ATM Dubai 2026: Six standout exhibitors recognised for creativity, technology and design
Winning spaces turned business meetings into memorable visitor experiences
DUBAI – The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 has recognised six exhibitors for stand design, creativity, technology, business functionality and visitor experience as the travel industry gathering concludes at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
The ATM 2026 Best Stand Awards highlighted exhibitors that went beyond visual presentation to create spaces designed for business meetings, visitor engagement and immersive brand experiences. An independent panel of industry experts assessed the stands across several categories, with winners ranging from major tourism organisations and hotel groups to a travel technology company.
Held under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology”, ATM 2026 has focused on the role of innovation, emerging technologies and new ideas in shaping the future of global travel.
Six winners
Here are the six exhibitors recognised at this year’s Best Stand Awards:
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) received the Best Stand Design Award for stands over 150sqm, with judges recognising the scale and functionality of its exhibition space.
The stand was designed to accommodate a high volume of business meetings while maintaining an inviting environment for visitors. Its three-tier layout created separate areas for engagement and meetings, allowing the large space to serve multiple purposes without losing its visual impact.
Judges highlighted the balance between design and practical business requirements, particularly the way the stand supported professional discussions while continuing to offer an engaging experience for visitors.
Rove Hotels
Rove Hotels won the Best Stand Design Award for stands measuring 50sqm to 150sqm.
The judges praised the stand’s bold and playful appearance, along with the attention given to individual design details. The concept reflected the personality associated with the Rove hotel brand and used distinctive elements to present its offering differently from a conventional hotel environment.
The stand’s team also played a role in its recognition. Judges noted the energy and engagement of the staff, while quirky, television-inspired costumes added another memorable element to the exhibition presence.
Agilysys
Agilysys took the Best Stand Design Award for stands under 50sqm, demonstrating how a smaller exhibition footprint can still create a strong presence.
Judges highlighted its contemporary design and effective use of limited space. The stand used a bold and unconventional visual approach that helped it stand out on the busy ATM show floor.
Its recognition focused on how thoughtful spatial planning and distinctive design could maximise the impact of a compact exhibition area without relying on a large physical footprint.
Marriott
Marriott was named Best Stand for Doing Business, with judges focusing on how effectively the hospitality group created an environment suited to meetings and professional conversations.
The stand recreated elements associated with hotel lobbies and guest spaces, bringing a hospitality-led atmosphere into the exhibition setting. Its layout was carefully planned to provide a welcoming environment for business discussions.
The concept demonstrated how elements of a hotel experience can be adapted for an exhibition while retaining a practical focus on meetings and networking.
Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) won the Best Stand Feature Award for a presentation combining immersive technology, cultural design and Emirati craftsmanship.
One of the most distinctive attractions was an interactive dune buggy activation. The experience incorporated an integrated screen, giving visitors a taste of dune bashing in Abu Dhabi without leaving the exhibition floor.
The wider stand drew inspiration from Abu Dhabi’s museums and architectural landmarks. Traditional crafts and artistic demonstrations added another dimension, showcasing elements of Emirati heritage alongside the technology-driven visitor experience.
The combination of destination storytelling, interactive features and cultural elements helped bring Abu Dhabi’s tourism offering to life for ATM visitors.
HBX Group
Within ATM Travel Tech, the co-located travel technology exhibition, HBX Group received the Best Use of Technology Award.
Judges highlighted the prominent and highly visual nature of its stand, where technology was incorporated throughout the design rather than being used as a single standalone feature.
The space also made effective use of its footprint, with striking suspended elements contributing to its visual identity. The judges recognised the combination of creativity, innovation and technology in creating a distinctive presence on the ATM show floor.
Expert judging
The winners were selected by an independent panel comprising Danielle Azzi Sleiman, Associate Director at Dubai World Trade Centre; Dave Goodger, Managing Director EMEA at Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company; Piers Kelly, Group Operations Director at RX Global; and Sarah Duignan, Director of Client Relationships at STR.
The judging process focused on more than appearance. Exhibitors were assessed on how effectively their spaces supported business activity, visitor engagement, technology, creativity and the communication of their brands or destinations.
ATM Executive Director Danielle Curtis said the standard of the stands had been exceptional, with exhibitors placing emphasis on visitor experience while creating spaces capable of supporting meaningful business conversations.
The awards also reflected the wider direction of ATM 2026, where exhibition design increasingly served as a platform for destination storytelling, hospitality experiences, technological demonstrations and commercial engagement.
ATM Dubai 2026
The Best Stand Awards complemented ATM 2026’s wider focus on innovation and technology under its Travel 2040 theme.
From Dubai’s multi-level business environment and Marriott’s hospitality-inspired meeting space to Abu Dhabi’s interactive dune buggy experience and HBX Group’s technology-led presentation, the winning stands showcased different approaches to attracting visitors and facilitating industry engagement.
The 2026 edition of Arabian Travel Market concluded on Thursday, at Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing the four-day travel industry event to a close.