ATM 2025: Dubai Crown Prince visits Arabian Travel Market (VIDEO)
Record 2,800 exhibitors highlight global confidence in UAE’s tourism platform
DUBAI: His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, toured the 32nd edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 on Tuesday at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The event, a global highlight on the travel and tourism calendar, runs until 1st May and features unprecedented international participation.
The Crown Prince was accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. The tour also included senior officials and ministers, reaffirming the strategic importance of the event in shaping the UAE’s tourism roadmap.
Dubai Crown Prince at ATM 2025
ATM 2025 brings together more than 2,800 exhibitors from 161 countries, reflecting strong global interest in Dubai as a hub for tourism dialogue and innovation. This year’s theme, “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity”, focuses on the future of travel, emerging technologies, and collaborative growth.
During his visit, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was briefed on key features of the exhibition, which spans multiple halls and industry sectors, including leisure, luxury, business events (MICE), and corporate travel. The event is expected to welcome over 55,000 attendees.
The Crown Prince visited a number of national and regional pavilions, where countries showcased tourism products, investment opportunities, hospitality developments, and digital solutions. Notably, there has been a 20 percent increase in exhibitors from Asia, a 15 percent rise from the Middle East, and over 12 percent growth from Europe, indicating widespread confidence in Dubai’s platform for international engagement.
Driving economic diversification
Speaking during the tour, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said the UAE’s leadership, under the guidance of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has laid the groundwork for long-term economic sustainability through tourism and innovation.
“The Arabian Travel Market has become a critical pillar of our economic ecosystem,” said Sheikh Hamdan. “It plays an essential role in attracting investment, facilitating knowledge exchange, and generating high-value opportunities across multiple industries.”
He noted that exhibitions and conferences like ATM are vital engines for economic growth, adding, “By continuing to invest in world-class infrastructure, fostering a progressive legislative environment, and strengthening international partnerships, we are reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global tourism and business capital.”
Tourism as a transformation engine
The tour included senior figures such as Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; and Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Almarri, Director-General of Dubai’s General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs.
Sheikh Hamdan underlined that ATM serves as more than a showcase – it is a catalyst for partnerships across the global tourism value chain. “The event offers a collaborative platform for stakeholders to explore synergies and drive forward-looking strategies,” he said.
ATM 2025’s conference programme features more than 200 speakers leading 70 sessions across three major stages: the Global Stage, Future Stage, and the newly launched Business Events Stage. Topics include the future of aviation, innovations in hospitality, AI integration in travel, climate action, and strategies to overcome global tourism challenges.
The event is organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre and supported by major partners, including the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (Destination Partner), Emirates (Official Airline Partner), IHG Hotels & Resorts (Official Hotel Partner), and Al Rais Travel (Official Destination Management Partner).
Platform for global exchange
The presence of Sheikh Hamdan at ATM 2025 highlighted Dubai’s continuing role as a convening point for international travel decision-makers and innovators. The city’s appeal as a business and tourism destination continues to grow, supported by robust infrastructure, strategic location, and a future-focused vision.
As ATM 2025 continues, it reinforces Dubai’s position not only as a destination but as a driver of global tourism development, setting the pace for innovation and cross-border cooperation in one of the world’s most dynamic sectors.