Arabian Travel Market 2026: Dates, Location, Registration
Arabian Travel Market 2026 opens at Dubai World Trade Centre on 14 September, bringing the global travel trade back to the Gulf for four days of business. Now in its 33rd year, ATM 2026 in Dubai gathers tourism boards, hotel groups, airlines and technology companies from more than 160 countries. Thi
Arabian Travel Market 2026 opens at Dubai World Trade Centre on 14 September, bringing the global travel trade back to the Gulf for four days of business.
Now in its 33rd year, ATM 2026 in Dubai gathers tourism boards, hotel groups, airlines and technology companies from more than 160 countries.
This guide covers the confirmed ATM 2026 dates, ticket prices, opening hours and registration steps, plus the full conference programme, the new ATM Travel Tech show, who is speaking, and the market numbers shaping the conversation on the show floor.
Quick answer
Arabian Travel Market 2026 (ATM 2026) is the 33rd edition of the Middle East’s largest travel and tourism trade exhibition. It takes place from Monday 14 September to Thursday 17 September 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The show is organised by RX Global and runs under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology.” It is open to travel industry professionals only. A trade visitor pass costs US$105 in advance and US$135 on site. The 2026 edition features 210+ speakers across 80+ sessions on three stages, and introduces ATM Travel Tech, a dedicated technology show with 180+ exhibitors from 30 countries.
Arabian Travel Market 2026
At a glance:
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| Event | Arabian Travel Market 2026 (ATM 2026) — 33rd edition |
| Dates | Monday 14 – Thursday 17 September 2026 |
| Venue | Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre 2, Dubai |
| Halls | Halls 1–8, The Pavilion, Sheikh Saeed Halls 1–3, Trade Centre Arena, Za’abeel Halls 2–3 |
| Theme | Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology |
| Organiser | RX Global (RX Middle East), part of the WTM portfolio |
| Who attends | Travel trade professionals aged 18 and over |
| Entry cost | US$105 in advance, US$135 on site (inc. VAT) |
| Conference | 210+ speakers across 80+ sessions on three stages |
| New for 2026 | ATM Travel Tech co-located show; ATM Ultra Luxury Lounge |
| Official app | ATM Dubai (iOS and Android) |
| Next edition | ATM 2027 — 3–6 May 2027 |
What is Arabian Travel Market?
Arabian Travel Market is the leading international travel and tourism trade exhibition for the Middle East, held annually in Dubai since 1994.
It functions as a marketplace where destinations, hotels, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, technology providers and travel agencies meet to negotiate contracts, launch products and set the commercial agenda for the year ahead.
The ten facts most people are looking for
- Dates: 14–17 September 2026 (four days, Monday to Thursday)
- Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
- Edition: 33rd
- Theme: Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology
- Entry: Travel trade professionals only, aged 18 and over
- Cost: US$105 online in advance, US$135 on site
- Hours: 11:00–18:00 Monday, 10:00–18:00 Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:00–17:00 Thursday
- Scale: 55,000+ professionals from 166 countries and 2,800+ exhibitors at the 2025 edition
- Getting there: Dubai Metro Red Line to World Trade Centre station, direct from Dubai International Airport
- Next edition: ATM 2027, 3–6 May 2027
The show is owned and organised by RX Global, the exhibitions arm of RELX, and sits within the same portfolio as World Travel Market London. Its four days combine a large exhibition floor, organised by world region, with a conference programme of keynotes, panels and research presentations, plus structured buyer–seller meeting programmes.
Despite the regional name, ATM operates as a global event.
At the 2025 edition, 81% of participants travelled from outside the Middle East, and 166 countries were represented. It is the principal moment each year when the international travel trade converges on the Gulf.
What happens at ATM
- Exhibition floor — national tourism boards, hotel groups, airlines, cruise lines, DMCs and technology vendors exhibit across regional halls
- Conference programme — three stages covering strategy and policy, travel technology, and business events
- Buyer programmes — the Hosted Buyer Programme and Buyers’ Club connect senior purchasers with suppliers through pre-scheduled meetings
- Product launches — destinations and operators time announcements to the show
- Research releases — the ATM Travel Trends Report and studies from Tourism Economics, Euromonitor and STR are published here
- Networking — the ATM Party, lounges and structured matchmaking through the ATM Meet platform
ATM 2026 dates
Arabian Travel Market 2026 will take place from 14 to 17 September 2026.
The dates for this edition were revised twice, and the September dates were announced in early June 2026.
Source: RX Global / WTM.
- Number of date changes: two
- Confirmed dates: Monday 14 – Thursday 17 September 2026
- Announced: early June 2026
- Existing registrations: anyone registered for the earlier dates remains valid for September
- ATM 2027: 3–6 May 2027
ATM 2026 opening hours
ATM 2026 runs across four days. Monday opens at 11:00 to allow for the opening ceremony; the remaining days open at 10:00.
| Day | Date | Hours | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 14 September | 11:00 – 18:00 | Opening ceremony, UN Tourism address, Ministerial Debate |
| Tuesday | 15 September | 10:00 – 18:00 | Busiest trading day; full conference programme |
| Wednesday | 16 September | 10:00 – 18:00 | Full conference programme; start-up pitch battles |
| Thursday | 17 September | 10:00 – 17:00 | Women in Travel Forum; quieter floor, easier access to senior staff |
All four days fall within the UAE’s Monday–Friday working week.
Who can attend ATM 2026?
ATM is a trade-only exhibition.
Dubai World Trade Centre lists it as such, and admission is limited to travel and tourism industry professionals.
- Attendees must be aged 18 or over; this applies to every hall.
The visitor base spans the full commercial chain of the industry:
| Visitor sector | Share of visitors expressing interest |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 42% |
| Tour operators | 33% |
| Travel agencies and OTAs | 31% |
| Destination management companies | 24% |
| Resorts | 23% |
Seniority is high.
Of the 5,800+ members of ATM’s Buyers’ Club, 32% are CEOs, managing directors, chairmen or presidents, 33% are senior management and 25% are owners or partners — over 90% in senior positions.
How to register for ATM 2026
Registration for ATM 2026 is handled entirely online. You choose a category, complete a short professional profile, pay where applicable, and receive your badge by email.
Registration categories
| Category | Who it is for |
|---|---|
| Visitor | Travel trade professionals. Paid at the standard rates. |
| Trade Visitor Plus | Upgrade adding the ATM Meet matchmaking platform and Meetings Lounge access. |
| Media | Publishers, editors, journalists, photographers, broadcasters, influencers and content creators. Applications are vetted. |
| Student | Registered as a group through an educational institution. |
| Hosted Buyer | Senior buyers with purchasing authority, by invitation and qualification. Travel and hotel covered. |
| Government Official | Ministry, tourism board and public sector delegates. |
| Exhibitor | Stand holders and stand sharers. |
How to register, step by step
The whole process takes about five minutes and runs across five screens.
- Open the registration portal and pick your category. Head to register-atm.wtm.com. Most travel professionals want Visitor & Buyer Registration. Journalists, broadcasters and content creators should use the media pass form, and senior buyers wanting flights and hotel covered should apply through the Hosted Buyer Programme instead.
- Your details. Name, job title, email address and contact number. Use your work email — it speeds up trade verification.
- About you. Your seniority, the products and destinations you deal in, and the sessions or show features you want to see.
- About your company. Company name, business type, country and the regions you buy from or sell into. This is the step that establishes you as travel trade, so complete it carefully.
- Final step. Confirm your preferences and communication settings, and add any upgrade you want — Trade Visitor Plus if you need the ATM Meet matchmaking platform and Meetings Lounge access.
- Payment. US$105 including VAT in advance, or US$135 on site. Card payment is taken at this step and you receive an immediate confirmation email.
- Watch for your badge. ATM emails your badge ahead of the show. Print it at home and bring it with you — that is your entry to the halls.
Good to know when you register
- Registrations made for the earlier 2026 dates remain valid for September — there is no need to register again.
- Every registrant receives a complimentary 60-day Careem Plus membership, covering ride discounts and dining benefits across Dubai.
- Registration fees are non-refundable.
ATM 2026 ticket prices
A trade visitor pass costs US$105 including VAT when booked in advance, rising to US$135 on site from the opening day. Prices are published in US dollars, and the current rates are shown on ATM’s tickets page.
Source: official ATM 2026 registration portal.
Your ATM 2026 badge
Badges are issued digitally. Once you have registered, ATM emails your badge in the run-up to the show.
Print your badge before you travel. ATM operates as a print-at-home event: bring your printed badge with you and go straight to the halls. Keep a spare copy in your bag.
Your badge also acts as your networking tool. ATM runs on the Colleqt smart badge system, with QR codes at every stand — scan a code to exchange details and collect brochures digitally rather than carrying paper. Everything you scan is saved to your account for follow-up after the show.
Arabian Trade Market 2026 Location
Arabian Trade Market (ATM) 2026 will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. It will be at Halls 1–8, The Pavilion, Sheikh Saeed Halls 1–3, Trade Centre Arena, Za’abeel Halls 2–3.
Layout of the venue:
ATM occupies most of Dubai World Trade Centre. The floorplan is organised geographically — you move from world region to world region — with the technology content grouped in the Za’abeel halls.
Sources: Dubai World Trade Centre, official ATM 2026 floorplan.
The official ATM Dubai app (iOS and Android) carries the interactive floorplan, the full exhibitor directory, your meeting schedule and live event alerts. Download it before you arrive and use it to plan which stands and sessions to prioritise.
Getting to Dubai World Trade Centre
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Dubai Metro Recommended | World Trade Centre station on the Red Line, which DWTC describes as its own dedicated station with direct venue access. The Red Line runs direct from Dubai International Airport with no change. Trains run every few minutes from 05:00 to 23:00. Pay with a Nol card, available from machines at every station. |
| Parking | 7,530 spaces across six paid and two free car parks, plus valet service and EV charging. All car parks include People of Determination bays. Event-period tariffs apply, so allow for this if you drive. |
| Taxi and ride-hail | Drop-off opposite the Ibis Hotel and at the Za’abeel Hall entrance; pick-up opposite the Ibis Hotel. Taxi booking line 04 208 0808, 24 hours in Arabic and English. Fares start at AED 5 on the meter, or AED 12 when pre-booked. |
| Shuttle bus | A free shuttle connects the Metro station and outer car parks to the exhibition halls. Routes are marked on the ATM floorplan. |
| Hotels | The Ibis and Novotel World Trade Centre properties sit on the DWTC campus itself. ATM’s HotelMap partner lists availability near the venue and across the city. |
How big is Arabian Travel Market?
The figures below are from ATM 2025, the most recent completed edition, and set the benchmark for 2026. Exhibition space for the 2026 show is up 10% year on year.
ATM 2025 actuals. Source: RX Global / Gulf News post-show reporting.
Attendance at ATM 2025 was up 16% year on year, and 81% of participants came from outside the Middle East — a reminder that despite the name, ATM functions as a global marketplace that happens to be held in Dubai.
Sources: RX Global, Gulf News. 2024 baseline from the official ATM sales prospectus.
The theme: “Travel 2040”
ATM 2026’s official theme is “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology.” Announced in September 2025, it survived both postponements unchanged.
The framing is deliberately long-range. ATM has anchored the conference on the structural change expected out to 2040, exploring how innovation reshapes every stage of the traveller journey. The supporting projections cited by the organisers include 30 billion tourist visits a year by 2034, a US$16 trillion contribution to global GDP, and Middle East travel spend passing US$350 billion by 2030.
““The next ten years are going to be crucial for the travel and tourism industry. We are at a significant turning point where factors such as climate change, digital advancements, and evolving consumer expectations are all coming together to create both challenges and opportunities.””
Danielle Curtis, RX Global
The conference programme: three stages, 80+ sessions
ATM 2026 runs 210+ speakers across 80+ sessions on three stages plus a demo zone. Content is organised by stage, each with its own subject remit, so the most efficient way to plan your four days is by stage and session.
| Stage | Focus | Go if you are… |
|---|---|---|
| Global Stage | The main strategic forum: policy, investment, aviation, cruise, hospitality, sustainability, destination marketing, accessibility. Research-led sessions from Tourism Economics, Euromonitor, STR and GSIQ. Hosts the Ministerial Debate on day one and the Women in Travel Forum on day four. | A destination marketer, investor, policy-maker or anyone who needs the macro picture |
| Future Stage 250 seats, Za’abeel 3 | Four days on AI and automation, data, fintech and payments, immersive tech, robotics, cybersecurity, agentic AI and digital distribution. 25+ sessions, plus two Start-up Pitch Battles. Content led by Dragon Trail and Videc. | In product, distribution, revenue, IT or building anything traveller-facing |
| Experience Hub IBTM @ ATM | Business events, corporate travel, incentive design, event technology and sustainable event strategy. Sessions delivered with ICCA (Official Business Events Partner), IAPCO, GBTA and SITE. | A MICE planner, association organiser, corporate travel manager or venue |
| Tech & Innovation Hub Demo Zone 850 m², Za’abeel 2 | Not a talk stage — 15+ hands-on demonstrations across green tech, VR/AR/AI, robotics and next-generation payments. | Evaluating vendors or want to touch the technology, not hear about it |
Useful format details: ATM runs exclusive roundtables, “Lunch ‘n Learn” sessions and “Meet the Speaker” slots alongside the main programme, and has partnered with Vox Technologies to provide real-time translation headsets — worth knowing if English is not your working language.
Confirmed sessions worth planning around
| Session | Stage | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Building A Resilient Industry Through Collaboration Ministerial Debate | Global Stage, Day 1 | The headline session. GCC competitiveness, destination messaging, crisis communications and government–industry policy coordination, debated by the ministers setting it. |
| The State of Travel: Inflation, Polycrisis & the New Travel Reality | Global Stage | Euromonitor keynote from Stephen Dutton. Euromonitor’s read on how inflation and shifting consumer priorities are reshaping demand. |
| Middle East Momentum & Market Shifts | Global Stage | Launch of the ATM Travel Trends Report — the source of most figures the trade press will run all year. |
| Aviation Predictions 2030: Networks, Fleet Futures & the Future of Mobility | Global Stage | Where the region’s ~780 aircraft on order actually go, and how fast networks rebuild. |
| Asia–GCC Corridor: The Next Great Growth Engine | Global Stage | Asia was ATM’s fastest-growing exhibitor region. This is the commercial thesis behind that. |
| AI’s True Role in Rewriting the Travel Landscape | Future Stage | Opened by Dr Marwan Alzarouni, DET’s CEO of AI. Signals where Dubai’s own AI tourism policy is heading. |
| Does the Hospitality Industry Need Reinventing? | Global Stage | A direct look at how hotel groups are rethinking product and guest experience for the next decade. |
| Beyond Borders: The Middle East’s Collaborative Vision for a Global Business Events Future | Experience Hub | Regional business travel spend grew 23% in 2025; Saudi’s grew 55%. This is where that gets contested. |
| Cruising Insight: Ripple Effects of the Blue Economy | Global Stage | Red Sea cruise is a Saudi priority; ~500,000 passengers sailed the region in 2025. |
| Women in Travel Forum | Global Stage, Day 4 | Delivered with Women in Travel CIC on leadership, equity, accessibility and inclusion. |
Who is speaking
| Name | Role | Organisation |
|---|---|---|
| Government & intergovernmental | ||
| Shaikha Al Nuwais | Secretary-General | UN Tourism |
| H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri | Minister of Economy and Tourism | United Arab Emirates |
| H.E. Fatima bint Jafar Al Sairafi | Minister of Tourism | Bahrain |
| Apostolos Tzitzikostas | Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism | European Commission |
| Dr Marwan Alzarouni | CEO, AI | Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism |
| Hoor Al Khaja | SVP, International Operations | Dubai Corporation for Tourism & Commerce Marketing |
| Travel technology & online platforms | ||
| Schubert Lou | Chief Executive Officer | Trip.com |
| Ross Veitch | Chief Executive Officer | Wego |
| Raj Rishi Singh | Chief Business Officer – Corporate, Flights & GCC | MakeMyTrip |
| Justin Reid | Senior Director, Global Partnerships | Tripadvisor |
| Hospitality | ||
| Haitham Mattar | Managing Director, MEA & South West Asia | IHG Hotels & Resorts |
| Amir Golbarg | Chief Operating Officer | Minor Hotels |
| Hala Matar Choufany | President, MEA & South Asia | HVS |
| Jad Shamseddin | Chief Operating Officer | Aleph Hospitality |
| Research & analysis | ||
| Stephen Dutton | Global Insight Manager – Travel | Euromonitor International |
| Dave Goodger | Managing Director, EMEA | Tourism Economics |
| Sarah Duignan | Director, Client Relationships | STR |
Other organisations confirmed on the programme include Sabre, Visa, dnata, RateGain, ICCA, GBTA, IAPCO, SITE, the Oman Convention Bureau, Bahrain Tourism & Exhibition Authority, Visit Qatar and Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.
What’s new at ATM 2026
ATM Travel Tech — the big launch
The most significant structural change to ATM in years. Travel technology has been growing inside ATM for a while — the tech segment expanded 26% in 2025 alone — and for 2026 it has been spun out into its own co-located show occupying two dedicated halls.
Source: RX Global / WTM, ATM Travel Tech launch release.
Named exhibitors include Sabre, Travelport, Amadeus, HBX Group, WebBeds, Juniper Consulting, Infinios Financial Services and Travog Expense Technologies, alongside Trip.com, Tripadvisor, Wego, MakeMyTrip, RateGain and Visa.
““Technology is no longer just a supporting element in travel; it is now central to how the entire journey is imagined, delivered, and improved.””
Danielle Curtis, Arabian Travel Market
ATM Ultra Luxury Lounge
Also new for 2026, and positioned as the start of a multi-year strategic focus. The Lounge is an invitation-led networking space connecting buyers serving high-net-worth clients with prestige brands, run through an exclusive appointments programme rather than open floor traffic. Brands cited in ATM’s own materials include Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, Jumeirah and One&Only.
The logic is straightforward: Tourism Economics data shows travellers from the Middle East spend 50% more per trip than the global average, and regional outbound luxury travel is growing at roughly twice the global rate.
IBTM @ ATM
The business events hub returns and has been expanded, connecting association planners, corporate buyers and incentive agencies with convention bureaus, venues and DMCs through hosted buyers and pre-scheduled meetings. It programmes the Experience Hub stage, with ICCA as Official Business Events Partner.
The timing is good. WTTC data puts Middle East business travel spend growth at 23% in 2025 — and Saudi Arabia’s at an extraordinary 55%.
The market context: Middle East travel in 2026
ATM 2026 opens against a year of significant movement in regional travel numbers. The data below sets the commercial context for the conversations happening on the show floor.
Regional arrivals in Q1 2026
Source: UN Tourism World Tourism Barometer, Volume 24 Issue 2, May 2026.
UN Tourism recorded 307 million international arrivals worldwide in Q1 2026, up 2% year on year, and set its full-year global growth expectation at 1 to 2 percentage points below its initial 3–4% projection.
Measured against 2019, the Middle East leads the world. Regional arrivals in 2025 stood 39% above pre-pandemic levels — the strongest recovery of any world region, against +6% for Europe and +17% for Africa. Over the five-year view, the Gulf remains the fastest-expanding tourism market on the planet.
Dubai airport traffic through 2026
Sources: Dubai Airports H1 2026 results. H1 2025 derived from the reported 31.3% decline.
For scale: DXB handled 95.2 million passengers in 2025, a global record, and had guided towards approaching 99.5 million in 2026. Independent forecasters now put the full year at 67.6–79.3 million — a shortfall of roughly 20 to 32 million passengers against plan.
Emirates, the airport’s anchor tenant, had restored 96% of its global network by early May — 137 destinations across 72 countries with more than 1,300 weekly frequencies — though at around 75% of pre-disruption capacity, rising to roughly 85% by August. Destinations came back faster than seats did.
Dubai hotel performance
Sources: Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (2024, 2025 actuals); Cavendish Maxwell using STR data (H1 2026 and full-year forecast).
Performance varied sharply by segment. Through H1 2026, upper-midscale hotels ran at 65.7% occupancy and upscale at 58.7%, while luxury recorded 51.2%. The mid-market also held rate more firmly, with midscale ADR easing 2.4% against 6.2% in luxury. That divergence is one of the themes the Global Stage session “Does the Hospitality Industry Need Reinventing?” takes on directly.
For context on the base: Dubai closed 2025 with 154,264 hotel rooms across 827 establishments, 80.7% occupancy, and 44.85 million occupied room nights.
Where Dubai’s visitors come from
Dubai welcomed 19.59 million international overnight visitors in 2025, up 5% on 2024’s 18.72 million — a third consecutive record year, achieved before the disruption began.
Source: Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, FY2025, reported by source region.
Dubai backed its tourism sector with AED 2.5 billion
Dubai moved quickly to support operators through the year, approving two economic incentive packages inside two months:
| Package | Date | What it did |
|---|---|---|
| AED 1 billion ~US$272m | March 2026 | Three-month deferral of hotel and tourism fees — buying operators breathing room on cash flow. |
| AED 1.5 billion ~US$408m | 21 May 2026 | 33 initiatives over 3–12 months. Outright exemption from the Tourism Dirham and municipal fees on hotel and restaurant sales; holiday-home permit fee exemptions; event permit and cancellation fee waivers; reduced tour guide and desert safari fees; full fee exemptions for desert safari, marina, aviation and events operators. |
Approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the second package went well beyond tourism into education, culture, customs, transport, real estate and construction — with the tourism measures among the most substantial. The waiver of the Tourism Dirham, a per-room-night levy, was the headline item for hotel operators.
When DET held its City Briefing on 3 June, more than 1,700 industry professionals attended — a record turnout for the event.
The long-term outlook for Middle East travel
The forecasts underpinning ATM 2026 point to sustained long-term expansion, and they are the numbers most of the conference programme is built around.
Sources: ATM Travel Trends Report (Tourism Economics); World Economic Forum with Kearney and the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, “Travel and Tourism at a Turning Point,” July 2025.
The structural case sits on infrastructure that is already funded. Al Maktoum International (DWC) is being rebuilt at a cost of US$35 billion, targeting 150 million passengers a year in phase one by 2034 and 260 million ultimately — five parallel runways, 400 gates, and an Emirates relocation by 2034. That build-out anchors the region’s capacity planning well into the 2030s.
Regionally, Saudi Arabia recorded 122 million visitors in 2025 against a Vision 2030 target of 150 million, and its travel and tourism sector alone accounts for US$178 billion — 46% of the entire Middle East total. WTTC puts the UAE’s own travel and tourism contribution at AED 267.5 billion, or 13% of GDP, supporting more than 925,000 jobs.
On the technology thesis. Middle East gross travel bookings reached US$101.2 billion in 2024, 23% above pre-pandemic, with online penetration at 48% and projected to approach 60% by 2028 (Phocuswright). Globally, Mastercard and CrescentRating found 80% of travellers now use AI tools for travel planning. That gap between a still-offline regional market and rapidly-adopting travellers is exactly the arbitrage ATM Travel Tech was created to sell into.
How to get the most from four days at ATM
ATM is large, and a plan built around your role gets far more out of it. Here is where each type of attendee should concentrate:
| If you are… | Prioritise | Best day |
|---|---|---|
| A tour operator or travel agency | Regional halls for supplier contracting; hotel stands for rate negotiation. Book meetings before you arrive. | Tue–Wed |
| A hotelier or hotel group | Global Stage hospitality sessions, STR and HVS research, distribution vendors in Za’abeel. | Mon–Tue |
| A DMO or tourism board | Ministerial Debate, destination marketing sessions, buyer meetings. The policy conversation is on day one. | Mon |
| In travel tech or distribution | Base yourself in Za’abeel 2–3: Future Stage sessions, the 850 m² demo zone and both pitch battles. | All four |
| A MICE or corporate travel buyer | IBTM @ ATM and the Experience Hub in Sheikh Saeed. Convention bureaus cluster here. | Tue–Wed |
| Press or an analyst | Day one for the ministerial news cycle; the ATM Travel Trends Report launch for the year’s headline data. | Mon |
| Looking for senior face time | Thursday, when the floor is calmer, meetings run longer and stand teams have more time to talk. | Thu |
Book your meetings in advance. ATM 2025 logged 57,869 confirmed meetings, and diaries at the larger stands fill early. Meetings are arranged through ATM Meet, the official matchmaking platform, available to exhibitors, media, qualified buyers and Trade Visitor Plus holders, who also gain access to the Meetings Lounge.
Exhibiting at Arabian Travel Market
ATM does not price per square metre; rates are set by location, size and number of open sides. These are the published starting rates from the official prospectus.
| Stand size | From (USD) | Implied rate per m² |
|---|---|---|
| 9 m² | $13,100 | ~$1,456 |
| 10–25 m² | $14,300 | ~$572–1,430 |
| 26–50 m² | $27,300 | ~$546–1,050 |
| 51–100 m² | $49,500 | ~$495–970 |
| 101–250 m² | $93,300 | ~$373–924 |
| 251 m² + | $222,500 | ~$886 and down |
Per-m² figures are calculated from the published starting prices. Confirm current rates with the ATM sales team, on +44 20 8271 2158 or through the exhibitor enquiry form.
Three stand types are offered: Shell Scheme (pre-built with walls, carpet, lighting, power and furniture), Space Only (you design and build), and SmartSpace (RX’s in-house design service, 15 m² minimum).
The ATM Hosted Buyer Programme
The Hosted Buyer Programme is how ATM secures the seniority of buyer on the floor. Hosted buyers receive four nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast, shared transfers to the venue, buyers’ lounge access with refreshments and Wi-Fi, early access to the meetings platform, a listing in the Hosted Buyer directory and an invitation to the ATM Party. The “with flights” tier adds return flights to Dubai International Airport and airport transfers.
In exchange, hosted buyers commit to a minimum of 35 appointments with exhibitors, spread across each day of the show. Eligibility requires direct purchasing and contracting authority, demonstrable Middle East spend or expansion plans, business references from the past year, intermediate-level English, and no participation in the programme in the previous three years. The commitment is backed by a schedule of fees:
| Situation | Charge |
|---|---|
| Cancellation before deadline | No fee |
| Cancellation after deadline, no replacement | US$500 + flight cancellation costs |
| Full no-show at the event | US$1,000 |
| Failure to arrive or early departure | US$500 |
| Four or more appointment no-shows | Up to US$1,000; future invitations reconsidered |
Fees are charged to the registered card within 28 days of the show closing. Confirm current deadlines with the ATM hosted buyer team when you apply.
Arabian Travel Market 2027
Arabian Travel Market 2027 is scheduled for 3–6 May 2027 at Dubai World Trade Centre, returning the show to its established spring window. The 2027 edition is booked across Halls 1–8, the Pavilion, Sheikh Saeed Halls 1–3, Trade Centre Arena and Za’abeel Halls 1–3 — one hall more than the 2026 footprint.
Why ATM 2026 matters
ATM 2026 is the year’s single largest gathering of the international travel trade in the Gulf, and the 33rd time the industry has convened in Dubai. It brings together 55,000-plus professionals, government ministers from three continents, the heads of the region’s largest airlines and hotel groups, and the technology companies rebuilding how travel is sold. The commercial case behind it is a long one. Middle East tourism spend is forecast to reach nearly US$350 billion by 2030, regional arrivals already sit 39% above 2019 levels, Gulf carriers hold close to 780 aircraft on order, and Dubai is building a US$35 billion airport designed for 260 million passengers. ATM is where that trajectory gets negotiated, contracted and priced — four days that set the commercial agenda for the year ahead.
Frequently asked questions
When is Arabian Travel Market 2026?
ATM 2026 runs from Monday 14 September to Thursday 17 September 2026, four days at Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai. Monday opens at 11:00 and the remaining three days at 10:00.
Have the ATM 2026 dates changed?
Yes, twice. The 2026 edition was first scheduled for 4–7 May, then revised to 17–20 August, and is now confirmed for 14–17 September 2026. The September dates were announced in early June 2026. Anyone who registered for the earlier dates remains registered for September.
Where is ATM 2026 held?
Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre 2, Dubai. The show occupies Halls 1–8, The Pavilion, Sheikh Saeed Halls 1–3, Trade Centre Arena and Za’abeel Halls 2–3. The venue has its own Dubai Metro station on the Red Line.
Can the general public attend Arabian Travel Market?
No. ATM is a trade-only event and Dubai World Trade Centre lists it as such. Attendees must be travel industry professionals. No one under the age of 18 is admitted to the exhibition halls under any circumstances.
How much does it cost to attend ATM 2026?
A trade visitor pass costs US$105 including VAT when booked online in advance, rising to US$135 on site from 14 September. Prices are published in US dollars and fees are non-refundable.
What are the ATM 2026 opening hours?
Monday 14 September: 11:00–18:00, opening later to allow for the opening ceremony. Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 September: 10:00–18:00. Thursday 17 September: 10:00–17:00.
Do I need to print my ATM badge before arriving?
Yes. ATM emails your badge in advance and operates as a print-at-home event, so print your badge before you travel and bring it with you to the halls.
What is the theme of ATM 2026?
“Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology.” The theme explores the forces reshaping tourism out to 2040 and how innovation transforms each stage of the traveller journey, from booking and payments through to aviation, accommodation and destination experience.
How many people attend Arabian Travel Market?
ATM 2025 drew more than 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries, up 16% year on year, with 2,800+ exhibiting companies, 6,600+ buyers and 57,869 confirmed meetings. Exhibition space for the 2026 edition is up a further 10%.
What is ATM Travel Tech?
A dedicated travel technology show co-located with ATM for the first time in 2026, occupying two halls in Za’abeel with 180+ exhibitors from 30 countries. It includes the 850 m² Tech & Innovation Hub demo zone and the 250-seat Future Stage running 25+ sessions and two start-up pitch battles.
Who is speaking at ATM 2026?
More than 210 speakers across 80+ sessions. Confirmed names include UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Bahrain Tourism Minister H.E. Fatima bint Jafar Al Sairafi, European Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Trip.com CEO Schubert Lou, Wego CEO Ross Veitch and IHG’s Haitham Mattar.
How do I get to Dubai World Trade Centre?
The Dubai Metro Red Line runs directly to World Trade Centre station, which DWTC describes as its own dedicated station with direct venue access. The Red Line runs from Dubai International Airport with no change. Trains run every few minutes from 05:00 to 23:00. Driving is possible — 7,530 parking spaces — but event parking tariffs are steep, so the Metro is the better option.
Do I need a visa to attend ATM 2026 in Dubai?
It depends on nationality. GCC citizens need no visa. Many nationalities receive a 30-day or 90-day visa on arrival. Indian passport holders with a valid US visa, US green card, or UK or EU residence visa receive a 14-day visa on arrival. Passports must be valid for at least six months from entry. Anyone requiring a pre-arranged visit visa should confirm with their local UAE embassy immediately.
How much does it cost to exhibit at ATM?
ATM prices stands by location, size and number of open sides rather than per square metre. Published starting rates run from US$13,100 for a 9 m² stand to US$222,500 for 251 m² and above. Three build options are available: Shell Scheme, Space Only and SmartSpace.
Where is luxury travel covered at ATM 2026?
Through the new ATM Ultra Luxury Lounge, an appointments-led networking space connecting buyers serving high-net-worth clients with prestige hotel and destination brands including Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, Jumeirah and One&Only. It marks the start of a multi-year focus on the ultra-luxury segment.
When is Arabian Travel Market 2027?
Arabian Travel Market 2027 is scheduled for 3–6 May 2027 at Dubai World Trade Centre, returning the show to its established spring window.
What is the weather like in Dubai in September?
Mid-September in Dubai averages roughly 38°C during the day and 27°C at night, with high humidity and effectively no rain. The venue is fully air-conditioned throughout, so plan lightweight business attire and use the Metro and shuttle buses for moving between buildings.
Sources
Event information
- RX Global / WTM — ATM 2026 official site, registration portal, floorplan, visitor guide and FAQs
- RX Global / WTM press releases — revised September dates, August reschedule, 2026 theme, ATM Travel Tech launch, Ultra Luxury Lounge, conference programme, ministers and industry leaders
- Dubai World Trade Centre — ATM 2026 and ATM 2027 event listings, Getting Here
- ATM sales prospectus and Hosted Buyer terms and conditions
- ILTM — ILTM Arabia closure notice
Market and economic data
- UN Tourism — World Tourism Barometer, January 2026 and May 2026 editions
- Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism & Dubai Media Office — 2025 annual tourism performance, AED 1.5bn incentives package
- Dubai Airports — 2025 annual results and H1 2026 traffic
- Cavendish Maxwell (using STR data) — Dubai hospitality H1 2026 and full-year 2026 forecast
- WTTC — UAE and Middle East Economic Impact Research
- Tourism Economics — ATM Travel Trends Report
- World Economic Forum with Kearney and the Saudi Ministry of Tourism — “Travel and Tourism at a Turning Point,” July 2025
- Phocuswright — Middle East Travel Market Report 2025
- Mastercard & CrescentRating — Global Muslim Travel Index 2026
- Emirates — network restoration statements
- Saudi Ministry of Tourism & Saudi Tourism Authority — 2025 visitor figures, Vision 2030 targets
Trade and news reporting
- Gulf News, Gulf Business, Khaleej Times, Arabian Business, Arab News, Zawya, Skift, TravelDailyNews, Breaking Travel News, TravelMole, Dubai Chronicle
All figures verified against primary sources as of 10 September 2026. Event details can change; confirm critical details with the organiser before travelling.
