Dubai set to unveil new tourism developments and experiences at ATM 2026
Global travel professionals set to explore the emirate’s expanding visitor economy
DUBAI – Dubai’s tourism sector is set to take centre stage at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 as the emirate steps up its focus on growth, investment and international partnerships.
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), together with its public and private sector partners, will participate in the 33rd edition of the event at Dubai World Trade Centre from September 14 to 17. The gathering will bring together travel industry stakeholders from around the world as Dubai seeks to strengthen its position as a leading destination for business and leisure.
More than 115 co-exhibitors from Dubai’s public and private sectors will join DET at the Dubai stand. The participants will include hotels, destination management companies, tour operators and other tourism partners, while government entities represented will include the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Dubai Health Experience, Dubai Municipality and the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai.
Global connections
ATM remains a key part of DET’s annual engagement with the international travel industry, providing a platform for businesses and tourism stakeholders to exchange insights, build partnerships and explore emerging opportunities.
Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, said the annual gathering had become an important event for the global travel community in Dubai.
He highlighted the contribution of public and private sector partners to strengthening competitiveness, supporting business and creating new opportunities for growth. Kazim also said the event would help Dubai strengthen international partnerships, exchange expertise and accelerate innovation as the tourism sector moves into a new phase of growth and investment.
A key feature of DET’s participation will be the Hosted Buyers Programme, which is expected to welcome more than 300 travel trade professionals and over 40 travel media representatives from 40 countries. Participants will have the opportunity to experience Dubai’s hospitality offering and engage with tourism businesses operating across the emirate.
Major projects
DET will use the event to highlight new and upcoming developments that are expected to shape Dubai’s tourism proposition, including the planned Dh128 billion passenger terminal at Dubai World Central, also known as Al Maktoum International Airport.
The department will also showcase projects linked to the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. These include the Palm Jebel Ali master plan, Hatta Development Plan and Jebel Ali Beach Development Project.
Specialised sessions and meetings will give international travel trade representatives an opportunity to explore how these developments could support new tourism packages and programmes for both new and returning visitors.
Teams from the Dubai College of Tourism and Dubai Sustainable Tourism will also present their programmes and contributions to the wider tourism ecosystem.
Culture and cuisine
The Dubai stand will feature the emirate’s cultural and culinary identity alongside its tourism and infrastructure developments. With support from Dubai Culture, works by Emirati artist Mariam Abbas will provide a showcase of Dubai’s contemporary art scene.
Visitors will also be able to sample products from local brands including Karam Coffee, Estekanah Chai and Camelicious. The newly published Emirati cuisine guide Salt and Sand will be presented at the event, highlighting the variety of Dubai’s culinary culture.
DET’s preparations for ATM 2026 have also included continued engagement with tourism stakeholders and international markets. A City Briefing held in June brought together more than 1,700 leaders from Dubai’s tourism ecosystem to review progress and align priorities.
The department also launched A Dubai Invite, encouraging residents to invite family and friends to visit the city. Its wider international outreach includes roadshows and continued collaboration with Beautiful Destinations on the Beautiful Destinations Academy, Powered by Dubai.
The participation at ATM forms part of Dubai’s broader ambitions under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to reinforce its standing as a global destination for business and leisure and as a preferred city to visit, live and work in.