Arabian Travel Market first opened its doors in 1994 at the Dubai World Trade Centre with 52 nations, 300 exhibitors and 7,000 trade visitors. 31 years later, ATM now facilitates $2.5 billion in industry deals and attracts thousands of exhibitors and travel trade visitors from around the world through its live and virtual events.
Arabian Travel Market at 33: From Dubai attractions to the global tourism trends that shaped travel
Dubai welcomed 19.6 million international visitors in 2025
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Visitors trying Boeing 777 business class seats at Emirates pavilion on the opening day of Arabian Travel Market 2025.
Virendra Saklani/Gulf News archives
Dubai: Dubai is gearing up for Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 with confidence in a tourism rebound. The emirate welcomed 19.6 million international visitors in 2025, with December recording a monthly high of about 2 million visitors. As ATM returns for its 33rd edition, Dubai is banking on its long-term tourism strategy, global connectivity and strong public-private partnerships to navigate recent disruptions.
Tourism officials say the sector remains on a positive trajectory, highlighting the city’s resilience and continued appeal to travellers.
1994: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai (then Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence) inaugurates the first Arabian Travel Market (ATM) exhibition at Dubai World Trade Centre.
1996: The Dubai skyline continues to grow as ATM brings together global travel professionals, setting the stage for Dubai's future as a key travel hub.
2000: UAE stand during the Arab Travel Market Exhibition 2000 at the Dubai World Trade Centre Hall. ATM celebrates its first decade of showcasing the region's tourism potential, attracting visitors from across the globe.
2005: A growing number of exhibitors and trade visitors fill the halls of the World Trade Centre, marking ATM's expansion in size and influence.
2010: Malaysian dancers perform on the second day of the Arabian Travel Market 2010, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. ATM continues highlighting Dubai's central role in global tourism, with key players from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East meeting under one roof.
2013: Cutting-edge technology and sustainable travel solutions begin to take the spotlight at ATM, setting the tone for future editions.
2015: Visitors at Dubai Parks and Resorts Pavilion at Arabian Travel Market 2015 at Dubai World Trade Centre and Exhibition hall in Dubai. With over 4,000 exhibitors, ATM demonstrates how strategic partnerships in the travel industry are creating new growth opportunities.
2017: Virtual reality and digital platforms are now a part of ATM's experience, showcasing the future of travel and technology.
2019: Now in its 26th year, ATM welcomed over 2,500 exhibiting companies and 40,000 industry professionals. Over 150 countries represented 65 national pavilions, and more than 100 new exhibitors were set to make their ATM debuts.
2022: The travel industry gathers in person once again, highlighting the sector's resilience and optimism.
2023: Visitors trying tea flavours at Sri Lanka pavilion on the third day of Arabian Travel Market 2023. ATM facilitated a record-breaking $2.5 billion in industry deals, demonstrating their continued significance in the global travel trade.
2024: The Future of Travel – With thousands of exhibitors and attendees worldwide, ATM 2024 reflects the industry's bright future in a post-pandemic world.
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