Dubai: RX Global, the organizers of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), today held the official press conference for ATM 2026 at Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina, accompanied by strategic partners including Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Emirates, IHG Hotels and Resorts, and Al Rais Travel. The 33rd edition of ATM will be held from September 14 to 17 at Dubai World Trade Centre, aiming to unite the global travel community after a period of industry disruption.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event will provide a platform for destinations, businesses, and industry stakeholders to reconnect, strengthen commercial relationships, and discuss the priorities shaping the sector's next phase. Preparations have involved ongoing engagement with exhibitors, buyers, partners, and stakeholders, reflecting a collaborative approach to meet evolving industry needs and support customers amid changing plans.
The exhibition will feature destinations, tourism authorities, airlines, hotels, travel technology companies, and tourism suppliers from across the globe. ATM 2026 will emphasize the importance of the interconnected global industry in sustaining relationships, sharing knowledge, and enabling continued business activity through periods of change. The theme "Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology" will explore how artificial intelligence, digital transformation, smart mobility, and evolving traveler expectations are shaping the future of tourism.
New initiatives include the launch of ATM Travel Tech, a dedicated co-located exhibition with Sabre as an official strategic partner, and the Tech and Innovation Hub showcasing developments in artificial intelligence, immersive technologies, robotics, fintech, and smart mobility. The ATM 2026 conference program will host the Global Stage, Future Stage, and Experience Hub, bringing together industry leaders and experts to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities in travel and tourism.
Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director - UAE, RX Global, expressed gratitude for the support and flexibility shown by customers and partners during challenging times, emphasizing ATM's role in bringing the global travel community together. Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), highlighted Dubai's role as a trusted meeting point for the world, contributing to confidence, business enablement, and new growth opportunities.
Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates, underscored ATM's significance in forming partnerships and exploring new business opportunities. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director of IHG Hotels and Resorts, noted the Middle East's strong fundamentals for travel and hospitality, emphasizing the role of technology and data in meeting traveler needs and supporting sustainable growth.
Mohamed Al Rais, Executive Director of Al Rais Travel, celebrated the launch of the new AlRaisTravel.com platform, incorporating Voice AI and Chat AI to enhance travel planning, while strengthening the company's presence in medical tourism. Ramzi Al-Qassab of Sabre highlighted the importance of navigating economic and technological challenges, emphasizing Sabre's role in providing intelligence and technology to the industry.
Jonathan Heastie, Portfolio Director - Travel Sector, RX Global, concluded by affirming RX's commitment to evolving events in line with industry needs, with ATM 2026 focusing on future innovation and opportunities. The conference will feature policymakers, tourism leaders, and technology specialists addressing critical issues like artificial intelligence, destination resilience, and sustainability, supported by research from official knowledge partners such as Tourism Economics, Euromonitor International, and Dragon Trail International.