An independent panel of industry experts judged the awards, recognising exhibitors for exhibition spaces designed to support business conversations, visitor engagement and the presentation of brands and destinations.
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) received the Best Stand Design Award for stands over 150 sqm. The judges highlighted the stand’s scale and its capacity to accommodate a high volume of meetings and business activity while maintaining a visitor-focused environment. Its three-tier design created distinct areas for engagement and meetings, combining visual elements with functionality.
Rove Hotels won the Best Stand Design Award in the 50 sqm–150 sqm category. The judges highlighted its bold design, attention to detail and distinctive elements used to present the personality of the Rove hotel product. The judges also noted the team’s energy and engagement, including television-inspired costumes used at the stand.
Agilysys received the Best Stand Design Award for stands under 50 sqm. The judges highlighted its contemporary design and use of space, noting that its compact footprint incorporated a distinctive visual presence on the exhibition floor.
Marriott was named Best Stand for Doing Business. The judges highlighted the recreation of the atmosphere and functionality of hotel lobbies and guest spaces. Its layout was designed to provide a setting for meetings and conversations within the exhibition environment.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi won the Best Stand Feature Award for a stand combining immersive technology, cultural design and Emirati craftsmanship. The stand included an interactive dune buggy activation with an integrated screen experience designed to give visitors a taste of dune bashing in Abu Dhabi.
The wider stand drew inspiration from Abu Dhabi’s museums and architectural icons, while traditional crafts and artistic demonstrations presented elements of Emirati heritage.
HBX Group, exhibiting within ATM Travel Tech, received the Best Use of Technology Award for a stand incorporating technology throughout its design. The judges highlighted the use of space and suspended features that combined creativity, innovation and technology.
The judging panel for the ATM 2026 Best Stand Awards comprised Danielle Azzi Sleiman, Associate Director, Dubai World Trade Centre; Dave Goodger, Managing Director EMEA, Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company; Piers Kelly, Group Operations Director, RX Global; and Sarah Duignan, Director of Client Relationships at STR.
Danielle Curtis said: “The standard of this year’s stands has been exceptional, with exhibitors thinking carefully about how their presence at ATM can create an engaging visitor experience while supporting meaningful business conversations. Across every category, the judges saw excellent examples of creativity, technology and thoughtful design, from immersive destination experiences to spaces specifically created to bring people together and facilitate business. Congratulations to all of our 2026 winners.”
Tags: Danielle Curtis Arabian Travel Market (ATM)