Rising overseas travel expenditure is contributing to strong international demand for exhibition space at Arabian Travel Market 2026, which will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 4–7 May. The event is forecast to record 10% year-on-year growth in exhibition space, driven by increased participation from global markets.
Held under the theme ‘Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology’, the 33rd edition of the event will focus on the evolution of global tourism, including travel technology adoption, sustainability initiatives, and the growth of ultra-luxury travel experiences.
Between 2024 and 2026, compound annual growth rates in exhibition space have been recorded across all major regions, with Africa showing growth of 31.99%, Asia 13.95%, Europe 8.75%, the Americas 8.25%, and the Middle East 8.04%.
“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.”
Egypt is expected to attract increased interest from Middle East travellers, with outbound leisure nights to the country forecast to rise by 21% by 2030. Investment in the destination includes the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza and multiple large-scale tourism developments such as New Alamein City, Ras al-Hekma, the Great Transfiguration Project, and Marassi Red Sea resort.
Morocco is also advancing major tourism and transport projects as it prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Portugal and Spain. The country launched 120 new air routes in 2024 and a further 80 in 2025, including a direct Atlanta–Marrakech connection, linking Morocco to 125 US cities via a major international hub.
Türkiye is expected to maintain a strong presence at ATM 2026, having accounted for 8% of outbound nights from the region in 2025. The country is forecast to grow by 96% as a source market for international leisure tourism nights in the Middle East by 2030.
In Asia Pacific, China will return to ATM in 2026 as its outbound travel market regains momentum. The country has expanded visa-free access, with 76 countries now eligible for unilateral or mutual visa-free entry, including GCC states, alongside measures to simplify entry processes, improve visitor spending experiences, and streamline tax refunds.
The 33rd edition of the event will also highlight travel trends and opportunities across the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and Eastern Europe, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global aviation and tourism gateway connecting more than 274 destinations across six continents.
Key features of ATM 2026 will include the ATM Ultra Luxury Lounge, IBTM @ ATM, and the co-located ATM Travel Tech event, which will occupy two dedicated halls and focus on innovation, connectivity, and evolving traveller segments.