Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, today inaugurated the 32nd edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), a key global event for the travel and tourism industry. The event is being held from 28 April to 1 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
According to Emirates News Agency, this year's ATM has attracted a record 2,800 exhibitors from 161 countries and is anticipated to welcome 55,000 attendees. The event brings together professionals and leaders from various segments of the global travel sector, including leisure, business events, luxury, and corporate travel.
During the opening, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed highlighted the significance of the strong turnout, emphasizing Dubai's role as a global hub for tourism and its influence in shaping the future of the sector. He remarked that Dubai's leadership vision continues to consolidate its position as a key meeting point for industry stakeholders, fostering strategic partnerships that drive the global tourism industry's growth.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed also noted the importance of the events and exhibitions sector to Dubai's economic growth and the city's progress towards the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 objective, aiming to position Dubai among the world's top three cities for business and specialized tourism by 2033.
The inauguration was followed by a tour of the exhibition halls by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed, accompanied by senior officials including H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, H.E. Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, and H.E. Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri. They reviewed key highlights such as a significant increase in international exhibitor participation, notably a 20% rise from Asia and a 15% increase from the Middle East.
The theme for ATM 2025 is 'Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow's Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity', emphasizing cross-border collaboration and sustainable practices. New features include the launch of IBTM@ATM for business events and an expanded ATM Travel Tech sector with a new Start-Up and Innovation Zone.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, commented on the event's highlights, noting the industry's increasing connectivity, innovation, and resilience. The ATM Conference returns with over 200 speakers across 70 sessions, covering aviation's future, hospitality trends, climate initiatives, and AI adoption. The conference features sessions with industry leaders like Cassie Kozyrkov and Paul Griffiths, and includes a spotlight on India's tourism sector and the ATM Start-Up Competition.
ATM 2025 is part of Arabian Travel Week, a ten-day festival in Dubai, organized in collaboration with Dubai World Trade Centre and strategic partners including the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Emirates, IHG Hotels and Resorts, and Al Rais Travel.