ATM 2025: Dubai ready for largest-ever Arabian Travel Market (VIDEO)
New business events zone and tech innovations set to redefine global tourism at 4-day event
Dubai is preparing to welcome the world as Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, the Middle East’s leading travel and tourism event, opens tomorrow at Dubai World Trade Centre.
With over 2,800 exhibitors and more than 55,000 travel professionals confirmed from 166 countries, the 32nd edition promises to be the biggest and most internationally diverse in the event’s distinguished history.
A testament to its global reach, 67 percent of exhibitors at this year’s ATM represent international markets, while 33 percent hail from the Middle East. Visitors can expect a packed four days, filled with innovation, insights and strategic networking opportunities, all aligned with this year’s theme, “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity”.
The 2025 show, which will run till 1st May 2025, will examine how enhanced cross-border, cross-sector and community connectivity can create a more sustainable, inclusive and globally integrated travel industry. Discussions on these themes will unfold across three new dynamic stages: the Global Stage, Future Stage and Business Events Stage.
How is global participation redefining ATM 2025?
ATM 2025 is set to break all previous records, fuelled by strong international participation and growing interest from emerging markets. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME for ATM, confirmed: “ATM 2025 is on track to achieve record-breaking attendance and exhibitor participation. We are excited to see representatives across all sectors, from leisure and luxury to corporate and business events travel.”
Reflecting this year’s unprecedented demand, ATM has expanded its footprint with two additional halls at Dubai World Trade Centre. The launch of IBTM@ATM, a dedicated business events zone, is among the major highlights, alongside the significant expansion of ATM Travel Tech, which now occupies both Hall 1 and Za’abeel Hall 3.
International visitor registrations stand at over 52 percent, with UAE and wider GCC audiences contributing 48 percent. The top five registered international source markets are India, Egypt, the United Kingdom, Türkiye and the United States, demonstrating ATM’s enduring global pull.
Why is Asia leading the growth surge?
Asia’s importance at ATM 2025 cannot be overstated, with exhibitor participation from the region rising by an impressive 20 percent year-on-year. This surge has been driven by strengthening regional connectivity and deeper engagement with international tourism markets.
Countries including Japan, Macao, the Maldives, Mauritius, South Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines are all showcasing the best of Asia’s travel offering. India’s presence at ATM is particularly noteworthy, having expanded by 30 percent this year. Key Indian participants include regional tourism boards from Goa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, alongside national carriers Air India and Air India Express.
Asia’s fast-growing profile highlights its increasing influence over global travel patterns and its strategic importance to the Middle East’s travel industry partnerships.
What role does innovation play in ATM 2025?
Innovation is firmly at the heart of ATM 2025, reflected through the expanded ATM Travel Tech section. This year sees a 23 percent increase in technology-focused exhibitors, showcasing the latest solutions in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, smart hospitality and more.
Among the highly anticipated sessions is a keynote by Cassie Kozyrkov, CEO of Kozyr and former Chief Decision Scientist at Google. Speaking on the Future Stage, Kozyrkov will tackle the topic "AI Adoption: From Buzzwords to Business Strategy", exploring the real-world challenges organisations face when integrating artificial intelligence into their operations.
ATM Travel Tech will also introduce the new Start-Up and Innovation Zone, offering a platform for next-generation travel innovators. Visitors can look forward to an immersive VR experience that reimagines the future of travel, alongside the annual Start-Up Pitch Battle, which returns for a fourth consecutive year to spotlight the Middle East’s brightest entrepreneurial talents.
How will business events shape the future of travel?
Another major milestone at ATM 2025 is the launch of IBTM@ATM, an integrated business events experience aimed at the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector. The new Business Events Stage will host a full programme of expert-led sessions, from destination marketing to event design and corporate travel trends.
Tomorrow, Senthil Gopinath, CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), will formally open the Business Events Stage proceedings. Subsequent sessions will feature senior voices from ICCA, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO).
An Arabia China Tourism (MICE) Forum will delve into the growing demand among Chinese outbound travellers for MICE experiences in the MENA region, with insights from leading Chinese and Middle Eastern DMCs.
Meanwhile, global players such as Booking.com, dnata Travel Group and Airbnb will gather on the Future Stage to dissect emerging microtrends reshaping travel consumption. On the Global Stage, executives from Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Rotana Hotels, Sabre Hospitality and RAK Properties will share how hospitality brands are transforming guest experiences to meet new expectations for authenticity and immersion.
What else can visitors expect at ATM 2025?
ATM 2025 is supported by key strategic partners including Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as Destination Partner, Emirates as Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as Official Hotel Partner, and Al Rais Travel as Official DMC Partner.
The event forms the centrepiece of Arabian Travel Week, a week-long festival running from 28 April to 4 May 2025. Arabian Travel Week will include additional events such as Business Events @ATM, influencer gatherings, GBTA Business Travel Forums, ATM Travel Tech, Start-Up Competitions and dedicated country forums.
Last year’s Arabian Travel Market welcomed more than 48,000 attendees, over 35,000 visitors, and 2,550 exhibitors from 161 countries. This year, ATM is set not only to surpass these figures but to strengthen Dubai’s role as a global hub for travel and tourism innovation.