The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 opened on September 14, 2026, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The four-day event gathered more than 2,800 exhibitors from 30 countries, attracting over 55,000 tourism and industry professionals. Themed “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology,” ATM 2026 spotlighted future travel trends and technologies.
Technologies and Sectors on Display
More than 180 companies participated in the inaugural ATM Travel Tech showcase. Exhibitors demonstrated advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), virtual and augmented reality, robotics, fintech, and green technologies. The exhibition included sectors such as tourism destinations, airlines, hotels, and travel technology enterprises.
Insights from Trip.com on AI and Consumer Behavior
Siddharth Sudhakar, general manager for MENA
at Trip.com, emphasized the sophistication of Gulf region consumers in adopting digital technology. “The data shows that consumers in the Gulf region are highly tech-savvy and digitally advanced, with diverse age groups and interests,” he said. Sudhakar noted AI’s expanding role “beyond providing travel inspiration and information into actual trip planning and booking, including activities, flights, hotels and airport transfers.”
Sino-Middle East Cooperation in Tourism Technology
According to Sudhakar, China and the Middle East have initiated collaboration in AI and tourism technology sectors. This cooperation aims to combine the Middle East’s unique cultural and travel offerings with Chinese technological and AI innovations to enhance tourism experiences
in both regions.
Country Exhibitions and Highlighted Features
Participating countries included Egypt, China, and Morocco, each presenting dedicated exhibition areas. Qatar Airways featured prominently with the unveiling of a new business class suite in its exhibition space, providing visitors firsthand experience of its latest in-flight amenities.
ATM 2026 remains a major event in the global travel calendar, assembling over 2,800 exhibitors and more than 55,000 industry professionals to explore transformative travel technologies and innovations.
