Government ministers, policymakers and senior travel executives will gather in Dubai next week for Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, as the global tourism industry examines the forces shaping the future of travel. The 33rd edition will take place from September 14-17 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

The event will feature more than 210 speakers from government and the private sector across the Global Stage, Future Stage and Experience Hub. More than 80 sessions will address key industry issues including resilience, international cooperation, artificial intelligence (AI), aviation and connectivity, hospitality, changing traveller behaviour, investment, sustainability and business events.

The Global Stage programme will open on September 14 with a UN Tourism welcome address from Shaikha Al Nuwais, followed by remarks from Abdulla Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism.

The opening day will also feature the Ministerial Debate: Building A Resilient Industry Through Collaboration.

The session will explore how GCC countries can strengthen traveller confidence, improve global competitiveness and support long-term tourism growth through coordinated destination messaging, crisis communications and policy cooperation.

The panel will include A Al Marri; Al Nuwais; Fatima Al Sairafi, Bahrain Minister of Tourism; and Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism.

Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director – UAE, RX Global, said: “We’re pleased to be bringing together such a high calibre of participants for this year’s conference programme, from UN Tourism and government ministers to senior leaders and experts from across the international travel industry. The breadth of expertise across our stages reflects the issues that matter most to the sector today, from resilience and traveller confidence to AI, connectivity, investment, changing consumer behaviour and the future workforce.

“By combining senior-level perspectives with research, market intelligence and practical discussion, we want the programme to give attendees valuable insights they can take back to their businesses, while creating an important forum for the industry to exchange ideas and explore the opportunities shaping the future of travel.”

Research and market intelligence will feature prominently, with Euromonitor International examining inflation, geopolitical uncertainty and shifting consumer priorities.

Tourism Economics will also present its annual ATM Travel Trends Report, focusing on Middle East travel demand and emerging market opportunities.

Technology will be a major focus through ATM Travel Tech, making its full debut alongside the event. The Future Stage will explore AI, fintech, digital distribution and connected platforms, while the Tech & Innovation Hub – Demo Zone will feature more than 15 interactive demonstrations.

Dr Marwan Alzarouni, CEO, AI at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), will open the Future Stage with a session examining AI’s impact on travel infrastructure, policy and ecosystems.

Technology leaders from Trip.com, Wego, MakeMyTrip, Sabre, Tripadvisor, Visa and other companies will discuss AI, online travel platforms, digital discovery and the evolving travel supply chain.

The Experience Hub will focus on business events, corporate travel, sustainability and industry networking.

Organisations including ICCA, IAPCO, GBTA and SITE will lead discussions on meetings, incentives and changing corporate travel priorities.

ICCA’s session, Beyond Borders: The Middle East's Collaborative Vision for a Global Business Events Future, will examine how business events can support investment, talent development and knowledge exchange across the region.

ATM 2026 is expected to provide a platform for the international travel community to exchange market intelligence, develop partnerships and explore opportunities shaping the next phase of global tourism. -TradeArabia News Service