Arabian Travel Market 2026 closed in Dubai on September 17 with a 16% year-on-year rise in participation, as Gulf travel's recovery from seven months of regional disruption gathered momentum.
The 33rd edition drew representatives from 115 destinations to Dubai World Trade Centre, with technology floorspace doubling following the debut of co-located ATM Travel Tech. Emirates led airline activity, sealing over 30 agreements spanning tourism boards in 16 countries, while a consortium of Air Arabia Group, Nesma Group and KUN Holding confirmed a new Saudi carrier set to launch on September 20, connecting Dammam with Riyadh, Madinah and Jeddah.
The UAE launched Visit UAE, its first unified national tourism brand, and Etihad Airways signed an MoU with Etihad Rail to develop a seamless air-rail travel experience. Rotana disclosed a 40-hotel, 8,300-key development pipeline, with ten projects in Saudi Arabia.
Gulf Economist Staff Writer