The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 is set to take place in Dubai from September 14 to 17, bringing with it a strong emphasis on travel technology. This pivotal event will feature the inaugural ATM Travel Tech exhibition, highlighting the role of innovation in shaping the future of travel.

Focus on Emerging Technologies

The 33rd edition of the ATM will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology.” The conference will explore how advancements in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and smart mobility are expected to redefine tourism in the coming years. Organizers, including key partners like the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Emirates, unveiled their ambitious plans for the event during a recent press conference.

Given the disruption experienced in the travel sector, ATM aims to foster commercial relationships and encourage collaboration among various stakeholders. The renewed focus on resilience will help reconnect businesses and destinations as they navigate the post-pandemic landscape.

ATM Travel Tech Exhibition

A highlight of this year’s event is the introduction of the ATM Travel Tech exhibition, which will showcase a substantial range of technological innovations. Over 180 exhibitors from around 30 countries are expected to participate across two dedicated halls. This includes a Tech & Innovation Hub covering 850 square meters that will feature demonstrations related to AI, robotics, fintech, and green technologies.

Prominent figures from the tech industry, including Sabre, will play key roles in the exhibition, which will also host a Future Stage for discussions on pressing issues such as cybersecurity and sustainability. According to Ramzi Al-Qassab, Managing Director for META at Sabre, the current state of the travel industry is fraught with economic challenges, making events like ATM crucial for charting a course through uncertainty.

Innovative Program Agenda

The broader ATM 2026 conference will integrate technology across various sessions covering topics like hospitality, accessibility, and sustainability. Participants, including policymakers and technology specialists, will rely on insights from research partners like Euromonitor International and Tourism Economics to guide discussions.

Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director for UAE at RX Global, emphasized the importance of reconnection within the global travel community. She stated, “As we come together in Dubai, our goal is to strengthen partnerships and address the industry’s current priorities while also looking ahead to future opportunities.”

Dubai’s Economic Vision and Collaboration

Dubai’s tourism officials view ATM as a vital component of their effort to strengthen international partnerships and boost the local economy. Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, articulated how hosting the event aligns with Dubai’s Economic Agenda, which aims to enhance the emirate’s standing as a leading global business and leisure destination.

Kazim noted, “Platforms such as ATM are essential for fostering international collaboration and driving innovation in the visitor economy.” Emirates Airlines, another strategic partner, intends to utilize the event to build relationships and explore specialized tourism segments.

As travel demand continues to skyrocket in the Middle East, discussions will also address how to convert substantial investments in infrastructure into sustainable demand. Haitham Mattar from IHG Hotels & Resorts pointed out that understanding traveler behavior through data and technology is critical for creating meaningful experiences.

AI Innovations in Travel

Furthermore, ATM 2026 will witness the launch of AlRaisTravel.com by Al Rais Travel, showcasing cutting-edge Voice AI and Chat AI functionalities aimed at revolutionizing travel planning. Executive Director Mohamed Al Rais emphasized that the initiative aligns with the event theme and the industry’s growing technological reliance.

With annual attendance growth of 16%, ATM is projected to attract over 55,000 travel professionals representing 166 countries in 2026. The event promises to unite destinations, airlines, and tourism suppliers, proactive in shaping the future of travel and hospitality on a global scale.