On the inaugural day of the Arabian Travel Market
(ATM) 2025, a powerhouse panel of tourism leaders from the United Arab Emirates joined forces with international heavyweights from the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions sector to discuss how large-scale events and cultural festivals are not just transforming the image of the UAE, but also actively driving socio-economic advancement across the region. Held at the newly introduced Business Events Stage, this landmark session drew global attention for its strategic insights and visionary dialogue.Moderated by Senthil Gopinath, Chief Executive Officer of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the panel featured top-tier industry voices including Ahmed Al-Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment under Dubai Economy and Tourism; Mubarak Al Shamsi, Director of the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau at the Department of Culture and Tourism; Iyad Rasbey, Vice President of Destination Tourism Development at the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority; and Martin Thomas Boyle, CEO of the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO).
Together, the panelists examined how strategic investments in events and festivals are strengthening the UAE’s positioning as a global hub for business tourism while delivering far-reaching economic and cultural benefits for communities and the broader Middle East.
Dubai’s Visionary Festival Ecosystem
Ahmed Al-Khaja opened the discussion with a deep dive into Dubai’s approach to leveraging festivals as a cornerstone of its tourism and economic strategy. He cited the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) — first launched in 1996 — as a transformative event that has become emblematic of the city’s rise as a cosmopolitan destination. Over nearly three decades, DSF has evolved into a city-wide celebration attracting millions of visitors annually with its unbeatable retail experiences, vibrant entertainment, and international appeal.
According to Al-Khaja, festivals like DSF not only serve to boost short-term tourism revenue but also play a crucial role in reinforcing Dubai’s brand identity on the global stage. “Our festival calendar isn’t just a marketing initiative; it’s an economic driver, a culture-shaping force, and a community-building tool all at once,” he said.
Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah Diversify Event Strategy
Mubarak Al Shamsi highlighted Abu Dhabi’s commitment to curating impactful international events that reflect the emirate’s rich heritage and innovative spirit. He emphasized how conventions, exhibitions, and high-profile summits are not only filling venues like the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre but are also creating long-term partnerships between global organizations and local institutions.
From the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi, the capital has consistently positioned itself as a thought leader in hosting inclusive and future-oriented gatherings. “We believe in building events that live beyond the closing ceremony,” Al Shamsi stated. “That means fostering knowledge exchange, economic upliftment, and international dialogue.”
Meanwhile, Iyad Rasbey shed light on Ras Al Khaimah’s emerging presence as a destination for niche tourism and tailored business events. With its breathtaking natural landscapes, adventure tourism credentials, and sustainable development goals, the emirate is increasingly viewed as a rising star in the UAE’s tourism constellation. Rasbey noted that events hosted in Ras Al Khaimah are designed to highlight the destination’s unique identity while encouraging responsible tourism and deeper visitor engagement.
Global Associations Share Meeting Insights
Offering an international perspective, IAPCO’s Martin Thomas Boyle emphasized the growing global demand for authentic experiences and professional event execution. He praised the UAE for setting new benchmarks in hosting high-quality business events that attract worldwide participation. “The UAE’s infrastructure, safety, accessibility, and hospitality excellence make it an ideal destination for global congresses. It’s not just about scale; it’s about strategic delivery,” Boyle remarked.
The panel stressed the need for greater collaboration between public entities and private enterprises to unlock the full potential of the Meeting industry, which has proven to be a key economic stimulant in both mature and emerging markets. They also discussed how embracing new technologies, sustainability frameworks, and data-driven planning will be central to the region’s next phase of event-driven growth.
Microtrends Shaping Future Travel
Elsewhere at the event, an engaging conversation unfolded among leading figures in the consumer travel sector. Fouad Talat, Regional Manager at Booking.com; John Bevan, CEO of dnata Travel Group; and Amani O’Neill, Senior Public Policy Manager for the Middle East at Airbnb, took the stage to discuss microtrends redefining global travel behavior.
This session examined evolving preferences such as sleep tourism — where travelers prioritize rest and rejuvenation; dark tourism, which involves visits to places associated with historical tragedy; and coffee tourism, a niche yet rapidly growing segment focused on café culture and specialty brews.
Panelists explored how these nuanced trends are reshaping destination marketing strategies, consumer expectations, and infrastructure planning. They urged tourism boards and service providers to harness data and trend analytics to remain agile and relevant in a constantly evolving marketplace.
Strategic Networking and Global Reach
The Business Events Stage also hosted an exclusive networking session designed to connect regional stakeholders with international associations. This high-value platform encouraged dialogue on cross-border collaboration, joint ventures, and knowledge exchange, laying the groundwork for future initiatives aimed at elevating the Middle East’s global influence in the tourism and events sector.
This year’s Arabian Travel Market is set to be its most ambitious edition yet, with 2,800 exhibitors from across the globe and an anticipated 55,000 attendees representing more than 161 countries. Over 200 speakers will take part in 70+ conference sessions, delivering actionable insights across dedicated platforms like the Global Stage, Future Stage, and the newly launched Business Events Stage.
The ATM 2025 reinforces the UAE’s position at the forefront of travel innovation, business tourism, and destination development. Through visionary planning and collaborative partnerships, the country continues to shape the future of tourism not just regionally, but globally.
Tags: Iyad Rasbey, Ras Al Khaimah, ATM 2025, UAE tourism
