The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 started on September 14 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, drawing more than 2,800 exhibitors and over 55,000 tourism industry professionals to a four-day event centered on innovation and technology in travel.
Inaugural ATM Travel Tech Highlights Emerging Technologies
The event featured the first ATM Travel Tech segment, hosting over 180 companies from 30 countries. Exhibitors presented applications of artificial intelligence (AI), virtual and augmented reality, robotics, financial technology, and green technology aimed at advancing the future of tourism.
Industry Leaders Emphasize AI’s Role in Trip Planning
Siddharth Sudhakar, general manager for the MENA region at Trip.com, highlighted that Gulf consumers are highly tech-savvy and digitally advanced across various age
groups. He said AI is expanding from inspiring travel ideas to actively facilitating trip planning and booking services, including activities, flights, hotels, and airport transfers.
Official Statements Reflect Growing Tech Trends in Travel
Sudhakar noted ongoing cooperation between China and the Middle East in leveraging AI and technology for tourism. He explained that combining the Middle East’s cultural and travel offerings with Chinese technological innovations could lead to new market opportunities. “The data shows that consumers in the Gulf region are highly tech-savvy and digitally advanced, with diverse age groups and interests,” he said.
“We are seeing AI move beyond providing travel inspiration and information into actual trip
planning and booking, including activities, flights, hotels and airport transfers,” Sudhakar added.
Global Tourism Sectors Participate in Annual Trade Exhibition
ATM 2026 continued its tradition as a key annual global tourism event by bringing together airlines, hotels, travel technology companies, and destination representatives worldwide. Exhibitors included countries such as Egypt, China, Morocco, and Qatar, with Qatar Airways showcasing a new business class suite. The trade show reflected the Gulf region’s increasing influence in driving travel technology innovation and development.
