ATM 2026 brought the global travel industry to Dubai, spotlighting AI, smarter mobility, tourism partnerships and new visitor experiences.
DUBAI: ATM 2026 brought travel buyers, tourism authorities, airlines, hospitality groups and technology companies to Dubai as the four-day Arabian Travel Market concluded at Dubai World Trade Centre on September 17, 2026.
The 33rd edition ran from September 14 to 17, bringing together the international travel and tourism industry at one of the Middle East’s leading trade events. Dubai World Trade Centre confirms the dates and venue, while the official ATM website describes an event connecting the global travel community and focusing heavily on technology and the future of tourism.
This year’s event put artificial intelligence, digital transformation, smart mobility and changing traveller expectations firmly in focus. Held under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology”, the programme explored how emerging technologies and new consumer priorities could reshape travel over the coming years.
ATM 2026 also became a platform for announcements spanning aviation, hospitality, rail and travel technology. According to information supplied by organisers, these included the launch of the unified Visit UAE tourism brand and UAE Grand Tour platform, alongside new partnerships involving major aviation, transport and hospitality companies.
Technology had a particularly prominent role. Organisers expanded the event’s focus on travel technology, while artificial intelligence and digitalisation featured across discussions about passenger experiences, tourism planning and industry efficiency. The Dubai Media Office also highlighted AI, digital transformation, sustainable tourism and smart mobility among the developments showcased during the event.
The event’s international reach reinforces Dubai’s role as a meeting point for tourism businesses seeking partnerships across the Middle East and wider global markets. The official ATM platform says the event connects tourism organisations, hotels, airlines, destination management companies and travel technology providers with industry buyers and decision-makers.
Attention now shifts towards the next edition as the tourism industry continues to examine how technology, connectivity and changing traveller behaviour could influence future growth.
Impact to expect
Dubai could benefit from stronger tourism partnerships, greater travel technology investment and new connections between aviation, hospitality and transport. The emphasis on AI and integrated journeys may also accelerate efforts to make travel across the UAE simpler and more connected.
