Abu dhabi: Preparedness and multilateral collaboration were at the top of the agenda on the opening day of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, as policymakers from the Middle East, Central Asia, Europe, and the United Nations (UN) examined the resilience and long-term trajectory of the GCC's tourism industry. The 33rd edition of ATM is being hosted at Dubai World Trade Centre until Thursday, 17 September.
According to Emirates News Agency, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Cabinet Member and Minister of Economy and Tourism, and Shaikha Al Nuwais, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, delivered welcome addresses on day one of the event, following opening remarks from Hugh Jones, CEO of RX Global.
Commenting on the UAE's response to geopolitical challenges, Al Marri emphasized the importance of strong foundations in tourism. He expressed confidence in the resilience built over the years, which enabled the UAE to navigate recent challenges successfully. Al Nuwais underscored the importance of preparedness, stating that countries that build relationships and trust before crises are better equipped to handle them effectively.
After their addresses, Al Marri and Al Nuwais participated in a ministerial debate with Fatima Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism, Kingdom of Bahrain, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, European Commission, and Abdulaziz Akkulov, Chairman of the Tourism Committee, Republic of Uzbekistan. The debate was moderated by Khanh Linh Vu, Principal Advisor to the Secretary-General of UN Tourism.
Tzitzikostas conveyed the European Union's support for the UAE and Gulf countries, noting the positive turnaround in tourism figures and the EU's commitment to ensuring continued success in the region. Al Sairafi highlighted the significant contribution of tourism to GCC economies, with Gulf countries exceeding the global average in GDP tourism contribution.
Akkulov drew parallels between the approaches of GCC member states and Uzbekistan, emphasizing partnerships with Azerbaijan and UN Tourism to establish Uzbekistan as a regional hub for industry collaboration.
Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director - UAE at RX Global, noted the insights shared by policymakers highlighted the vital role of travel and tourism in the region's economy. She praised the united response of Gulf countries to global challenges, anchored in preparedness and collaboration, which underpins market resilience.
Under the theme Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology, ATM 2026 will explore the impact of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, smart mobility, and evolving traveller expectations on the future of tourism. The Global Stage hosted seven sessions on the show's opening day, including discussions on live experiences and tech-powered luxury experiences for global travellers.
Now in its 33rd edition, Arabian Travel Market remains the leading international travel and tourism event in the Middle East, bringing together the global travel community to develop partnerships, share knowledge, and explore new business opportunities across the sector.