The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 began on September 14 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The four-day event carries the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology,” presenting a platform for tourism professionals to explore the future of travel shaped by innovation and digital advancements.
Exhibitors and Attendance Scale
ATM 2026 attracted more than 2,800 exhibitors and over 55,000 tourism industry professionals. The event showcased a broad range of participants, including tourism destinations, airlines, hotels, and travel technology providers, representing multiple sectors within the global travel market.
Launch of ATM Travel Tech and Technology Focus
As part of the event, the inaugural ATM Travel Tech was launched, featuring over
180 companies from 30 countries. Exhibitors demonstrated applications across artificial intelligence (AI), virtual and augmented reality, robotics, fintech, and green technology, signaling the growing integration of cutting-edge technologies in travel services and products.
Expert Insights on Consumer Tech and AI
Siddharth Sudhakar, general manager for MENA at Trip.com, highlighted that consumers in the Gulf region are notably tech-savvy and digitally advanced across varied age groups and interests. He noted, “We are seeing AI move beyond providing travel inspiration and information into actual trip planning and booking, including activities, flights, hotels and airport transfers.” This shift reflects AI’s expanding role in enhancing travel personalization and operational efficiency.
China-Middle East Collaboration in Tourism Technology
Sudhakar
also pointed to ongoing cooperation between China and the Middle East in AI and tourism technology sectors. The partnership aims to blend the Middle East’s rich cultural and travel offerings with China’s technological and AI innovations, positioning both regions to leverage their unique strengths for tourism development.
