Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, toured the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, which concludes today at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Speaking on the occasion, His Highness affirmed the UAE's commitment to expanding opportunities, promoting inclusive growth, and shaping a future of shared prosperity. This vision is based on the nation's founding principles of meaningful engagement, authentic partnerships, and open dialogue, driving global progress and improving lives worldwide.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE is dedicated to strengthening its economy and tourism sector. This commitment is reflected in continued investment in world-class infrastructure to offer exceptional services to travelers, with the nation's airports projected to welcome around 150 million passengers this year. The participation of 166 countries and 55,000 travel and tourism professionals at ATM 2025 underscores the UAE's growing presence on the global tourism map and the increasing confidence in its contributions to this vital sector.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the robust performance of the tourism industry, which welcomed a record 30.7 million international visitors in 2024, with total spending reaching around AED250 billion. He praised the efforts of those who have bolstered the UAE's position as a leading global destination for opportunities, noting that exhibitions are not just seasonal events but key drivers of growth and platforms for fostering partnerships that support the global economy. He reiterated the UAE's commitment to creating an environment that encourages collaboration, ensures success, and shapes a future focused on quality of life and positive global connections.
During the tour, His Highness was accompanied by several dignitaries, including H.H. Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; H.H. 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; and H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee.
His Highness visited the Emirates and flydubai pavilions, reviewing their expansion plans and growth strategies aimed at strengthening Dubai's position as a global aviation hub. At flydubai's pavilion, CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith briefed His Highness on the airline's efforts in budget aviation, leading to record results in 2024, marking its best performance since launching 15 years ago.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed also visited the Emirates Tourism Council pavilion, where Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Council, provided an overview of efforts to enhance tourism competitiveness across the seven emirates in alignment with the 'We the UAE 2031' vision. Also present on the tour were 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.
ATM 2025 brings together professionals and leaders from the global travel sector, including leisure, business events, luxury, and corporate travel. The event features a record 2,800 exhibitors from 166 countries and is expected to welcome 55,000 attendees.