Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 has reinforced Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most resilient and best prepared destinations for global travel and tourism, as the industry navigates evolving market conditions.
The event will take place from 14 to 17 September 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), bringing together the international travel community at a pivotal time for the sector. The revised dates reflect a measured, collaborative approach designed to give exhibitors, buyers, visitors and partners greater flexibility and confidence to attend.
“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,” said Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director, UAE, RX Global.
“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,” she said.
Dubai has maintained operations across its aviation, tourism, hospitality and events ecosystem, supported by a range of strategic government initiatives. These include an AED2.5 billion economic stimulus package, tourism support measures and enhanced public safety legislation.
“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,” said 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).
“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,” she said. “We look forward to engaging with the international travel community at ATM 2026.”
Air connectivity is steadily returning to the region, with inbound tourism expected to increase as a result. The UAE announced the full resumption of air traffic operations on 2 May, while Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait have also reopened their airspace.
Emirates has restored 96% of its global network, operating to 138 destinations across 73 countries with over 1,300 weekly frequencies. Etihad Airways, flydubai and Qatar Airways are all continuing to restore their schedules.
Further reinforcing confidence in travel to the region, the UK government has lifted its travel warning to the UAE, reflecting improved regional stability. Australia has also downgraded its travel advice for several Middle Eastern destinations, including the UAE, citing the easing of regional tensions.
Additional industry data highlights the resilience of the GCC hospitality sector amid recent regional disruption. Research presented by STR, ATM’s official research partner, shows hotel occupancy levels across key GCC markets have continued to recover steadily in recent weeks, supported primarily by strong domestic demand and the continued operation of core tourism infrastructure.
Dubai has maintained stable hospitality performance throughout this period, reinforcing the strength of its diversified tourism economy, advanced infrastructure and coordinated public-private sector response.
“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,” Curtis continued. “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,” she said.
Held under the theme Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology, ATM 2026 will place increased emphasis on resilience, adaptability and future preparedness across the global travel ecosystem. The conference programme will include dedicated sessions on crisis management, destination resilience, traveller confidence, aviation continuity, digital transformation and sustainable long-term growth strategies.
Research-led sessions delivered in partnership with organisations including STR, Tourism Economics, GSIQ and ICCA will provide strategic insight into shifting traveller sentiment, global mobility trends, destination competitiveness and the future of tourism demand.
Stephen Dutton, Global Insight Manager, Travel at Euromonitor International, will deliver a keynote session titled The State of Travel: Inflation, Polycrisis and the New Travel Reality.
“Travel spending surged to record levels in 2025, outpacing GDP growth in many markets,” he said. “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.”
