Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has officially announced the theme for the 2026 edition: “Travel 2040: driving new frontiers through innovation and technology.” Taking place from 4–7 May 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), ATM 2026 will explore the forces reshaping the global tourism landscape and highlight how innovation is transforming every stage of the traveller’s journey. The period leading up to 2040 is expected to be one of the most transformative eras in the history of global tourism, with research from the World Economic Forum highlighting that the travel and tourism sector is projected to serve 30 billion tourist visits and contribute $16 trillion to global GDP by 2034. In parallel, technological advancements, including AI-driven personalisation and immersive digital experiences, alongside green aviation and smart mobility, are set to redefine how, where, and why people travel. Against this backdrop, ATM 2026 will provide a vital platform for the global travel community to explore new opportunities, accelerate technological adoption, and build a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive industry for the future. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “The next ten years and beyond are going to be crucial for the travel and tourism industry. We are at a significant turning point where factors such as climate change, digital advancements, and evolving consumer expectations are all coming together to create both challenges and opportunities. By showcasing how innovation can enhance the travel experience, improve operational efficiency, and promote sustainability, ATM 2026 will provide an important platform for the global industry to prepare for what lies ahead, while ensuring the Middle East remains at the forefront of this evolution.”

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) hosted the first China Visitors Summit (CVS) in Al Ain Region and Abu Dhabi City on 28 – 29 August, marking a significant milestone in strengthening tourism ties with the Greater China region. The summit welcomed 156 Travel trade partners, 62 Stakeholder attendees and over 150 top Chinese travel industry buyers to the emirate, making it the largest business-to-business gathering of Chinese outbound travel professionals hosted outside of China. Building on the success of the 2024 edition, which hosted over 100 buyers and 263 suppliers, CVS 2025 further solidified its position as a premier platform for fostering business trust and collaboration within the global tourism sector. The two-day event, which centred around face-to-face meetings, offered an invaluable opportunity for suppliers – including attractions, airlines, hotels, and MICE venues – to connect directly with key Chinese buyers. Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “It was an immense honour to welcome the China Visitors Summit to Abu Dhabi, particularly to the culturally rich Al Ain Region, which was declared the Gulf Tourism Capital for 2025. This event was instrumental in showcasing the exceptional experiences Abu Dhabi offers to our growing Chinese market. The insightful engagements and thousands of opportunities created at the event are testament to the strong desire for international collaboration and future growth.” The agenda featured dedicated business meeting sessions, enabling focused discussions and the establishment of new partnerships. Networking opportunities during lunches, coffee breaks, and the welcome dinner further facilitated informal connections and relationship building, while the China Training Day segment immersed travel suppliers in crucial insights for business development within the …

Focusing on key markets such as Europe, India and China, Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), launched its latest campaign , “I Came for Football, I Stayed For More.” This showcases that Saudi offers visitors far more than their expectations. Heralding the start of its extended season of high stakes sports, rousing entertainment, and breathtaking film, fashion and cultural events, the campaign harnesses TV, Social, Digital, and OTA to give audiences a taste of one of the world’s most exciting destination calendars. Featuring football superstar and Saudi’s most famous foreign resident, CR7, the film takes viewers on a journey through Saudi’s cornerstone events. An awed CR7 sits in the stands – comparing the different sports to his own. Hushed monochromes give way to vibrant colour as we see more of what enticed CR7 to stay in Saudi. From the adrenaline coursing through the crowd, we hear its roar – feeling the highs and lows of a shared experience. The emotion is palpable, and brings audiences into the thick of the action. This is Saudi – engaged, excited, and eager to take its place on the world stage. His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for Saudi, stated: “Today, Saudi is cementing its place as a global destination that combines cultural authenticity, warm hospitality, and the thrill of world-class events. In the tourism sector, we remain steadfast in our commitment to developing a seamless landscape that inspires the world and provides visitors with unforgettable experiences.” Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, added: “This campaign with CR7 is a showcase of Saudi today, and our ambitions. Tourism is a core component of our vision, and we are continuously expanding our offerings. …

The study underscores the rising influence of children on family itineraries. Outbound spend by Saudi-issued cards at toy merchants grew 140%, while amusement park spending surged 135%. On average, Saudi travellers spent $540 per card on accommodation and $135 per card on entertainment, underlining the family-oriented nature of trips. Outbound leisure travel accounted for 48% of cross-border spend as Saudi residents took advantage of school holidays to combine visits to family abroad with international leisure trips. The study also found that 25% of leisure travellers took multiple trips this summer, averaging 11 days per trip. Summer 2025 marked a strong increase in family travel, which accounted for 20% of outbound trips, nearly double the RoY average of 13%. Ticketing spend grew 69% compared to RoY, with families of two to five people spending an average of $2,060 on tickets alone. Manama remained the leading Gulf destination, with 20% traveler share, followed by Dubai (13% traveler share). Cairo followed with 9% of traveler share, alongside Istanbul (8%) and London (4%). Auckland, at 15,000 km away, was the farthest destination visited by Saudi travellers. “Families in Saudi Arabia are making travel decisions with their children’s preferences in mind, from amusement parks to family dining. This reflects a broader shift during the summer holidays towards experiential and family-oriented travel,” said Ali Bailoun, Visa’s Regional General Manager for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman. “Our insights show strong opportunities for banks, merchants, and tourism partners to create seamless, family-friendly travel experiences with rewards and benefits tailored to our Saudi cardholders.” Visa’s analysis reveals that summer travel is becoming more experiential, with families at the center of this trend. Banks and tourism authorities have an opportunity …

​​Kuwait Airways will operate three flights a week to Madrid, Spain, commencing 26 October 2025 on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. ​​Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Abdulmohsen Al-Fagaan stated, “Kuwait Airways is pleased to announce the resumption of its flights to Madrid, one of the most popular destinations among our valued passengers. Madrid is distinguished for its pleasant climate and rich blend of tourism, sports, heritage, and cultural attractions, including ancient archaeological sites, that attract tourists.” Al-Fagaan added, “The resumption of the Madrid route aligns with Kuwait Airways’ strategic plans and studies on the feasibility of these markets and destinations, as well as the extent of customer demand for them, and their benefits to Kuwait Airways. The company continues to make steady progress toward diversifying its global network and launching new destinations.”​​ ​​Al-Fagaan pointed out that the national carrier of the State of Kuwait strives to meet the expectations of its valued customers by launching varied destinations and expanding its reach around the world to provide passengers with diverse travel options. ​​It is worth noting that Kuwait Airways established in 1954, operates a modern and diverse fleet comprising the latest type of aircraft from the world’s leading manufacturers—Airbus and Boeing. The fleet is equipped with cutting-edge technology and advanced features that align with the best international aviation standards, including state-of-the-art inflight entertainment systems and designed seating specifications to suit the needs of the national carrier’s customers. Kuwait Airways takes pride in employing some of the region’s most skilled and experienced professionals across various technical specializations, reflecting the airline’s commitment to operational excellence. In addition, Kuwait Airways strives to attain the highest levels of quality in customer service and to develop the company’s …

Highlights included the announcement of an agreement with VA Group to develop a mixed-use project at the Sultan Qaboos Port waterfront, as well as three new partnerships under the Yiti Integrated Tourism Development: two mixed-use projects with VA Group and Aurelian Group, and a luxury resort under the global Nobu brand with Enevória Development. In addition, a partnership was announced with Oman Agriculture Development Company to develop Janaen Salalah the first integrated agri-tourism project of its kind in the Sultanate. These included luxury hospitality projects, innovative visitor experiences, and new partnerships aimed at strengthening tourism infrastructure, expanding accommodation options, and creating broader opportunities to explore Oman’s natural beauty, heritage, and leisure offerings. In line with its ongoing commitment to support the tourism sector and expand opportunities for growth, the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) has announced a series of strategic investment partnerships with leading local and international institutions. The announcements formed part of the Group’s 20th anniversary celebrations, held under the patronage of His Excellency Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and attended by ministers, dignitaries, partners, investors, and leading figures from Oman’s tourism sector. The celebration reflected two decades of growth and expansion since OMRAN Group was established by Royal Decree in 2005. Over this period, the Group has become a strategic driver of tourism and economic development, enhancing Oman’s investment competitiveness and creating a sustainable ecosystem of hospitality and infrastructure. OMRAN Group has developed integrated destinations and hospitality assets that combine authenticity with modernity, offering unique experiences that showcase the Sultanate’s abundant tourism potential. His Excellency Abdulsalam Mohammed Al Murshidi, President of the Oman Investment Authority, said: “This occasion marks an important milestone …

Dubai Maritime Authority and Dubai Economy and Tourism unveil Dock & Dine initiative to advance city’s status as prime yachting destination. In a strategic move to enhance short-stay yachting visits, further reinforce the city’s position as a global yachting destination, and put the city at the forefront of the global trend of seamless waterfront dining. Encompassing 20 of the top marinas and marine stations in the city, the initiative represents the most comprehensive marina dining concept in the region and directly advances the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for business and leisure. Dock & Dine is tailored for those seeking to dock for a short stay and enjoy the finest waterfront dining experiences, and enables yacht owners, crews, and guests to access a curated selection of restaurants, luxury hotels, cultural attractions and entertainment directly from the city’s marinas. Guests can sail to different docks and restaurants, enjoying a diverse range of excellent cuisines served in beautiful settings – all within a convenient 45-minute to one-hour radius from each other. Among the major benefits provided by the Dock & Dine initiative are free moorage at participating marinas and marine stations; a rapid booking response time with a reservation window of just five minutes to one hour; direct communication with restaurants for advanced table arrangements; and dedicated dock tenders to facilitate smooth drop-off and pick-up processes. With the streamlining of regulations, a standardised process has been rolled out citywide, ensuring a consistent and hassle-free experience for both yacht visitors and marina operators. Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, CEO of the Dubai Maritime Authority, said: “The Dock …

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) continues to reinforce Dubai’s position as a premier global destination for events and business tourism. DWTC has announced a powerful line-up for the final four months of 2025, including over 135 high-profile exhibitions, flagship conferences, and industry-defining events. Covering a diverse spectrum from technology, sustainability, and healthcare to food and beverage, energy, construction, transport, finance, and education, underscoring DWTC’s pivotal role in driving innovation, commerce, and international collaboration. Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President at DWTC said: “Building on our strong performance in the first half of the year, we will continue to attract international event organisers, exhibitors, and visitors, along with globally renowned events across both established and high-growth industries in the second half of 2025. The upcoming line-up of flagship events such as GITEX Global, WETEX and Big 5 Global, showcase our ability to convene the world’s most influential leaders, innovators, speakers, and key players to shape the future of the MICE industry,” “Through this dynamic calendar, we are reinforcing Dubai’s role as a catalyst for global commerce while advancing the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) to position Dubai among the top three economic cities in the world.” Concluded Julfar.

According to data from Skyscanner, Dubai, which ranked first for staycation locations, also emerged as the fifth most popular choice for global destination hotel stay searches for trips between June and August. For July and August vacations, Abu Dhabi also witnessed heightened demand for searches amongst travellers, particularly for its cultural escapes and family resorts, while Sharjah and Al Ain gained popularity for cultural and nature-driven breaks. Ras Al Khaimah, completed the top five UAE cities, being a favourite for road trips and adventure seekers and underscoring the breadth of domestic options across the Emirates. Affordability played a key role in shaping this trend. The average nightly hotel rate for domestic hotel stays were from approximately AED 322 per night, significantly lower than comparable getaways in Oman (from AED 621) and Turkey (from AED 376). The summer period also marked an opportunity to hire a car, giving people the flexibility to move around freely when they want, and comfort and convenience during their trip. Today, the UAE car rental market is experiencing growth with Skyscanner data revealing Dubai and Abu Dhabi as the top pick-up and drop-off locations. Ayoub El Mamoun, Travel Expert at Skyscanner, said: “This summer proved that the UAE residents showed more interest in staycations and domestic trips within the country. This is no surprise as the UAE is already a leading global destination for tourism with many landmark attractions, hotels, restaurants and cultural experiences and activities for all to visit and enjoy and will continue to be a busy hub for both residents and citizens and tourists in the future.”

The Embassy of Malaysia in the United Arab Emirates hosted a reception to promote an exhibition entitled “To know Malaysia is to love Malaysia: highlights from the AFK Collection” at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi. This six month long exhibition underscores Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening its cultural and artistic presence in the UAE. The opening reception was attended by Their Excellencies ambassadors accredited to the UAE, prominent business leaders, members of the Malaysian community residing in the country, as well as cultural and media figures, including Emirati journalist Dr. Jamal Al Majaida. In his remarks, the Ambassador of Malaysia to the UAE H.E. Tengku Sirajuzzaman Bin Tengku Mohamed Ariffin stated: “Art and culture serve as a vital window into Malaysia’s history and diverse heritage, which blends Asian and Islamic civilizations. We are delighted to present these elements in Abu Dhabi, a global cultural hub. The relations between Malaysia and the UAE are not limited to political and economic cooperation, but extend deeply into the cultural sphere. This exhibition opens new horizons for cultural exchange and greater understanding between our peoples.” The exhibition featured a rare selection of artworks and cultural pieces from the AFK Collection, a distinguished private collection that showcases Malaysia’s vibrant artistic traditions, from classical and Islamic-inspired works to contemporary cultural expressions. The collection has been internationally recognized for its role in promoting Malaysian heritage on the global stage. Guests expressed their admiration for the quality and uniqueness of the displays, emphasizing the role of such events in building bridges of cultural exchange and understanding. At the conclusion of the evening, members of the Malaysian community voiced their pride in seeing their culture represented in the heart …