Live Update ATM Dubai 2026 enters Day 3 as global travel buzz reaches new heights

Emirates makes a big ATM 2026 splash with 11 new global deals in Dubai

DUBAI – Emirates has signed 11 partnership agreements on the second day of Arabian Travel Market 2026 in Dubai, expanding cooperation with seven destinations while developing new opportunities across customer segments, travel distribution and specialist mobility.

The agreements span tourism promotion, employee benefits, support for Overseas Filipino Workers, premium leisure travel and marine crew movements. The airline has also strengthened cooperation with partner carriers, with a new reciprocal codeshare arrangement with Kuwait Airways set to broaden access to destinations across both networks.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, visited the Emirates stand during the second day of ATM, where he toured the airline’s product showcases. Senior Emirates executives briefed him on the carrier’s latest cabin innovations and developments aimed at enhancing the passenger experience.

Sri Lanka

Emirates and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau have renewed a partnership first established in 2022, with the airline set to continue promoting the island nation across its global network of almost 140 destinations.

The agreement is designed to support international visitor growth through marketing campaigns, tailored excursions, trade incentives and familiarisation trips for media and travel-trade representatives.

The two organisations will also work on special packages aimed at customers in key feeder markets, giving travel partners additional ways to present Sri Lanka’s attractions.

The partnership follows a strong year for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. The country welcomed more than 2.3 million international tourists last year, representing a 15.1 per cent increase from about two million in the previous year.

Emirates will use its international network and established trade relationships to increase awareness of Sri Lanka and support further visitor flows.

Ras Al Khaimah

Emirates and the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding to stimulate visitor traffic to the emirate from selected markets across the airline’s network.

The partnership will explore joint marketing and advertising campaigns, alongside media and trade familiarisation programmes. RAKTDA will support selected visits through curated ground experiences designed to showcase the emirate’s tourism attractions and activities.

The two sides will also consider multi-market promotional campaigns in Ras Al Khaimah’s target markets and develop bespoke products and packages for Emirates customers.

These offerings could be promoted through Dubai Experience on the Emirates website, while incentives for tour operators and the wider travel trade will also be explored.

The collaboration is intended to give international visitors greater access to Ras Al Khaimah while encouraging travellers to discover a broader range of experiences across the UAE.

Japan

Emirates and the Japan National Tourism Organization have signed a new MoU aimed at strengthening tourism promotion and encouraging travel between Japan, Dubai and the wider Middle East.

The agreement builds on Emirates’ growing presence in Japan, where the airline operates direct services to Narita, Haneda and Kansai airports.

Its Japanese operations are expected to reach 28 weekly flights in October 2026. Emirates has also expanded capacity through Airbus A380 deployments and introduced Chauffeur-Drive services at Narita and Kansai.

The airline has further strengthened its local presence by opening a Travel Store in Osaka.

Through the new partnership, Emirates and JNTO will work to raise awareness of Japan among travellers across the airline’s network, respond to growing demand and deepen connections between Japan and markets in the Middle East and beyond.

Maldives

Emirates has renewed its partnership with the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation to jointly promote inbound tourism to the archipelago.

The airline has connected the Maldives with its West Asia and Indian Ocean network since 1987 and will continue using its global reach of almost 140 destinations to attract visitors from major source markets.

The partnership will focus on promoting the Maldives internationally and supporting the continued expansion of visitor arrivals.

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment’s Tourism Statistics 2025 report, air arrivals to the Maldives increased by almost 10 per cent last year to 2.25 million.

Emirates has supported the destination’s tourism growth by connecting it with markets including the US, UK and Russia, while the renewed agreement will seek to build further demand through joint promotional activity.

Filipino workers

Emirates has signed an agreement with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to strengthen support for Overseas Filipino Workers and their families.

The partnership will explore cooperation in welfare and social protection, repatriation assistance, reintegration and livelihood programmes, corporate social responsibility and community engagement.

It will also include support for OWWA outreach activities across the Middle East.

The agreement recognises the contribution of Filipino workers to Dubai and the wider UAE and creates a framework for Emirates and OWWA to explore initiatives addressing the needs of overseas workers.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s 2024 Survey on Overseas Filipinos, the UAE is the second-largest destination for Filipino workers globally, with an estimated 271,000 OFWs.

The scale of financial flows between the UAE and the Philippines also underlines the importance of the community. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data showed cash remittances from the UAE reached US$750.3 million in the first half of 2026, up 4.3 per cent from US$719.6 million during the same period last year.

Sharjah Police

Emirates and Sharjah Police have signed a Memorandum of Understanding formalising a partnership that will provide exclusive travel-related benefits for Sharjah Police employees and support the organisation’s events.

Sharjah Police will promote Emirates through its communication channels and events, creating opportunities for greater employee engagement and increased visibility for both organisations.

The MoU was signed by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, and Major General Dr Ali Ahmed Bu Al Zoud, Director General of the General Department of Resources and Support Services.

The agreement adds an institutional dimension to Emirates’ partnerships in the UAE, combining travel benefits with cooperation around events and communications.

DERTOUR Group

Emirates and DERTOUR Group are expanding their long-standing relationship across Europe through an agreement focused on distribution, premium leisure travel and closer commercial cooperation.

The partnership will broaden the availability of Emirates products across DERTOUR’s sales channels while accelerating the adoption of New Distribution Capability.

The agreement is also intended to provide customers with enhanced content and booking options, making Emirates products more accessible through DERTOUR’s distribution network.

Premium leisure travel will be another major focus, with the partners planning exclusive experiences and initiatives supporting travel advisers.

Joint marketing and communications will complement the commercial relationship, while both organisations will pursue new growth opportunities across Central, Eastern and Northern Europe.

Emilia-Romagna

Emirates has signed strategic partnerships with Bologna Welcome and Parma Welcome to promote Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region to international travellers.

The agreements will combine coordinated marketing campaigns with trade engagement, media outreach and familiarisation trips aimed at increasing awareness of the region in international markets.

Promotional activity will highlight Emilia-Romagna’s cultural heritage, gastronomy and lifestyle experiences, while also showcasing its business offering.

The partnerships give Emirates another platform to promote Italy beyond its major cities, connecting international travellers with a region known for its cultural and culinary attractions.

Marine crews

Emirates has signed an MoU with Cisalpina Tours International, one of Italy’s leading travel management companies, to develop a dedicated framework for marine crew movements.

The agreement expands a long-standing relationship into one of the travel industry’s more specialised segments. Cisalpina is part of MSC Group, the global cruise and shipping operator and long-standing Emirates partner.

With more than 50 years of experience, Cisalpina brings specialist knowledge of maritime travel and manages cruise crew traffic and marine logistics alongside its corporate travel and MICE operations.

Under the agreement, Emirates will be positioned as a preferred airline partner for marine crew travel and mobility services.

The two companies will explore joint commercial opportunities across the Emirates network, combining their expertise in crew travel solutions and sharing market insights covering crew travel flows, port developments and wider industry changes.

The information will support joint planning as the partners seek to develop travel solutions for maritime personnel.

Kuwait Airways

Emirates and Kuwait Airways have agreed to expand their existing interline relationship into a reciprocal codeshare partnership, creating wider travel options for customers of both airlines.

Under the arrangement, Kuwait Airways passengers will gain access to a broader selection of destinations through Emirates’ network via Dubai.

Customers will be able to book multi-sector journeys on a single ticket and benefit from through-checked baggage to their final destination, simplifying connections across the combined networks.

Emirates customers will receive reciprocal access to Kuwait Airways services and destinations, strengthening connectivity between the two carriers.

The agreement marks a significant expansion of the airlines’ existing cooperation and gives travellers more options for connecting through the respective networks.

https://www.travelsdubai.com/14-Sep-2026/atm-dubai-2026-emirates-expands-global-tourism-push-seven-new-deals

Etihad Escapes takes travel beyond flights with hotels and Abu Dhabi experiences

DUBAI – Etihad Airways has unveiled Etihad Escapes, a new travel platform designed to extend its customer experience beyond the flight and make it easier for travellers to organise more of their journeys in one place.

The platform was announced at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai and will launch in October, initially allowing passengers with an Etihad flight booking to add hotel accommodation through Etihad.com.

Etihad plans to expand the service through 2027, bringing flights, hotels, loyalty and other travel services into a more integrated digital experience.

Hotel bookings

At launch, Etihad Escapes will allow guests who have already booked an Etihad flight to add a hotel to their journey directly through the airline's website. The move is intended to simplify trip planning by allowing customers to arrange accommodation without having to build their itinerary across multiple platforms.

The service will progressively expand so customers can search and book hotels independently, before combining flights and accommodation within an integrated booking journey.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said the platform would help the airline build a deeper relationship with guests beyond the flight while creating a more personalised travel experience.

Future phases will extend Etihad Escapes into the Etihad app, while introducing greater personalisation, Etihad Guest loyalty integration and a wider selection of travel experiences and ancillary services.

Abu Dhabi tourism

Etihad is also positioning the platform as a way to connect its expanding global network with Abu Dhabi's tourism offering. Miral Destinations is joining as a launch partner, helping connect travellers with experiences and leisure destinations across the emirate and supporting the development of travel packages.

Etihad said the platform will be developed through its own capabilities and strategic partnerships. Expedia Group B2B is powering the hotel inventory, while Juniper Travel Technology is supporting the technology infrastructure. Further travel suppliers and partners are expected to join as the platform develops.

Neves said Etihad Escapes could help bring more visitors to Abu Dhabi, encourage them to experience more of the emirate and support its tourism ambitions. Abu Dhabi is targeting 39.3 million visitors and Dh90 billion in tourism GDP by 2030.

Wider market

The platform also gives Etihad an opportunity to participate in spending that takes place beyond the flight itself. The global holiday market is valued at approximately $2.7 trillion and is forecast to grow by 6.5% to 2030.

Etihad said its growing network and customer base will provide a foundation for Etihad Escapes to capture a larger share of the overall travel journey. The airline expects the platform to create additional revenue opportunities while supporting visitor growth, destination spending and stronger route economics for Abu Dhabi.

ATM Dubai 2026: Germany targets GCC travel rebound as visitor stays reach 1.2 million

DUBAI – Germany is highlighting the strength and long-term potential of the GCC outbound travel market as Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai 2026 enters its second day, with the German National Tourist Office GCC showcasing the country’s year-round attractions and tourism offering.

Germany recorded 1.2 million overnight stays by GCC visitors in 2025, representing a 9% increase compared with 2022. GCC travellers also spent a combined €3 billion in Germany last year, with expenditure per trip and per person more than 30% above the average recorded among overseas visitors.

The figures were presented during a GNTO GCC press conference held on the opening day of ATM 2026, which is taking place from 14 to 17 September at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Germany’s presence at the travel trade show is focused on strengthening partnerships across the region, showcasing experiences beyond the traditional peak seasons and preparing for a recovery in GCC visitor numbers following disruptions to Gulf air traffic.

GCC demand

Yamina Sofo, Director of the Marketing & Sales Office at GNTO GCC, an affiliate of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), said visitor numbers and travel expenditure from GCC markets had shown steady growth between 2022 and 2025.

She noted that Germany started 2026 positively, recording 68,455 overnight stays from GCC visitors in January, a 4.7% increase. However, the pace moderated during the remainder of the first half of the year amid exceptional disruption to air traffic across the Gulf, which affected passenger flows and direct travel to Germany.

Sofo said the figures nevertheless continued to demonstrate Germany’s appeal among GCC travellers and the resilience of demand from the region.

At ATM 2026, the GNTO GCC is using its participation to present Germany as a destination for all seasons, while supporting its local tourism partners and highlighting the range of experiences available to visitors from the Gulf.

The GCC currently ranks as Germany’s third-strongest overseas market, underlining the importance of the region to the country’s tourism sector. The tourism office is also preparing for a recovery as flight schedules normalise and previously deferred travel demand returns.

Germany’s co-participants at this year’s ATM include Visit Berlin, Lufthansa Group, Value Retail Management GmbH, representing Ingolstadt Village and Wertheim Village, Munich Airport and Studiosus Incoming.

Munich gateway

Munich Airport is plcing particular emphasis on its growing links with the Middle East through its new 95,000-square-metre Terminal 1 Pier.

The new facility has been designed with the needs of travellers from the Middle East in mind and can accommodate up to six million additional passengers. It will become the primary home at Munich Airport for airlines operating routes to and from the region and the passengers using those services.

The airport’s connectivity with the Gulf has become an important component of its long-haul network. Around 1.6 million passengers travelled on routes between Munich and the Gulf in 2025, accounting for 18% of the airport’s total long-haul traffic.

Munich Airport currently has 15 airlines connecting it with 15 destinations across 10 countries in the wider MENA region, providing a significant network for travellers heading to Bavaria and other parts of Germany.

The new terminal facility is also being complemented by a dedicated initiative for Arab travellers. The Bavarian-Arab Society has established a new office at Munich Airport, providing a point of contact for Arab passengers while promoting cultural understanding and offering personalised support services.

Corinna Born, Director International Media Relations at Munich Airport, said the airport and the German National Tourist Board remained focused on strengthening connectivity, hospitality and cultural ties between Germany and the Arab world.

The partnership is also intended to position Germany and Bavaria for a broad range of GCC travel segments, including family holidays, leisure trips, medical tourism and luxury travel.

Year-round offer

Germany’s tourism campaigns for 2026 and 2027 are designed to underline the diversity of experiences available across the country throughout the year.

The programme covers sustainable travel, nature, urban culture, gastronomy and seasonal experiences, alongside a series of major cultural events and anniversaries.

The Simply Feel Good campaign will spotlight destinations and travel experiences featuring sustainability initiatives. Next Stop: Travel Destination Germany will focus on the country’s cities and contemporary culture, while Culinary Germany will promote regional cuisine, fine dining and sustainable gastronomy.

For travellers seeking outdoor experiences, Family & Friends in Nature will highlight Germany’s hiking and cycling trails, national parks and other nature-based activities. The Season’s Greetings from Germany campaign will focus on traditional Christmas markets and winter experiences, giving GCC visitors another reason to explore the country outside the summer period.

Culture will form another major part of Germany’s tourism calendar.

Among the upcoming highlights is the 150th anniversary of the Wagner Festival in Bayreuth. In 2027, Germany will mark BTHVN 2027, commemorating 200 years since Beethoven’s death.

The country will also host documenta 16 in Kassel, one of the world’s leading contemporary art exhibitions, while the International Garden Exhibition (IGA) 2027 in the Ruhr region will bring together gardens, nature, culture and sustainable urban development.

The campaigns collectively cover a wide range of interests, from city breaks and cultural tourism to outdoor activities, food, sustainability and seasonal travel.

ATM Dubai 2026

Germany’s presence at ATM 2026 provides a platform for tourism organisations, airlines, attractions and destination partners to engage with travel professionals from the GCC and wider international markets.

The German delegation is using the event to promote the country’s year-round tourism proposition while strengthening relationships with regional travel trade partners.

The participation comes as the GCC continues to represent a high-value source market for Germany. The €3 billion spent by GCC travellers in 2025, combined with expenditure per trip and per person exceeding the average for overseas visitors by more than 30%, highlights the market’s significance beyond visitor volumes alone.

Germany’s 1.2 million GCC overnight stays last year also represented a continued rise from 2022, reinforcing the country’s position as the region’s third-strongest overseas market.

For Munich Airport, the focus at ATM extends to the infrastructure supporting that demand, with the new Terminal 1 Pier providing additional capacity and a dedicated Middle East-oriented gateway.

The airport, which has operated at its current location since 1992, is one of Europe’s major air traffic hubs and connects Bavaria with destinations around the world. Its operator, Flughafen München GmbH, is owned by the Free State of Bavaria with a 51% stake, the Federal Republic of Germany with 26% and the City of Munich with 23%.

Around 37,000 employees work across the Munich Airport campus, which comprises approximately 470 companies.

The Germany stand is located in the Europe Hall at EU5150 throughout ATM 2026, which continues at Dubai World Trade Centre until 17 September.

From Prague to Karlovy Vary: Czechia brings ‘feel free’ travel experiences to ATM Dubai 2026

DUBAI – Czechia is using Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai 2026 to showcase a broader side of the Central European destination, moving beyond its famous capital to highlight wellness, gastronomy, nature and lesser-known regions.

CzechTourism, together with the Embassy of the Czech Republic in the UAE, is presenting the country’s tourism offering to Middle East travel professionals during the 33rd edition of the event, which runs from 14 to 17 September at Dubai World Trade Centre.

As ATM 2026 enters its second day, the Czech presence is putting particular emphasis on its new global ‘feel free’ campaign and the freedom travellers have to shape their journeys around their interests.

Travel freedom

The campaign positions Czechia as a destination where visitors can combine different experiences within a single trip, from historic architecture and cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, local food and long-established spa traditions.

At ATM Dubai, CzechTourism is bringing together destination representatives and private-sector partners to demonstrate how the country can cater to different types of travellers. Its presentation covers culture and architecture, spa and wellness, gastronomy, cycling, hiking and other outdoor activities, while also encouraging visitors to explore regions beyond the established tourist circuit.

The destination’s culinary credentials are gaining fresh international attention. MICHELIN included Czechia among its 16 Best Places to Travel in 2026 for Food Lovers, with the country’s first nationwide MICHELIN Guide helping broaden the spotlight beyond Prague. The 2025 guide features 79 MICHELIN-selected restaurants, including one Two-Star restaurant, eight One-Star establishments and 18 Bib Gourmands.

This growing food reputation is being presented alongside new hotels, wellness concepts and attractions across the country, strengthening Czechia’s positioning as a year-round destination for international visitors.

Beyond Prague

While Prague remains one of Czechia’s best-known attractions, the destination’s ATM showcase is also drawing attention to places such as Karlovy Vary, Český Krumlov, Telč and Olomouc.

Karlovy Vary, one of the country’s best-known spa destinations, forms part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe UNESCO World Heritage property. The town is also known for its healing mineral waters and spa traditions, while its Grandhotel Pupp has gained international recognition through its association with The Grand Budapest Hotel.

South Moravia is another focus, combining vineyards, local produce, cultural attractions and the regional capital Brno. Nearby, the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape offers another major heritage attraction. South and Central Bohemia also provide opportunities to combine historic towns, countryside, lakes, cycling routes and regional gastronomy.

Czechia currently has 17 properties inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including historic centres, cultural landscapes and the natural component of the Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe.

The country’s wider tourism appeal also includes more than 1,200 castles and chateaux, traditional thermal and spa experiences, glassmaking and crystal design, forests, rolling hills and natural lakes.

CzechTourism at ATM 2026

CzechTourism is using ATM 2026 to strengthen connections with travel partners across the UAE and wider Middle East, a market it describes as increasingly important for the destination.

Barbara Andelová, International Marketing Manager for New Markets at CzechTourism, said the organisation’s focus in 2026 is to inspire more travellers while demonstrating the breadth of experiences available across the country, including wellness, culture, gastronomy, nature and premium travel.

The Czech delegation also includes industry partners Axxos Hotels & Resorts and Jachymov Spa, allowing travel trade visitors to engage directly with tourism businesses and discover accommodation and wellness options.

VFS Global is also continuing its partnership with CzechTourism, which has lasted more than seven years. Its tourism services team is supporting Czechia’s engagement across the Middle East as the destination seeks to expand awareness and develop new opportunities with regional travel partners.

Josef Koutský, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the UAE, said the country’s ATM participation provides another opportunity to build on Czechia-UAE relations and strengthen partnerships across the wider Middle East.

Etihad Guest unveils new Jaywan Royal benefits with up to 10% off fares

DUBAI – Etihad Guest and Al Etihad Payments have introduced a new set of exclusive benefits for Jaywan Royal cardholders, giving UAE-based travellers additional value when booking flights with Etihad Airways.

The agreement was signed at Arabian Travel Market 2026 in Dubai and builds on the airline's growing partnership with the UAE's national domestic card scheme.

The latest deal follows Etihad's move in August to become the first airline in the world to accept Jaywan as a payment method on etihad.com. It also marks the next stage of a partnership first outlined through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two organisations in October last year.

Fare benefits

Etihad Guest members using an eligible Jaywan Royal Card can receive up to 10% off Etihad-operated flights when booking Comfort or Deluxe fares directly through etihad.com.

The offer combines fare savings with additional airport benefits. Eligible Jaywan Royal cardholders will receive Priority Access in Abu Dhabi, covering check-in, boarding and baggage, adding a range of airport privileges to their travel experience.

Etihad Guest is the first airline loyalty programme to introduce benefits specifically for Jaywan cardholders. The arrangement is designed to reward UAE-based travellers who use the country's national domestic card scheme while also extending the benefits available through Etihad's loyalty programme.

To qualify, customers must be logged into their Etihad Guest account when making a booking. They must purchase an eligible Comfort or Deluxe fare using an eligible Jaywan Royal Card, with the offer subject to applicable terms and conditions.

Mark Potter, Managing Director of Etihad Guest at Etihad Airways, said the agreement brings together loyalty across the two brands and provides additional value to UAE-based members.

“This agreement recognises loyalty across both brands, rewarding that loyalty with real value on every booking,” he said.

Potter added that the combination of exclusive Comfort and Deluxe fares with a smoother airport experience would provide a practical addition to the guest journey.

Payment partnership

Andrea Cianchetti, Chief Products Officer at Al Etihad Payments, said the latest agreement builds on the momentum created when the partnership with Etihad was finalised in August, as well as the MoU signed in October.

He said Jaywan was designed to deliver value for UAE customers, while the Etihad partnership adds travel benefits to the Jaywan Royal proposition.

The latest agreement comes as Jaywan continues to expand its role within the UAE's domestic payments ecosystem. The scheme is operated by Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE, and is designed around the everyday payment needs of people in the country.

UAE-based Etihad Guest members can select Jaywan at checkout when booking flights through etihad.com across Etihad's full route network.

Full terms and conditions for the member benefits are available on Etihad's website.

ATM Dubai 2026 reveals what will drive GCC tourism forward

DUBAI – Preparedness and international collaboration took centre stage as policymakers from the Gulf, Central Asia, Europe and the United Nations examined the resilience and future direction of tourism at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai.

The opening day of the 33rd edition brought senior decision-makers together to assess how the sector has responded to geopolitical challenges while exploring opportunities for longer-term growth.

ATM 2026 is being held at Dubai World Trade Centre until Thursday, 17 September.

Building resilience

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Cabinet Member and Minister, Economy and Tourism, and Shaikha Al Nuwais, Secretary-General, UN Tourism, delivered welcome addresses on the Global Stage on the first day of the event, following opening remarks by Hugh Jones, CEO of RX Global.

Addressing the UAE’s response to recent geopolitical challenges, Al Marri highlighted the foundations built by the country’s tourism and wider economic sectors over the past five decades.

“Everyone talks about tourism resiliency; I talk about tourism foundations,” he said, pointing to the development undertaken over 50 years as a key factor behind the UAE’s ability to navigate recent challenges.

Al Nuwais placed preparedness and relationships at the centre of effective crisis management, stressing the importance of establishing cooperation and trust before disruption occurs.

She said countries that manage crises effectively are those that prepare in advance, build relationships early, share information and establish trust. According to Al Nuwais, such preparation enables destinations to respond more effectively when new challenges emerge.

The two speakers later joined Fatima Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism, Kingdom of Bahrain; Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism at the European Commission; and Abdulaziz Akkulov, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, for a ministerial debate moderated by Khanh Linh Vu, Principal Advisor to the Secretary-General at UN Tourism.

Tzitzikostas used the session to reaffirm the European Union’s support for the UAE and Gulf countries, describing them as partners and allies. He also pointed to signs of recovery in tourism activity, saying recent figures indicated a turnaround and a return to a stronger growth path.

Gulf opportunity

Tourism’s growing contribution to regional economies was another major focus of the discussion. Al Sairafi said tourism contributes more than 11% of GDP across Gulf countries, compared with a global average of around 10%.

She said the figure demonstrates the established position of Gulf countries within the global tourism landscape while highlighting further potential for the sector to expand across the region.

Akkulov drew comparisons between the approaches adopted by GCC countries and Uzbekistan, highlighting his country’s partnerships with Azerbaijan and UN Tourism. He also outlined efforts to position Uzbekistan as a regional hub for cooperation across the tourism industry.

The discussion underscored the role of cross-border partnerships as destinations seek to strengthen their ability to respond to disruption while continuing to develop tourism infrastructure, connectivity and visitor experiences.

Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director, UAE, RX Global, said the opening-day discussions demonstrated the importance of travel and tourism to the regional economy. She highlighted the GCC’s collective response to geopolitical challenges and described preparedness and collaboration as important elements of market resilience.

Tourism 2040

ATM 2026 is being held under the theme Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology, with the programme examining the forces expected to shape the industry over the coming years.

Artificial intelligence, digital transformation, smart mobility and changing traveller expectations are among the issues being explored during the event. The Global Stage hosted seven sessions on the opening day, covering topics including live experiences and the development of technology-powered luxury tourism for international travellers.

The event’s programme brings together tourism leaders, policymakers and industry representatives from across global markets to examine new opportunities and changing dynamics within travel.

Now in its 33rd edition, ATM remains a major international travel and tourism event in the Middle East, providing a platform for industry stakeholders to develop partnerships, exchange knowledge and explore new business opportunities.

https://www.travelsdubai.com/15-Sep-2026/atm-dubai-2026-expect-day-2-packed-opening

ATM Dubai 2026: Emirates expands global tourism push with seven new deals

DUBAI – Emirates has opened Arabian Travel Market 2026 with a major expansion of its tourism partnerships, signing seven Memoranda of Understanding with tourism authorities spanning the Indian Ocean, Europe, Southeast Asia and the UAE.

The agreements cover destinations including Seychelles, Mauritius, Madagascar, Sharjah, Malaysia, Finland and Western Norway, with the airline and tourism bodies set to work together on marketing, trade engagement, familiarisation trips and initiatives designed to increase visitor flows.

The airline also renewed strategic partnerships with Huawei and Dubai Duty Free, extending its focus beyond destination promotion to digital innovation, customer experience and airport retail.

The opening day of ATM also saw His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, visit the Emirates stand. During the visit, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan sampled the airline’s new Premium Economy electric seat with privacy dividers and reviewed its design with senior Emirates leadership.

Seychelles

Emirates has renewed its partnership with the Seychelles Tourism Board and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, extending a relationship that began in 2013.

The agreement is aimed at stimulating inbound traffic to the Seychelles through Emirates’ global network of nearly 140 destinations. Planned activities include joint marketing campaigns and familiarisation trips for media and travel-trade partners.

Emirates currently operates two daily flights to Mahé, providing connectivity for visitors travelling from a broad range of markets.

The partnership comes as the Seychelles records continued growth in visitor arrivals. Nearly 400,000 tourists visited the island nation in 2025, up 13 per cent from 353,000 in the previous year.

Through the renewed collaboration, Emirates and the Seychelles tourism authorities will seek to build further awareness of the destination in source markets and translate that interest into travel demand.

Mauritius

Emirates and the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority have renewed their agreement to promote tourism and trade in the island nation.

The airline has supported Mauritius’ tourism ambitions for more than two decades, helping the destination reach new source markets and supporting the growth of visitor arrivals.

The renewed partnership will use Emirates’ network of agents in key markets to promote Mauritius, while the two sides will develop special packages aimed at different customer segments.

Joint familiarisation trips for media and travel-trade representatives will also form part of the collaboration, helping showcase the island’s tourism offering in important feeder markets.

Demand from the Middle East has been particularly strong. Tourist arrivals from Middle Eastern markets increased by 10.5 per cent during the first half of 2026 compared with the same period last year.

Emirates currently offers three daily flights to Mauritius, with weekly capacity to and from the destination standing at 19,096 seats in both directions.

Madagascar

Emirates has also partnered with Madagascar’s Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts to support the Indian Ocean island’s ambitions to increase international visitor numbers.

The collaboration will contribute to Madagascar’s target of attracting one million tourists by 2028, with Emirates using its international network to promote the destination in key markets.

Joint advertising campaigns will be supported by cooperation with tour operators and travel agencies. The partners will also explore incentives and tailored travel packages designed to encourage bookings.

Familiarisation trips for media and travel-trade representatives will provide another route for promoting Madagascar’s attractions and tourism products to potential visitors and industry partners.

The agreement gives Madagascar access to Emirates’ extensive international reach as the country seeks to expand its tourism base and attract more travellers from overseas markets.

Sharjah

Emirates and the Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority have renewed their long-standing partnership to support tourism growth in Sharjah.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, and Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority.

The two organisations have collaborated across key source markets including the GCC, India, China, the Far East Asia and Europe.

Their work has included joint sales calls, trade workshops, roadshows and familiarisation trips. Emirates has also supported Sharjah in markets where the emirate does not have local representation by connecting it with trade partners and helping facilitate further engagement.

The partnership also supports MICE activity and trade visits to Sharjah.

The renewed agreement forms part of Emirates’ wider approach to promoting inbound tourism across the UAE. The airline works with tourism authorities including Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi to encourage international visitors to experience multiple destinations during their UAE stay.

Malaysia

Emirates and Tourism Malaysia have renewed their partnership through a one-year MoU supporting the Visit Malaysia 2026-2027 campaign.

The campaign has set a target of 47 million foreign visitor arrivals, with Emirates set to support destination promotion across its international network.

The agreement will explore joint marketing and advertising initiatives, alongside familiarisation trips for media and travel-trade representatives.

Connectivity will play a central role in the partnership. Emirates operates 21 weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur and Dubai, while onward connections from Kuala Lumpur are available through its codeshare partnership with Batik Air.

The collaboration is designed to put Malaysia in front of travellers across Emirates’ global network while strengthening links between the destination and major international source markets.

Finland

Emirates and Visit Finland have signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation and encourage more international visitors to Finland.

The agreement comes ahead of Emirates’ planned launch of services to Helsinki on October 1. The new route will establish year-round connectivity between Finland and the UAE, creating additional opportunities for tourism and travel between the two markets.

Under the partnership, Emirates and Visit Finland will explore promotional opportunities in strategic regions across the airline’s network, including East and Southeast Asia, West Asia, Australasia, major Middle Eastern hubs and Africa.

The partners will also develop programmes for trade partners and tour operators, giving the travel industry greater insight into Finland’s tourism offering.

Promotion will focus on year-round experiences across Finland’s four main regions. These include the summer landscapes of Lakeland, the islands and forests of the Coast and Archipelago, winter experiences in Lapland and Helsinki’s urban attractions, including its sauna culture.

The collaboration aligns with Finland’s National Tourism Strategy 2025-2028, which seeks to expand tourism while generating long-term economic and social value.

Fjord Norway

Emirates has signed an agreement with Fjord Norway, the official tourism board for Western Norway, to strengthen efforts to attract international visitors to the region.

The partnership will focus on promoting Western Norway through Emirates’ global network and using the airline’s international connectivity to support the region’s tourism ambitions.

The agreement also highlights Emirates’ role in connecting travellers with destinations through its global network and travel offering.

Western Norway’s tourism board will work with the airline to raise awareness of the region among international audiences and support greater inbound visitor traffic.

Huawei

Alongside the seven tourism agreements, Emirates has renewed its long-standing strategic partnership with Huawei, reinforcing its focus on the Chinese market.

The relationship dates back to 2020 and has included the integration of the Emirates App into Huawei’s ecosystem as well as joint marketing initiatives.

The renewed MoU will focus on strengthening brand engagement in China, developing more personalised digital travel solutions and exploring new opportunities in media.

The partnership forms part of Emirates’ broader expansion in China, where the airline has increased its network, restored Airbus A380 services and introduced its Premium Economy product.

The renewed cooperation will combine digital innovation with marketing activity as Emirates seeks to strengthen its relationship with Chinese customers across the travel journey.

Dubai Duty Free

Emirates has also signed an agreement with Dubai Duty Free to offer passengers exclusive deals at Dubai Duty Free outlets across Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport.

The initiative will apply to Emirates passengers travelling to or through Dubai, giving them access to special offers while adding another element to the airport experience.

The agreement was signed by Mohammad Al Hashimi, Emirates’ Vice President, Commercial Products, Dubai, and Mona Al Ali, Dubai Duty Free’s Senior Vice President, Human Resources.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, and Ramesh Cidambi, Dubai Duty Free’s Managing Director, attended the signing.

The partnership brings together the airline and one of the world’s largest airport retailers to support passenger engagement on the ground.

It also covers joint initiatives aimed at supporting Dubai’s tourism and aviation sectors and growing passenger traffic to and through the emirate across Emirates’ network.

How to make your brand the talk of ATM Dubai 2026

ATM Dubai 2026 is back — and your brand deserves to be seen beyond the exhibition floor.

From 14 to 17 September 2026, Dubai World Trade Centre will bring together hundreds of travel, tourism and hospitality brands for Arabian Travel Market.

But once the event ends, one question remains: which brands will people remember?

TravelsDubai is offering professional media coverage for businesses exhibiting at ATM Dubai 2026, helping brands turn their presence at the event into visibility that reaches audiences beyond the people walking past their booth.

Our coverage packages can put your brand in the spotlight through:

• On-site interviews
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Your ATM presence shouldn't end when visitors leave your stand.

With 1M+ Instagram views and 250K+ active users on TravelsDubai, your brand can connect with a wider travel-focused audience before, during and after the event.

Whether you're launching a new product, showcasing a destination, promoting a hospitality brand or looking to maximise your ATM 2026 presence, TravelsDubai can help bring your story to a broader audience.

Secure your media coverage with TravelsDubai and make your ATM 2026 presence count.

Arabian Travel Market 2026 opens tomorrow in Dubai with global tourism leaders set to gather

DUBAI – The 33rd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will open tomorrow at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), bringing together the international travel and tourism community for four days of business, networking, knowledge exchange and collaboration.

The event will take place from 14 to 17 September, with destinations, tourism authorities, airlines, hospitality brands, technology companies, buyers and industry professionals gathering in Dubai. This year’s programme will focus strongly on innovation, technology, resilience and the forces expected to shape the next phase of global tourism.

Held under the theme ‘Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology’, ATM 2026 will examine developments transforming the tourism sector, including artificial intelligence, digital transformation, changing traveller expectations, destination resilience, smart mobility and sustainable long-term growth.

Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director - UAE, RX Global, said the event would bring the global travel and tourism industry back together in Dubai while highlighting the continued evolution of both the sector and ATM itself.

“This year is particularly significant as we see continued evolution across both the industry and ATM itself,” Curtis said, pointing to the debut of ATM Travel Tech, an expanded focus on innovation and a conference programme examining emerging trends and opportunities across global tourism.

She added that recent challenges facing the industry had reinforced the value of bringing its international community together in person, with the event expected to generate new conversations, partnerships and commercial opportunities.

https://www.travelsdubai.com/10-Sep-2026/atm-2026-dubai-bring-global-travel-leaders-together-new-era-tourism

Tech takes centre stage

Technology will be one of the major areas of focus at ATM 2026, with the debut of ATM Travel Tech as a dedicated co-located show.

The new event will feature more than 180 exhibitors from 30 countries across two dedicated halls, bringing technology companies, innovators and industry leaders together to explore solutions and partnerships changing the travel ecosystem.

At its centre will be the 850-square-metre Tech & Innovation Hub, which will showcase developments in artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, robotics, fintech and green technologies.

The Hub will also feature the Future Stage, where technology leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators will discuss how emerging technologies are reshaping travel. Sessions will cover artificial intelligence and automation, data and digital transformation, fintech, immersive technology, robotics and next-generation travel platforms.

The Future Stage will open with Dr Marwan Alzarouni, CEO, AI at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), examining the role of artificial intelligence in reshaping the travel landscape.

The programme will also feature senior representatives from Sabre, Trip.com, Tripadvisor, Wego, MakeMyTrip, RateGain and Visa. Discussions will explore agentic AI, the future of online travel agencies, investment and consolidation, digital discovery and the changing travel supply chain.

Global industry debate

The wider conference programme will continue across the Global Stage and Experience Hub, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers and technology specialists throughout the four-day event.

The Global Stage will begin with the Ministerial Debate: Building A Resilient Industry Through Collaboration. The session will bring senior tourism figures together to discuss rebuilding traveller confidence, strengthening the GCC’s global tourism position and establishing the foundations for a resilient future for the sector.

Speakers will include H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism; H.E. Shaikha Al Nuwais, Secretary General, UN Tourism; Fatima Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism; and Apostolos Tzitzikostas, EC Commissioner, UN Tourism.

Research and market intelligence will also feature prominently, with organisations including Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, Euromonitor International, STR and Dragon Trail International set to share research and practical insights.

Their sessions will focus on changing market conditions and the opportunities available to tourism businesses as traveller behaviour and industry dynamics continue to evolve.

Curtis said research from ATM’s partners continued to point to resilience in travel demand, while innovation was creating new ways for destinations and businesses to respond to changing traveller expectations.

New ATM identity

ATM 2026 will also introduce a refreshed brand identity across the event, reflecting the exhibition’s continued development beyond the traditional trade-show floor.

The updated identity is intended to reflect ATM’s evolution as a year-round platform connecting communities, ideas and commercial opportunities across the global travel and tourism ecosystem.

Now in its 33rd edition, Arabian Travel Market continues to bring together the international travel community in the Middle East, providing a platform for destinations, businesses and industry professionals to develop partnerships, exchange knowledge and explore new commercial opportunities.

Registration for ATM 2026 is live, with visitor, media and exhibitor registration available through the event’s official channels.

https://www.travelsdubai.com/13-Sep-2026/bahi-ajman-palace-coral-beach-sharjah-target-global-leisure-markets-atm-2026-dubai

Bahi Ajman Palace, Coral Beach Sharjah target global leisure markets at ATM 2026 in Dubai

DUBAI – Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah are stepping up their international business-to-business expansion at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, targeting key feeder markets and new trade partnerships.

The Northern Emirates properties are using the major travel industry event to strengthen distribution networks, secure new contracts and tap into rising international leisure demand. Their focus includes the GCC, Europe and CIS regions, with meetings aimed at tour operators and other strategic trade partners.

Global outreach

The hotels are also seeking to position Ajman and Sharjah as attractive beachfront destinations for international travellers while highlighting their approach to sustainable operations. Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager for Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, said the event comes at an important time as global travel continues to rebound.

According to Hamdani, the properties are showcasing how sustainability initiatives can support commercial growth, with measures including AI-powered food-waste tracking and closed-loop biodigesters. The hotels are also highlighting the cultural attractions and beachfront settings of Ajman and Sharjah as part of their offering to international travel trade partners.

The properties are maintaining a triple-stand presence at ATM 2026 to increase accessibility for industry visitors and support destination-focused engagement. Alongside the Hospitality Management Holding (HMH) stand, representatives are engaging with visitors through the Ajman Tourism, Culture and Media Department and the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority stands.

The strategy gives the two properties an opportunity to pursue trade agreements while connecting their hotel offerings with wider destination marketing efforts in the Northern Emirates. Discussions are centred on strengthening relationships with tour operators, expanding distribution channels and securing business from priority international markets.

https://www.travelsdubai.com/29-Jan-2025/uae-s-first-water-from-air-bottling-plant-launched-at-bahi-ajman-palace-hotel

Hotels portfolio

Bahi Hotels and Resorts, managed by HMH, was launched in Ajman in 2012 as the region's first alcohol-free hotel brand. The upscale five-star brand includes Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel, a private beachfront property offering accommodation, dining, leisure, spa and meeting facilities.

Coral Hotels and Resorts, also managed by HMH, was launched in 2003 as the Middle East's first dry hotel chain. The four- and five-star brand operates properties across key destinations in the Middle East and North Africa, serving leisure, family, business and long-stay travellers.

Its portfolio includes Coral Beirut Al Hamra Hotel, Coral Muscat Hotel & Apartments, Coral Al Ahsa Hotel, Coral Jubail Hotel, Coral Al Khobar Hotel, Coral Khartoum Hotel, Coral Port Sudan Hotel, Coral Dubai Deira Hotel and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah.

The properties offer a mix of accommodation, dining, leisure and business facilities, with Coral Beach Resort Sharjah strengthening the group's presence in the Northern Emirates.

https://www.travelsdubai.com/12-Sep-2026/heritage-luxury-here-s-ajman-will-showcase-atm-2026-dubai

Dubai set to unveil new tourism developments and experiences at ATM 2026

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.

From heritage to luxury: Here’s what Ajman will showcase at ATM 2026 in Dubai

DUBAI – Ajman is set to put its tourism, cultural heritage and growing hospitality offering in the spotlight at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai.

The Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture & Media will participate in the four-day event at Dubai World Trade Centre from 14 to 17 September.

Under the theme ‘Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology’, the emirate will present its destination offering to tourism professionals, industry leaders and potential partners from regional and international markets.

The participation will focus on showcasing Ajman as an authentic and future-ready destination, while highlighting its diverse attractions, distinctive visitor experiences and expanding tourism ecosystem. The department will also use the event to strengthen industry relationships, explore new partnerships, diversify source markets and support the emirate’s longer-term tourism ambitions.

Inside the stand

Visitors to Ajman’s stand will encounter a mix of media, cultural and interactive experiences designed to highlight the emirate’s identity and development.

One of the featured installations will be ‘From the Memory of Ajman’, a dedicated media corner displaying a curated collection of archival photographs. The images will document key milestones in Ajman’s history and development, giving visitors a visual look at the journey behind the emirate’s modern identity.

An interactive zone will introduce visitors to Ajman’s tourism experiences, while the Craftsmen Majlis will provide a dedicated cultural space focused on traditional crafts and local heritage. The presentation is designed to connect traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary visitor experience while highlighting the UAE’s wider cultural legacy.

Tourism partners

Ajman’s presence will also bring together a broad cross-section of its tourism ecosystem, underlining cooperation between government bodies, hospitality businesses, tourism operators and the private sector.

Participating hospitality and tourism entities include Ajman Saray, a Luxury Collection Resort; Al Zorah Beach Resort; Fairmont Ajman; Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel; Dusit Ajman Resort & Villas; Wyndham Garden Hotel; Radisson Blu Hotel; Zarya Wellness Spa Management Company FZE; and Ewan Ajman Suites Hotel.

The wider delegation will include Ajman Chamber, Bronz Tourism, MUSANDAM ADVENTURE Travel, Arabian Oryx Travel and Tourism LLC, Flash Horizon and Rida International Tourism & Travel.

According to Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media, the ATM platform will allow the emirate to engage with leading tourism partners and industry specialists while presenting a destination proposition built around its identity, heritage, evolving experiences, innovation and technology.

The department has also highlighted cooperation between government entities, tourism establishments and the private sector as an important part of developing Ajman’s tourism ecosystem and strengthening its appeal across priority international markets.

At ATM 2026, these elements will come together through the emirate’s stand, offering industry visitors a closer look at Ajman’s heritage, hospitality, leisure experiences and emerging tourism opportunities.

ATM 2026 in Dubai to bring global travel leaders together for a new era of tourism

DUBAI – Dubai will once again become a focal point for the global travel and tourism industry when Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 opens at Dubai World Trade Centre from September 14 to 17.

The 33rd edition of the international event is set to bring together destinations, tourism authorities, airlines, hotels, travel technology companies, suppliers, buyers and industry professionals from across the world.

Organised by RX Global, ATM 2026 will focus on strengthening commercial relationships and examining how innovation, technology and changing traveller expectations will shape the sector towards 2040.

The event's official press conference, held at Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina today, brought together RX Global and ATM's strategic partners, including the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Emirates, IHG Hotels & Resorts and Al Rais Travel, to outline plans for this year's edition.

ATM 2026

Held under the theme Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology, ATM 2026 will explore the technologies, trends and partnerships influencing the future of global travel. The programme comes as the industry continues to navigate changing market conditions, evolving customer expectations and rapid advances in digital technology.

ATM organisers said preparations for the event have been shaped by ongoing engagement with exhibitors, buyers, partners and other stakeholders, allowing the show to respond to changing industry requirements while continuing to provide opportunities for business, networking and knowledge exchange.

A global gathering

The exhibition will feature destinations, tourism authorities, airlines, hospitality groups, travel technology companies, tourism suppliers and professionals representing markets from around the world. Alongside individual destinations and businesses, the event will highlight the interconnected nature of the global tourism industry and the importance of partnerships in maintaining commercial activity and sharing knowledge.

Confidence, resilience and collaboration will be among the key themes running through the 2026 edition. The event will examine the impact of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, smart mobility and evolving traveller expectations on tourism, while also looking at the commercial opportunities emerging from these changes.

Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director, UAE, RX Global, said the industry had been required to adapt during the past few months and thanked customers and partners for their trust, understanding and flexibility.

She said ATM had listened closely to the needs of its customers and adapted where necessary to provide support as circumstances changed. Curtis added that bringing the global travel community together was particularly important this year, with the event focused both on immediate industry priorities and the innovation and opportunities expected to shape the future of travel.

Dubai's role as an international meeting point for the travel sector was also highlighted by Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET.

Kazim said hosting ATM at an important moment for global travel reflected Dubai's position as a trusted meeting point where government and private-sector partners work together to maintain confidence, enable business and create new opportunities.

He linked the event to the wider objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai's economy and further strengthen the emirate's position as a leading global destination for business and leisure.

Kazim said platforms such as ATM were important for strengthening international partnerships and accelerating innovation across the visitor economy, adding that Dubai was looking forward to welcoming the global travel community once again.

Focus on technology

Technology will take a more prominent position at ATM 2026 with the launch of ATM Travel Tech, a dedicated co-located exhibition designed to focus on the rapidly changing travel technology landscape.

Sabre will join ATM Travel Tech as its official strategic partner. The technology-focused programme will sit alongside the Tech & Innovation Hub, which will showcase developments spanning artificial intelligence, immersive technologies, robotics, fintech and smart mobility.

The new elements reflect the central role technology is expected to play in the industry's development towards 2040. From the way travellers search and book journeys to how airlines, hotels and destinations manage operations and personalise experiences, digital tools are increasingly influencing the travel ecosystem.

Ramzi Al-Qassab, Managing Director for META, EE, CIS, PK at Sabre and ATM Travel Tech Strategic Partner, said the travel industry was dealing with economic and geopolitical uncertainty while also facing significant technological opportunities.

He said Sabre's role was to provide airlines, agencies and hoteliers with intelligence and technology to manage current challenges while preparing for future developments. Al-Qassab described ATM as a platform where the industry could come together to navigate uncertainty and balance immediate requirements with longer-term opportunities.

Al Rais Travel will also bring a technology-led development to the event with the launch of its new AlRaisTravel.com platform. Mohamed Al Rais, Executive Director of Al Rais Travel, said the platform will feature Voice AI and Chat AI aimed at making travel planning faster, easier and more personalised.

The company will also strengthen its presence in medical tourism by connecting travellers with healthcare providers around the world.

Al Rais Travel has operated since 1977 and has developed alongside Dubai's tourism and travel sector. Al Rais said the company's participation in ATM 2026 would combine its experience and established partnerships with new technology as it looks towards the next phase of travel.

Industry outlook

The ATM 2026 conference programme will bring policymakers, tourism leaders, researchers and technology specialists together across the Global Stage, Future Stage and Experience Hub.

Sessions will examine a broad range of issues affecting the travel industry, including artificial intelligence, destination resilience, hospitality, aviation, business events, luxury travel, accessibility, sustainability and investment.

The programme will also consider the changing expectations of today's experience-led traveller and how businesses can respond to demand for more relevant, seamless and technology-enabled journeys.

Research from ATM's official knowledge partners, including Tourism Economics, Euromonitor International and Dragon Trail International, will support discussions across the conference programme.

For hospitality businesses, the focus on technology comes as hotel supply continues to expand across the Middle East. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said the region continued to demonstrate strong long-term fundamentals for travel and hospitality, supported by investment in tourism, infrastructure, destination development and international connectivity.

Mattar said the next phase of growth would involve converting investment and expanding hotel supply into sustainable, long-term demand. He highlighted technology and data as tools that can help businesses better understand travellers, reduce friction throughout the guest journey and deliver more relevant experiences.

He said ATM's emphasis on innovation and technology was timely as the industry considers how these capabilities can contribute to responsible growth through 2040 and beyond.

Emirates at ATM 2026

Emirates is also preparing to use ATM 2026 as a platform to deepen relationships and develop new commercial opportunities across the travel sector.

Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates, said ATM had long been an important fixture on the airline's industry calendar, providing an opportunity to strengthen relationships with partners and give visitors a first-hand experience of its latest products.
The airline will use this year's event to further joint tourism initiatives and partnerships with organisations serving specialised traveller segments, while continuing to strengthen its long-standing relationships.

Kazim said destination growth and access to new customer segments required cooperation across the industry, with partnerships playing a central role in creating opportunities for tourism businesses and destinations.

The presence of Emirates alongside DET, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Al Rais Travel and Sabre reflects the broad range of organisations involved in shaping the event's agenda, from destination development and aviation to hospitality, travel distribution and technology.

ATM 2026 is expected to provide a platform for these sectors to engage directly with buyers, policymakers, suppliers and potential partners during four days at Dubai World Trade Centre.

https://www.travelsdubai.com/10-Sep-2026/emirates-brings-electric-premium-economy-seat-new-experiences-atm-2026-dubai

A platform for networking

RX Global said ATM has continued to expand as an international platform for travel and tourism, with the 2026 edition recording 16% year-on-year growth and attracting more than 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries.

Now in its 33rd year, the event has developed beyond a traditional exhibition floor, with forums, experiences and networking opportunities extending across the week. Its programme is designed to connect travel communities, facilitate commercial relationships and create opportunities for businesses operating across different parts of the tourism ecosystem.

Jonathan Heastie, Portfolio Director, Travel Sector, RX Global, said the organiser's focus was on ensuring its events evolve in line with the industries and communities they serve.

For ATM, he said this meant responding to changes across the travel sector while continuing to deliver value for customers. He added that the 2026 theme reflected the need to look beyond immediate priorities towards the innovation and opportunities expected to influence the industry in the years ahead.

Registration for ATM 2026 is live, with separate registration options available for visitors and media, while businesses interested in exhibiting can make enquiries through the event organisers.

Sharjah brings culture, adventure and digital experiences to ATM 2026 in Dubai

DUBAI – Sharjah is set to unveil a new Visit Sharjah pavilion at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai, offering visitors an interactive look at the emirate’s tourism landscape, upcoming projects and future-focused initiatives.

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) will lead the emirate’s participation, bringing together more than 30 government and private-sector entities under one platform. The event will take place from September 14 to 17 at Dubai World Trade Centre, giving Sharjah an opportunity to present its tourism offering to international industry professionals, investors and travel markets.

The pavilion has been designed around an experience-led concept that combines Sharjah’s cultural and natural identity with digital technology. Visitors will be able to explore attractions across Sharjah City, the Central Region and the East Coast, while discovering how the emirate is developing its tourism infrastructure, experiences and hospitality offering. The participation comes under ATM 2026’s theme, “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology”, placing innovation, technology and future travel trends at the centre of discussions.

Visit Sharjah

The new Sharjah Pavilion - Visit Sharjah will serve as the focal point of the emirate’s presence at the four-day travel exhibition. Rather than presenting individual attractions separately, the pavilion brings the emirate’s different tourism assets together through a unified identity and interactive visitor journey.

Its concept is designed to take visitors through the three broad geographical areas that define Sharjah’s tourism offering. Sharjah City will showcase the emirate’s cultural and heritage character, while the Central Region will focus on desert landscapes, adventure and outdoor experiences. The East Coast will highlight mountains, marine attractions and natural environments.

At the heart of the pavilion will be a 360-degree immersive digital experience combining large-scale visual displays, spatial audio and interactive lighting. The installation will transport visitors virtually to some of Sharjah’s prominent natural and cultural destinations, as well as major events, including the Sharjah Light Festival.

The pavilion will also feature expansive digital spaces, screens and tourism-storytelling platforms, alongside dedicated areas for participating partners. The combination is intended to provide travel trade professionals and visitors with a more interactive way of discovering the emirate's destinations and experiences.

The technology-driven presentation will cover a broad spectrum of Sharjah's tourism proposition, including heritage, nature, adventure, family and leisure activities, hospitality and events. The pavilion will therefore offer an overview of how the emirate is positioning its tourism sector across different visitor interests and international markets.

Sharjah Pavilion at ATM 2026

Sharjah’s participation will also focus on developments shaping the emirate’s tourism sector beyond individual attractions. The programme includes the presentation of new initiatives, projects and services intended to support the growth of tourism while maintaining the emirate’s cultural and environmental identity.

SCTDA Chairman Khalid Jasim Al Midfa said the participation reflects cooperation between public and private entities and Sharjah’s efforts to develop a more competitive and sustainable tourism sector. He also highlighted the importance of adapting to rapid changes taking place across the global travel and tourism industry.

The emirate is expected to use the exhibition to promote its combination of culture, heritage, nature, adventure, hospitality, family entertainment and events. The platform will also be used to explore opportunities created by technology and innovation for improving visitor experiences and building a more integrated tourism ecosystem.

International tourism markets and institutions will form another important part of the participation, with the event providing an opportunity to expand partnerships and establish new strategic relationships. Sharjah will also use its presence to highlight its readiness for future tourism demand and changing traveller expectations.

Major projects

One of the key developments to be highlighted is the Sharjah International Airport expansion project, which is being positioned as an important part of the emirate’s future tourism infrastructure.

The expansion is expected to support increased airport capacity and wider international air connectivity, while facilitating access for visitors arriving in Sharjah. Its development is linked to anticipated growth in travel and tourism and forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the infrastructure supporting the sector.

Hospitality and accommodation developments will also feature in Sharjah’s ATM programme. The emirate is highlighting strategic partnerships involving major UAE institutions and real-estate developers, including Emaar Properties and Eagle Hills.

These collaborations are supporting the development of hospitality projects and the expansion and diversification of accommodation options in Sharjah. They are also aimed at attracting established brands and international expertise to the emirate’s tourism market.

The partnerships form part of the wider development of Sharjah’s tourism ecosystem, with accommodation, hospitality facilities and supporting infrastructure being developed alongside the emirate’s existing cultural, environmental and leisure attractions.

Press conference

A major event within Sharjah’s ATM 2026 programme will be a press conference at the pavilion on Wednesday, September 16, at 1pm.

Al Midfa will attend alongside senior officials and representatives of the government and private-sector organisations participating in the Sharjah Pavilion. The session will provide details of the latest developments in the emirate’s tourism sector and introduce future initiatives and projects.

The programme will cover a wide range of tourism segments, including ecotourism, adventure tourism and annual events and programmes attracting visitors from different markets. It will also address development projects aimed at strengthening tourism infrastructure and improving the integration of services and facilities across Sharjah.

The press conference will additionally provide an update on partnerships supporting the hotel, accommodation and hospitality sectors, as well as collaborations involving major UAE institutions and developers.

Who is attending

More than 30 government and private-sector entities are expected to form part of Sharjah’s integrated participation, with the pavilion bringing together organisations involved in aviation, culture, heritage, conservation, sports, hospitality and tourism development.

Participating organisations include Sharjah International Airport, Sharjah Museums Authority, Environment and Protected Areas Authority, represented by Sharjah Safari, and the Sharjah Institute for Heritage.

The Sharjah Sports Council, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Sharjah Asset Management and Sharjah Classic Cars Club will also participate.

The line-up further includes the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, the Sharjah Training Centre for Airports Science under the Department of Civil Aviation Sharjah, and Air Arabia.

Together with SCTDA, these organisations will present different aspects of Sharjah’s tourism and visitor ecosystem, ranging from museums, heritage and wildlife conservation to aviation, sports, marine activities, transport-related services and destination development.

The participation gives the emirate a single platform at ATM 2026 to present its tourism regions, experiences, infrastructure projects and partnerships, while the new Visit Sharjah pavilion will provide the central setting for the digital and interactive showcase.

ATM 2026: Chinese outbound travel gathers pace as MENA destinations prepare for tourism recovery

DUBAI – The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) tourism industry is positioning itself for the gradual return of Chinese visitors as outbound travel from China continues to recover despite recent geopolitical disruptions.

New research released ahead of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 suggests that while travel to the Middle East has been temporarily affected, Chinese outbound demand remains resilient, creating fresh opportunities for destinations across the region.

The findings, published by Dragon Trail International, the Official Research Partner of ATM, indicate that tourism organisations are increasingly focusing on rebuilding traveller confidence and refining their marketing strategies to capture renewed demand. The research comes ahead of ATM 2026, which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre from September 14 to 17.

Chinese outbound tourism has continued to strengthen throughout 2026, with official figures and industry surveys pointing to sustained demand despite external challenges.

Demand rising

According to the research, 77 percent of surveyed travel agents reported higher demand for outbound travel during the first half of 2026 compared with the same period last year. Meanwhile, 70 percent said demand for outbound summer travel had increased year-on-year.

Official data from China's National Immigration Administration also reinforced the positive outlook, showing that border crossings by mainland Chinese citizens rose by 10.7 percent during the first six months of 2026.

Although geopolitical developments in the Middle East temporarily reduced travel demand for the region, official Chinese government travel advisories covering GCC countries have now been lifted.

Dragon Trail International believes recovery will be gradual, as Chinese travellers continue to place significant importance on safety and security when planning overseas trips. However, provided regional stability continues, market momentum is expected to strengthen further into 2027.

Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director, UAE at RX Global, said China remains one of the world's most influential outbound tourism markets despite the recent slowdown in travel to the Middle East.

She said destinations that understand changing traveller behaviour and adapt their marketing strategies accordingly will be best positioned to benefit as consumer confidence returns. Curtis added that Arabian Travel Market provides an important platform for the industry to access market intelligence, strengthen partnerships and prepare for the next phase of tourism growth.

Key segments

Research conducted specifically for ATM 2026 identifies luxury travel as the segment most likely to recover first across MENA destinations.

Around 42 percent of Chinese travel agents surveyed said high-net-worth travellers offer the strongest recovery potential. The study also pointed to growing opportunities in the fully independent traveller (FIT) market, cited by 40 percent of respondents.

Group travel and younger travellers were each identified by 38 percent of respondents as promising segments that destinations should target as confidence gradually improves.

The research also revealed changing booking patterns among Chinese travellers. Shorter booking windows have become increasingly common, while more travellers are opting for single-destination itineraries instead of multi-country trips.

Among destinations across the MENA region, Chinese travel agents identified Türkiye as having the strongest growth potential following the introduction of visa-free travel for Chinese visitors.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE also continue to enjoy strong long-term prospects, particularly within the premium and luxury tourism market, according to respondents.

Sienna Parulis-Cook, Director of Marketing and Communications at Dragon Trail International, said Chinese outbound tourism continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience despite a range of external challenges.

She said recent geopolitical developments had affected travel demand to the Middle East, but overall outbound travel from China continues to grow strongly, creating significant opportunities for destinations that can successfully rebuild traveller confidence.

Parulis-Cook added that the latest research was designed to help tourism organisations across the MENA region better understand how Chinese travel preferences are evolving so they can refine marketing strategies and accelerate recovery.

ATM 2026

Dragon Trail International will unveil further exclusive market intelligence during ATM 2026 through a dedicated session titled Welcoming Back the Chinese Tourism Market: Insights for the Middle East.

The presentation, to be held on the Future Stage, will examine the destinations attracting the greatest interest from Chinese consumers, the communication channels that have the strongest influence on travel decisions and the experiences travellers are increasingly seeking across the MENA region.

The findings are expected to provide destinations, tourism organisations and travel businesses with practical strategies for engaging one of the world's most valuable outbound travel markets as competition intensifies.

ATM 2026 will also feature several exhibitors from China, including the Macao Government Tourism Office, China Cultural Center in the UAE, DerbySoft Inc., The Garden Hotel Company Ltd., Guangzhou, China Highlights International Travel Service Co., Ltd. and HeyTrip International Limited.

Organisers said this year's edition marks a significant expansion in exhibition hall space, reflecting strong global demand for participation. Asia's presence at the event is projected to increase by 14 percent compared with the previous edition.

Held under the theme "Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology", ATM 2026 will bring together destinations, tourism organisations, industry leaders and innovators to examine the trends shaping the future of global travel, while reinforcing Dubai's position as a global hub for tourism collaboration, innovation and industry resilience.

Dubai prepares for ATM 2026 as world tourism leaders gather to shape Travel 2040 vision

DUBAI – The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 will bring the global travel and tourism industry together in Dubai to explore the future of the sector, with a strong focus on resilience, innovation, technology and long-term growth.

The event will take place from 14th to 17th September 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), bringing together exhibitors, buyers, policymakers, tourism authorities, researchers and industry leaders from around the world.

The upcoming edition will highlight Dubai’s position as a globally connected destination and a key meeting point for the international tourism community, as the sector continues adapting to changing market conditions. ATM 2026 will provide a platform for discussions around business continuity, destination preparedness, traveller confidence and the evolving opportunities shaping the global travel ecosystem.

The revised dates for the event reflect a collaborative approach designed to provide greater flexibility for participants while creating stronger opportunities for networking, partnerships and business engagement across the travel industry.

Travel 2040

Held under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology”, ATM 2026 will examine how the tourism sector can prepare for future challenges while embracing emerging technologies and new models of travel.

The event’s conference programme will explore key areas including crisis management, destination resilience, aviation continuity, digital transformation, sustainability and strategies for long-term tourism development. Sessions across the Global Stage, Future Stage and Experience Hub will bring together government representatives, tourism experts, technology leaders and industry decision-makers to discuss how destinations can improve adaptability and strengthen their ability to respond to global disruptions.

Research-driven discussions will also provide insights into changing traveller behaviour, global mobility patterns, destination competitiveness and future demand. Industry research partners including STR, Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, GSIQ and ICCA will contribute strategic analysis to support discussions around the direction of international tourism.

Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director - UAE at RX Global, said ATM’s role as a platform for the travel and tourism community to reconnect, strengthen partnerships and drive meaningful dialogue remains a priority as collaboration becomes increasingly important across the sector.

She highlighted that supported by Dubai’s infrastructure, operational capabilities and strong coordination between public and private sectors, ATM 2026 will continue bringing the global tourism community together while supporting future industry growth.

Dubai tourism

Dubai’s tourism ecosystem will remain central to ATM 2026, with the emirate continuing to demonstrate operational strength through its aviation, hospitality and events sectors.

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 has been shaped by long-term planning, agility and collaboration between government entities and industry stakeholders.

She noted that Dubai has remained open, operational and welcoming during recent regional developments, reinforcing confidence among travellers, businesses and international partners. The city continues to provide a platform for major global events and meetings across important sectors, including tourism.

Dubai’s connectivity has also remained a key factor in supporting tourism confidence. Air traffic operations in the UAE fully resumed on 2 May, while Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait also reopened their airspace. Emirates has restored 96% of its global network, operating to 13 destinations across seven countries with more than 1,300 weekly frequencies. Etihad Airways, flydubai and Qatar Airways are also continuing to restore their schedules.

International confidence has further strengthened following updated travel guidance from several countries. The UK government lifted its travel warning for the UAE, while Australia adjusted its travel advice for several Middle Eastern destinations, including the UAE, reflecting improved regional conditions and supporting future travel planning.

GCC hospitality market

The resilience of the wider GCC hospitality market will also be a key discussion point at ATM 2026. Research from STR, the event’s official research partner, shows hotel occupancy levels across major GCC markets have continued recovering steadily, supported by domestic demand and the ongoing operation of essential tourism infrastructure.

Dubai has maintained stable hospitality performance during this period, supported by its diversified tourism economy, advanced infrastructure and coordinated approach across government and private sector stakeholders.

ATM 2026 will examine how destinations with strong connectivity, established tourism networks and proactive planning can continue strengthening their position as international travel demand evolves.

Stephen Dutton, Global Insight Manager - Travel at Euromonitor International, will deliver a keynote session titled “The State of Travel: Inflation, Polycrisis & the New Travel Reality.”

Ahead of the event, Dutton said travel spending reached record levels in 2025, surpassing GDP growth in many markets and demonstrating continued consumer demand for international experiences. He noted that travel has increasingly become a priority for consumers despite economic and geopolitical pressures, with travellers continuing to seek meaningful experiences around the world.

Arabian Travel Market 2026

ATM 2026 will continue serving as a meeting point for the global travel community, connecting tourism organisations, airlines, hospitality brands, technology companies and destination representatives.

The event will focus on how innovation and collaboration can support the next phase of tourism development, with discussions covering digital solutions, evolving traveller expectations, sustainability and the role of technology in shaping future journeys.

Through its conference programme and industry engagement platforms, ATM 2026 will bring together global voices to explore how the travel sector can strengthen resilience, improve preparedness and create new opportunities in an increasingly connected world.