Ibom Air Marks 5th Anniversary, Unveils Plans for the Future.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 has reinforced Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most resilient and best-
prepared destinations for global travel and tourism, as the industry continues to
navigate the evolving market conditions.
Taking place from 14-17 September 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC),
ATM 2026 will bring together the international travel community at a pivotal time for
the sector, underlining confidence in Dubai’s ability to maintain business continuity,
operational excellence and global connectivity.
The revised dates for ATM 2026 reflect a measured, collaborative approach focused
on supporting the global travel industry, providing exhibitors, buyers, visitors and
partners with greater flexibility and confidence to participate, while maximising
opportunities for attendance and business engagement.
Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director – UAE, RX Global, said: “We
appreciate the move to September means change for everyone; however, ATM’s
role as a vital platform for the travel and tourism community to reconnect, strengthen
partnerships and drive meaningful dialogue at a time when industry collaboration is
needed most, is a key priority.
“Supported by Dubai’s world-class infrastructure, operational resilience and strong
public-private sector coordination, ATM 2026 remains firmly positioned to bring the
tourism industry together and support long-term recovery and future growth.”
Amid a range of strategic government initiatives, including AED2.5 billion in
economic stimulus packages, tourism support measures and enhanced public safety
legislation, Dubai has maintained operations across its aviation, tourism, hospitality
and events ecosystem, reinforcing the emirate’s preparedness and long-term
resilience.
Hoor Al Khaja, Senior Vice President, International Operations at Dubai
Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of the Dubai
Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: “Dubai’s approach, guided by
the city’s visionary leadership, has always been rooted in long-term planning, agility
and strong collaboration across government and industry stakeholders. Throughout
recent regional developments, the city has remained open, operational and
welcoming, reinforcing the trust placed in Dubai by travellers, businesses and
international partners worldwide. The city continues to provide a powerful platform
for major events and meetings across key sectors, including tourism, and we look
forward to engaging with the international travel community at ATM 2026.”
Air connectivity is steadily returning, and as a result, inbound tourism is expected to
increase. The UAE announced the full resumption of air traffic operations on 2 May,
while Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait have also opened their airspace. Emirates has
restored 96% of its global network, operating to 138 destinations across 73
countries, with over 1,300 weekly frequencies. Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Qatar
Airways are all continuing to restore their schedules.
Further reinforcing confidence in travel to the region, the UK government has lifted
its travel warning to the UAE, reflecting improved regional stability and supporting
the recovery of international travel demand. Australia has also downgraded its travel
advice for several Middle Eastern destinations, including the UAE, acknowledging
the easing of regional tensions and providing additional reassurance for travellers,
tourism businesses and event organisers planning future travel to the region.
Additional industry data further highlights the resilience of the GCC hospitality sector
amid recent regional disruption. Research presented by STR, ATM’s official research
partner, shows that hotel occupancy levels across key GCC markets have continued
to recover steadily in recent weeks, supported primarily by strong domestic demand
and the continued operation of core tourism infrastructure.
Dubai has maintained stable hospitality performance throughout this period,
reinforcing the strength of its diversified tourism economy, advanced infrastructure
and coordinated public-private sector response. The findings support broader
industry expectations that destinations with strong connectivity, established tourism
ecosystems and proactive government support, such as Dubai and the wider UAE,
are likely to recover more quickly as regional conditions stabilise.
Curtis continued “Dubai has consistently demonstrated resilience, stability and
leadership during periods of global uncertainty, supported by proactive governance,
world-class infrastructure and a highly coordinated tourism ecosystem. The city
remains fully operational, connected and firmly focused on the future.
“ATM 2026 will play an important role in bringing the international travel community
together at a time when collaboration, confidence and long-term planning are more
important than ever. By convening industry leaders, policymakers, tourism
authorities and innovators from around the world, ATM will continue to support
meaningful partnerships and contribute to the future growth and resilience of global
tourism.”
Under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and
Technology”, ATM 2026 will place increased emphasis on resilience, adaptability
and future preparedness across the global travel ecosystem.
The extensive ATM conference programme will examine the evolving challenges and
opportunities shaping international tourism, with dedicated sessions exploring crisis
management, destination resilience, traveller confidence, aviation continuity, digital
transformation and sustainable long-term growth strategies.
Across the Global Stage, Future Stage and Experience Hub, policymakers, tourism
authorities, researchers and technology leaders will discuss how destinations can
strengthen preparedness, improve operational agility and build greater resilience
against geopolitical, economic and environmental disruption.
Research-led sessions delivered in partnership with organisations including STR,
Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, GSIQ and ICCA will provide
strategic insight into shifting traveller sentiment, global mobility trends, destination
competitiveness and the future of tourism demand.
Euromonitor International’s Stephen Dutton, Global Insight Manager – Travel, will
deliver a keynote session titled The State of Travel: Inflation, Polycrisis & the New
Travel Reality.
Speaking ahead of the event, he said: “Travel spending surged to record levels in
2025, outpacing GDP growth in many markets. This is a powerful testament to the
enduring demand for meaningful cross-border experiences. This resilience is not
incidental – travel has repositioned itself as an attainable luxury that consumers
actively protect, even amid mounting economic and geopolitical pressures, and when
consumers need to make trade-offs elsewhere to do so. Travel allows consumers to
escape the day-to-day challenges they face and to experience the world positively.”
Hoor Al Khaja, Senior Vice President, International Operations at Dubai
Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM)
Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director – UAE, RX Global
