The global travel map is being redrawn, and all roads (and flight paths) are leading to Dubai. With Middle East residents projected to splash out a staggering USD 60 billion on travel by 2030, growing at a steady 6% clip every year, the world is queuing up for a piece of the action.
And that’s why the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 is officially the hottest ticket in town. Taking over the Dubai World Trade Centre from 4-7 May, and aptly themed ‘Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology’, the 33rd edition is set to be a high-octane look at the future of how we move, stay, and play.
Global giants moving in
International interest is exploding with ATM 2026 tracking a 10% year-on-year jump in exhibition space. Recordinga massive surge in participants from every corner of the globe, some of the impressive growth rates (CAGR) from 2024 to 2026 inculde: Africa (31.99%), Asia (13.95%), Europe (8.75%), The Americas, (8.25%), and Middle East (8.04%)
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said:
“International participation at ATM continues to grow in step with the remarkable shifts taking place across the worldwide tourism landscape. From Africa’s wide-ranging investment in infrastructure and sustainable luxury to Asia’s rapid expansion in air connectivity and travel technology, we are seeing unprecedented engagement with the Middle East market in ways that would have been unimaginable even a decade ago.”
Destination spotlight
The competition for the Middle Eastern traveller’s heart (and wallet) is fierce.
- Egypt is booming: Regional travellers can’t get enough of the Land of the Pharaohs. Outbound leisure nights to Egypt are set to climb 21% by 2030. With the Grand Egyptian Museum and massive coastal projects like Ras al-Hekma, big names like Rixos and Sunrise Resorts are ready to wow the crowds at ATM.
- Morocco’s World Cup fever: As a co-host for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Morocco is on a fast track to greatness. They’ve added 200 new air routes in just two years and are aiming for 26 million annual visitors.
- The Türkiye connection: A perennial favourite, Türkiye accounted for 8% of all outbound nights in 2025. They aren’t slowing down either; the country is expected to see a 96% growth in leisure tourism nights from the Middle East by 2030.
The China comeback
China is back in a big way, leveraging “low-friction” travel to the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Thanks to expanded visa-free arrangements for 76 countries (including the GCC), the exchange of tourists between the Far East and the Middle East is reaching new heights. From the China Cultural Centre to major travel tech firms, the presence of Chinese tourism at ATM 2026 will be impossible to miss.
What to expect at ATM 2026
More than a trade show, ATM 2026 will be a glimpse into the future. Some of the features to look forward to include:
- ATM travel tech: Two whole halls dedicated to the gadgets and software changing the game.
- Ultra-luxury lounge: Because who doesn’t love a bit of Five-Star pampering?
- Sustainable offerings: Exploring how we can see the world without costing the Earth.
Read more: Middle East turns up the heat as ATM 2026 tackles a $15 trillion travel tsunami
