DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – The stage is set for the Arab Travel Market 2026, where prominent government ministers and key policymakers from the international travel industry will converge to discuss the future of travel both regionally and globally. The event will take place from September 14 to 17 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Distinguished Speakers and Sessions
This year’s edition will feature over 210 leading speakers from both government and private sectors, participating in a series of sessions under the “Global Stage and Future Stage” programme, alongside an interactive experiences hub. The discussions, spread across more than 80 sessions, will cover vital topics such as resilience, international cooperation, artificial intelligence, aviation and connectivity, hospitality, traveller behaviour, investment, and the evolving global travel economy.
Opening Ceremony and Keynote Addresses
The opening day will see Her Excellency Sheikhha Al-Nuaimi, Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, inaugurate the Global Stage sessions, followed by a welcoming speech from His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism in the UAE.
High-Level Ministerial Discussions
A highlight of the first day will be a high-level ministerial discussion titled “Building a Resilient Tourism Sector through Cooperation.” This session aims to enhance traveller confidence across the Gulf Cooperation Council and improve its global competitiveness while laying the foundations for sustainable tourism growth.
The discussion will feature notable figures, including His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Her Excellency Sheikhha Al Nuaimi, Her Excellency Fatima bint Jafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism in Bahrain, and Apóstolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Transport and Sustainable Tourism. They will explore the significance of coordination among tourism destinations, crisis communication, policy alignment, and collaboration between governments, tourism source markets, airlines, and the broader tourism sector.
Insights from Industry Leaders
Daniah Curtis, Regional Director of the RX Global portfolio in the UAE, expressed her enthusiasm about bringing together high-profile participants for the conference programme, stating, “We are pleased to host an array of distinguished speakers, from representatives of the United Nations World Tourism Organization to government ministers and leading industry experts.” She added, “The diversity of expertise on our platforms reflects critical issues of paramount importance to the sector today, ranging from resilience and traveller confidence to artificial intelligence, connectivity, investment, changing consumer behaviour, and the future workforce in the industry.”
Research and Market Information
Research and market insights will be central to the Global Stage sessions. Stephen Dutton, Director of the Global Travel Insights Department at Euromonitor International, will address the impact of inflation, geopolitical instability, and shifting consumer priorities in his presentation titled “The Travel State: Inflation, Multiple Crises, and the New Travel Reality.”
Tourism Economics, a branch of Oxford Economics, will also present its annual report on travel market trends. Dave Goodger, Managing Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Tourism Economics, will lead a session titled “Momentum and Shifts in the Travel Market in the Middle East,” examining international travel demand trends and emerging opportunities in the region.
Hospitality Sector Highlights
The hospitality sector will play a significant role in the programme, with Haitham Mattar, President of IHG Hotels and Resorts for the Indian subcontinent, Middle East, and Africa, taking the Global Stage. Additional speakers will explore the impact of changing guest expectations, technology, and experience-based travel on the future of the sector.
Focus on Technology in Travel
The role of technology will transition from being a conference theme to being an integral part of the visitor experience at Travel Tech, the dedicated technology event running alongside the Arab Travel Market. This year marks the first full launch of Travel Tech, where the Future Stage will address how artificial intelligence, fintech, digital distribution, and interconnected platforms are moving from pilot projects to commercial applications.
The Technology and Innovation Centre will allow attendees to experience the future of travel directly through over 15 interactive exhibits from leading travel technology companies, showcasing the latest innovations and solutions.
Discussions on the Role of AI
Dr Marwan Alzarouni, CEO of Artificial Intelligence at Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, will kick off the Future Stage with a session titled “The Real Role of Artificial Intelligence in Redefining the Travel Landscape,” exploring how AI contributes to reshaping the infrastructures, policies, and systems underpinning the travel sector.
Future of Business Events
Alongside the Global Stage and Future Stage, the experiences platform will provide more interactive spaces for business events, corporate travel, sustainability, and dynamic discussions among industry professionals. Institutions such as the International Association of Conferences and Meetings, the International Association of Professional Conference Organisers, the Global Business Travel Association, and the Incentive and Meeting Professionals Association will lead sessions on the future of meetings, incentive programmes, regional cooperation, and the evolving priorities of corporate travel.
A session titled “Beyond Borders: A Collaborative Middle Eastern Vision for a Global Future for Business Events,” organised by the International Association of Conferences and Meetings, will bring together leading representatives from the tourism and events sectors across the region to explore how business events can support investment, talent development, and knowledge exchange.
Continuing Legacy of the Arab Travel Market
As it embarks on its thirty-third edition, the Arab Travel Market continues to solidify its position as the leading international event for the travel and tourism sector in the Middle East. The event gathers the global travel community to foster partnerships, share knowledge, and explore new business opportunities across various industry facets.
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Arab Travel Market
14-17 September 2026
Dubai World Trade Centre