The Arabian Travel Market has unveiled its 2026 theme, “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology.”
Scheduled to take place from 4-7 May 2026 at Dubai’s World Trade Centre, ATM 2026 will explore the impact of digital transformation, immersive tech, AI, and sustainability on the travel industry. The event will spotlight emerging Middle East travel-tech trends that are shaping the global landscape.
The World Economic Forum projects that by 2034, tourism will generate 30 billion visits and contribute US$16 trillion to global GDP, emphasising the critical role innovation will play in scaling the industry sustainably in the coming decades.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said:
“The next ten years and beyond are going to be crucial for the travel and tourism industry. We are at a significant turning point where factors such as climate change, digital advancements, and evolving consumer expectations are all coming together to create both challenges and opportunities.”
Where the future comes alive at ATM 2026
To capture these shifts, ATM 2026 is expanding its specialised show verticals including:
- ATM Travel Tech: debuting as a fully co-located event with an immersive 850sqm Tech & Innovation Zone, spotlighting robotics, AR/VR, smart payments, and green technologies.
- IBTM @ ATM: returning bigger to connect the global MICE industry with the Middle East’s booming mega-events and business tourism sector.
- Ultra Luxury Lounge: an exclusive hub where HNWIs and UHNWIs meet premium hospitality, private aviation, yachting, and bespoke travel brands.
These verticals are designed to create specific environments where stakeholders from airlines and hoteliers to tech disruptors and luxury brands can come together to forge partnerships and accelerate innovation on a global scale.
“Our show verticals have become vital in showcasing the changing structure of the global travel and tourism industry. By focusing alongside its core leisure travel focus, ATM 2026 ensures that we highlight areas where innovation and investment have the greatest influence. Each vertical offers a carefully curated environment where stakeholders can engage more deeply, form meaningful partnerships, and collectively shape the industry’s future to 2040,” – Curtis.
Top 5 emerging travel tech trends
And in case you’ve missed some of the techs changing the travel landscape, here’s a rundown of the most impactful trends gaining ground in the Middle East and charting the course for global travel:
1. Autonomous mobility: skyways and robotaxis
The UAE has begun mapping designated corridors for air taxis and delivery drones, with air taxis expected to launch in 2026, thanks to partnerships with organisations like Abu Dhabi’s TII and Joby Aviation. Meanwhile, Chinese robotaxi firms such as Pony.ai, WeRide, and Baidu are trialling autonomous ride-hailing services in the Gulf, eyeing full operations by 2026. Dubai and Abu Dhabi aim to have 25% of urban transport be autonomous by 2030–2040, with Saudi Arabia targeting 15% by 2030.
2. Seamless airport experience
Salalah Airport in Oman has pioneered the region’s first drive-through check-in facility, designed to handle seasonal surges during the khareef monsoon, this innovation helps reduce queues and improves passenger experience with minimal fuss.
There’s also the bio-metrics systems being implemented at airports to ensure painless check-ins and a more enjoyable airport experience.
3. AI-powered planning and personalisation
AI is increasingly trusted by travellers. A recent report shows 60% of UAE travellers rely on AI tools for trip planning, though human touch remains crucial. Building on this, travel tech showcased at ATM 2025 highlighted mobile-first journeys, predictive services, contactless check-in, and AI concierges as core to the smarter travel experience.
4. Immersive and AI-driven tech
The Middle East is embracing immersive AI and robotics, from immersive facial recognition, AR/VR-guided experiences, to AI-driven personalisation, especially in hospitality and cultural tourism.
5. Integrated digital travel marketplaces
Platforms like Wego, the region’s most-used travel app, are forging partnerships with major industry players like Accor to bring comprehensive hotel inventories to users in one place. Innovative local players like ViaVii are reimagining travel by connecting visitors with locals for tailored experiences via AI-driven itineraries.
So what does all of this mean for the wider travel industry?
Undoubtedly, the region’s focus on smart mobility, AI, seamless check-ins, immersive technology, and integrated platforms is setting global trends and redefining guest expectations and operational excellence, making travel more seamless, enjoyable, and efficient.
