global Stage, Future Stage and Experience Hub, policymakers, tourism authorities, researchers and technology leaders will discuss how destinations can strengthen preparedness, improve operational agility and build greater resilience against geopolitical, economic and environmental disruption.

Research-led sessions delivered in partnership with organizations including STR, Oxford Economics firm Tourism Economics, GSIQ and ICCA, will provide strategic insights into changing traveler sentiment, global mobility trends, destination competitiveness and the future of tourism demand.
Euromonitor International’s Stephen Dutton, Global Insight Manager – Travel, will deliver a keynote session entitled The State of Travel: Inflation, Polycrisis & the New Travel Reality.
Speaking ahead of the event, he said: “Travel spending rose to record levels in 2025, surpassing GDP growth in many markets. This is strong evidence of the continued demand for meaningful cross-border experiences. This resilience is not incidental: travel has repositioned itself as an attainable luxury that consumers actively protect, even under increasing economic and geopolitical pressure, and when consumers must make trade-offs elsewhere to do so. Travel allows consumers to escape the everyday challenges they face.” face it and experience the world positively.”