Dubai puts its $34.85 billion airport and next-generation tourism plans in the spotlight at ATM 2026

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) will lead the emirate’s participation at the 33rd Arabian Travel Market (ATM), taking place from September 14 to 17 at Dubai World Trade Center.

More than 115 co-exhibitors from Dubai’s public and private tourism sectors will join DET at the event, including hotels, destination management companies, tour operators and government entities.

The Dubai stand will also include representatives from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Dubai Health Experience, Dubai Municipality, and the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs.

DET’s Hosted Buyers Program is expected to bring more than 300 travel trade professionals and over 40 travel media representatives from 40 countries to Dubai. The program will include meetings and destination visits alongside the exhibition.

The department will use the event to brief international travel trade representatives on upcoming developments, including the $34.85 billion passenger terminal planned for Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International Airport. Discussions will also cover projects under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, including Palm Jebel Ali, Hatta and Jebel Ali Beach.

The 2026 edition of ATM is being held under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology,” with the wider program covering areas such as travel technology, sustainability, business events, and changing traveler behavior.

DET will also highlight initiatives related to sustainable tourism and tourism skills through its Dubai Sustainable Tourism and Dubai College of Tourism programs. The Dubai stand will feature work by Emirati artist Mariam Abbas, alongside local food and beverage brands and a guide to Emirati cuisine.

Ahead of ATM, DET held a tourism ecosystem briefing in June that brought together more than 1,700 industry stakeholders. The department has also conducted international roadshows and launched the “A Dubai Invite” initiative, which encourages residents to invite family and friends to visit the emirate.

ATM 2026 is expected to bring together more than 55,000 attendees, 2,800 exhibitors and 6,600 buyers, according to the event organizer.