His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, opened today Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, a leading global event for the travel and tourism industry.
Held from April 28 to May 1 at the Dubai World Trade Center, the event brings together professionals and leaders from across the global travel sector, including leisure, business events (MICE), luxury and corporate travel. This year’s event features a record 2,800 exhibitors from 161 countries and is expected to welcome 55,000 attendees.
Dubai drives global tourism industry’s growth
During the opening, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed said that the strong turnout at this year’s Arabian Travel Market reflects Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for tourism, travel and hospitality, and underscores the emirate’s growing role in shaping the future of the global tourism sector.
“Dubai continues to consolidate its position as a leading global destination for tourism and a key meeting point for industry stakeholders, bringing together investors, decision-makers, experts and leading travel agencies from around the world. The longstanding success of Arabian Travel Market highlights Dubai’s pivotal role in fostering strategic partnerships that drive the growth and advancement of the global tourism industry,” Sheikh Ahmed said.
He added that the events and exhibitions sector remains a vital driver of Dubai’s economic growth. The success of Arabian Travel Market, along with other major events hosted by Dubai throughout the year, reflects the city’s steady progress towards achieving a key objective of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which is to position Dubai among the world’s top three cities for business and specialised tourism by 2033.
Event marks major rise in international exhibitor participation
After opening the event, Sheikh Ahmed toured the exhibition halls with His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, director general of the Community Development Authority; and His Excellency Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, director general of the General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai.
Sheikh Ahmed was briefed on Arabian Travel Market’s key highlights. The event has recorded a significant increase in international exhibitor participation, with a 20 percent rise from Asia, a 15 percent increase from the Middle East, more than a 12 percent growth from Europe, and continued growth from Africa and the Americas.
ATM Travel Tech expands by over 26 percent
Arabian Travel Market 2025 is being held under the theme ‘Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity’, underlining the vital role of cross-border collaboration, industry partnerships and community engagement in reshaping the future of tourism and advancing sustainable practices.
Several new features are debuting at the event. Responding to growing demand for a dedicated platform for business events, IBTM@ATM launched this year. The new sector provides a specialist zone for business event suppliers to connect with buyers through pre-scheduled appointments and business exchanges. IBTM@ATM will also host a dedicated conference exploring key industry trends, staged on the new Business Events Stage.
ATM Travel Tech has also expanded by more than 26 percent this year, reflecting the sector’s increasing integration with technology and innovation. A new Start-Up and Innovation Zone has been introduced, showcasing 21 pioneering companies reshaping the future of travel. The zone also offers an immersive VR experience, allowing visitors to explore new possibilities and transformative solutions within the travel ecosystem.
“From next-generation technologies and the rise of travel start-ups to the introduction of IBTM@ATM, this year’s edition of ATM highlights an industry that is more connected, innovative and resilient than ever before. We are proud to offer a platform that fosters global collaboration, drives impactful business opportunities, and helps shape the future of travel,” stated Danielle Curtis, exhibition director ME, Arabian Travel Market.
Read: Middle East business travel spending to grow 6.1 percent in 2025
ATM Conference to host over 70 sessions
During his tour, Sheikh Ahmed was also briefed on the ATM Conference, which returns this year with more than 200 speakers leading over 70 sessions across the Global Stage, Future Stage, and the new Business Events Stage. The conference program will explore emerging trends, share global best practices and discuss strategies to unlock new opportunities while addressing key industry challenges.
This year’s program covers a diverse range of topics, including the future of aviation, emerging trends in hospitality, climate action initiatives and the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the sector.
The second day of the ATM Conference will feature the annual Ministerial Session, which will explore how tourism growth can be unlocked through enhanced connectivity. The session will bring together the Ministers of Tourism from Bahrain and Lebanon, alongside the CEO of Trip.com, to discuss how infrastructure, innovation and inclusion can build robust tourism frameworks that empower communities and enhance cross-border accessibility.
On day three, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, will address the Global Stage to examine the future of aviation in an era of transformation and global disruption. Meanwhile, key findings from the IBTM World Trends Report will take the spotlight on the Business Events Stage.
The final day will feature in-depth market insight sessions on Asia Pacific, as well as a dedicated spotlight on India’s growing tourism sector. A major highlight on closing day will be the ATM Start-Up Competition, offering a platform for emerging entrepreneurs and innovators to pitch their ideas and redefine the future of travel.
