Middle East business travel spending adapts to global shifts, reaching 6.1% growth in 2025, say experts at IBTM@ATM 2025

28 April 2025 - 17:23

written : Nibras Al-arab - نبراس العرب

· Business travel in 2025 remains strong, but evolving factors from economic conditions and budgets to technology, sustainability, and traveller expectations are reshaping how and why we travel for work

· Middle East has performed better than any other region post-COVID, with business travel spending reaching 19.4% higher than pre-COVID levels

· IBTM@ATM Business Events Stage at Arabian Travel Market 2025 provides critical insights into the evolving global corporate travel and MICE landscape

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 28 April 2025: Current trends in business travel spending, changing global economic conditions, and the increasing impact of regional economic strategies have emerged as significant forces shaping the future of business travel in the Middle East.

Today, experts gathered at the new Business Events Stage during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, part of the newly launched IBTM@ATM Zone, to discuss how regional business travel spending is adapting in response to these global shifts and to explore the financial outlook driving strategic developments across the sector.

In partnership with the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the session titled State of the Nation: Navigating the Future of Business Travel in the Middle East provided a thorough analysis of the market dynamics influencing corporate travel budgets and decision-making processes today.

Catherine Logan, Regional Senior Vice President EMEA and APAC, Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), said: “In general, the argument for business travel in 2025 is strong, but transformational change will continue to influence how we travel for work around the world. These include economic stability, budget factors, how and where we work, implications of technology, the evolution of sustainability in business travel and the focus on the traveller.”

Logan also highlights that sustainably managed business travel is a force for good, driving progress for businesses, governments, economies and people.

According to the 2024 GBTA Business Travel Index Outlook Report, the Middle East accounts for 1.2% of global business travel spend and has performed better than any other region post-COVID with spend reaching 19.4% higher than pre-COVID levels. The estimated business travel spending in the Middle East was $18.1 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% in 2025, highlighting the region’s strategic importance in the global corporate travel and events ecosystem.

Ciaran Kelly, Managing Director of Middle East & Africa, FCM Travel, said: “There is a positive outlook for business travel in the region, backed by trends we are seeing from our customers, surveys, and what our forecasts are for the year ahead. A lot of the growth is due to the public and private projects taking place – it is almost impossible to get a seat on a plane from Dubai to Riyadh, for example, and once you land, hotel availability is limited. Hotel occupancy across the region is the highest globally, around 70-80% mark putting a lot of pressure on hotels, but in general, everything is positive."

Reflecting on the significance of the session, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: "Understanding the shifts in business travel spending is essential for companies that want to remain competitive and resilient in a fast-evolving market. Sessions like this at IBTM@ATM are crucial for providing our attendees with actionable insights and real-world analysis, empowering them to navigate shifting travel patterns and discover new opportunities in the Middle East and beyond."

The Business Events Stage at IBTM@ATM will continue to explore emerging trends across business travel, MICE, and corporate events until Wednesday, 30 April. The sessions will cover various topics, including the integration of AI and future-proofing strategies for business travel, the human connection versus AI in event experiences, new trends in Chinese outbound MICE travel, achieving net zero carbon emissions in the events industry, and advancing climate action through strategic partnerships in business travel, among other topics.

The 32^nd edition of Arabian Travel Market, held under the theme ‘Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity’, will welcome more than 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries this week at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), reinforcing Dubai’s pivotal role as a centre for global tourism and business collaboration.

Held in conjunction with DWTC, ATM’s strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner.

The latest ATM news stories are available at https://hub.wtm.com/category/press/atm-press-releases/.

-Ends-

For more information, log on to wtm.com/atm/en-gb.html.

Notes to editors:

Now in its 32nd year, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. Held annually at the Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024 spanned 12 halls, making it the largest edition to date. The event attracted over 47,000 attendees, more than 35,000 visitors (including 6,000+ high-value buyers) and over 2,550 exhibitors and representatives from over 161 countries. In 2025, ATM will expand to 13 halls, growing across all sectors, and will continue to be a crucial gathering for the global travel and tourism industry. Arabian Travel Market is part of Arabian Travel Week. #ATMDubai

ATM takes place from 28 April to 1 May 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai.

https://www.wtm.com/atm/en-gb.html

Arabian Travel Week is a week-long festival of events from 28 April to 4 May, alongside Arabian Travel Market 2025. Providing a renewed focus for the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector, it includes Start-Up Competition, Influencers' Event, GBTA Business Travel Forums, and ATM Travel Tech. The event also features ATM Buyer Networking and a series of country forums.

https://www.wtm.com/arabian-travel-week/en-gb.html

About RX

RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com.

About RELX

RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. *Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at http://www.relx.com/investors

World Travel Market (WTM) Portfolio comprises leading travel events and online portals across four continents. The events are Arabian Travel Market, WTM London, WTM Latin America and WTM Africa.

WTM London is the world’s most influential travel & tourism event for the global travel community. The show is the ultimate destination for those seeking a macro view of the travel industry and a deeper understanding of the forces shaping it. WTM London is where influential travel leaders, buyers and high-profile travel companies gather to exchange ideas, drive innovation, and accelerate business outcomes.

Next event: 4 to 6 November 2025 at ExCel London

http://london.wtm.com/

WTM Latin America is held annually in São Paulo and attracts more than 29,000 tourism professionals during the three-day event. The event offers a qualified content combined with networking and business opportunities. In its most recent edition, in 2024, WTM Latin America maintained its focus on the effective generation of business and managed to secure the early scheduling of more than six thousand meetings that were held between buyers, travel agents, and exhibitors. WTM Latin America contents are available in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Next event: 14 – 16 April 2025, Expo Center Norte, São Paulo, Brasil

latinamerica.wtm.com

WTM Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2022, WTM Africa facilitated more than 7 thousand unique pre-scheduled appointments, an increase of more than 7% compared to 2019 and welcomed more than 6 thousand visitors (unaudited), the same number as in 2019.

Next event: 9 to 11 April 2025 – Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town http://africa.wtm.com/

About ATW Connect: Africa Travel Week’s digital arm, is a virtual hub packed to the seams with interesting content, industry news and insights, and the opportunity to hear from experts on a variety of topics in our new monthly webinar series. All with the aim to keep all of us in the travel and tourism industry connected. ATW Connect focuses on inbound and outbound markets for general leisure tourism, luxury travel and the MICE/business travel sector as well as travel technology.

https://atwconnect.com/

WTM Global Hub, is the WTM Portfolio online portal created to connect and support travel industry professionals around the world. The resource hub offers the latest guidance and knowledge to help exhibitors, buyers and others in the travel industry face the challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic. WTM Portfolio is tapping into its global network of experts to create content for the hub. https://hub.wtm.com/

مواضيع ذات صلة

Oman unveils Dhofar Khareef 2025 highlights at Arabian Travel Market

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 29 April 2025: The Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, in collaboration with Dhofar Municipality, officially announced the much-anticipated Dhofar Khareef 2025 season during a press conference held on the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai.

The announcement was led by His Excellency Dr Ahmed bin Mohsen Al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, and His Excellency Azzan bin Qasim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, highlighting Oman’s commitment to promoting one of the Arabian Peninsula’s most unique tourism seasons to the world.

Held annually from 21 June to 20 September, the Dhofar Khareef season transforms the southern region of Oman into a lush, verdant paradise, offering visitors moderate temperatures, misty landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. In 2024, the Khareef season recorded a 9% year-on-year increase in tourist arrivals, reaching approximately 1.048 million visitors, reflecting Dhofar’s growing status as a premier regional and international tourism destination.

During the press conference, His Excellency Dr Al Ghassani outlined the new and expanded activities enriching the visitor experience during Dhofar Khareef 2025. He emphasised that the season’s main and accompanying events will be distributed across existing and newly developed sites, with diverse entertainment, cultural, and family-oriented attractions.

Building on the success of its new location last year, "Return of the Past" will have an expanded program showcasing the spirit of Oman’s traditional life. Visitors will experience authentic folk performances, bustling heritage markets, and exhibitions of traditional crafts. Significant site development has enhanced the historical ambience, creating an immersive experience that blends heritage with modern amenities.

Emerging as a key entertainment hub, Athens Square will host major international shows, cultural events, and shopping experiences. Upgraded facilities include an open-air theatre, integrated shopping avenues, modern gaming zones, and enhanced restaurant and café offerings. New lighting and laser shows will further elevate its appeal as a vibrant entertainment destination.

Redesigned as a dedicated family entertainment centre, Awqad Park will introduce a refreshed identity with various activities designed for families and young visitors. Meanwhile, the Uptown Site at Ittin Plain will offer a natural retreat featuring outdoor recreational activities in a scenic environment.

Set to become the epicentre for sports activities during Khareef, Salalah Public Park will host various tournaments and community sports events, with inclusive activities catering to all age groups and people of determination.

A new addition to Dhofar’s cultural scene, Al Murooj Theater will stage various cultural performances, including Omani, Gulf, and Arab theatrical productions, offering visitors a dynamic audiovisual cultural experience.

His Excellency also indicated plans to extend Khareef events to coastal governorates, celebrating the unique microclimates influenced by the autumn rains with additional cultural, sporting, and commercial activities.

Recognising the steady growth in visitor numbers, Dhofar Municipality has accelerated development projects across the Governorate to enhance the tourist experience. In collaboration with government and private sector partners, efforts include developing natural viewpoints, upgrading tourist sites, beautifying public spaces, and road infrastructure enhancements.

Today, Dhofar Governorate boasts 83 licensed hotels offering 6,537 rooms across various categories, with several new hospitality projects set to open in 2025. These expansions will significantly bolster the region’s capacity to accommodate the expected rise in domestic and international tourists.

His Excellency Azzan bin Qasim Al Busaidi outlined the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism’s multi-faceted promotional campaign designed to elevate Dhofar Khareef’s profile on the global stage.

During the press conference, he highlighted key initiatives, such as participation at ATM 2025 to engage directly with international tourism stakeholders and media, alongside broad advertising campaigns across leading Arab media outlets and specialised travel platforms. The Ministry is also implementing targeted social media promotions, electronic advertising, and collaborations with influential content creators to raise awareness across key markets to enhance digital reach.

In addition, the Ministry is organising a series of familiarisation trips for international travel agencies and media representatives, providing firsthand experiences of Dhofar’s diverse offerings. Tailored tourism packages are also being developed in cooperation with local and international tour operators, ensuring seamless travel experiences that link Oman’s unique destinations with global source markets and reinforce the Sultanate’s appeal as a must-visit destination.

His Excellency Al Busaidi said: “Our objective is to position Dhofar as a world-class destination that offers a unique combination of nature, culture, and heritage. We aim to attract visitors seeking authentic, high-quality travel experiences through our targeted campaigns and expanded tourism offerings.”

While the Khareef season remains an integral part of Dhofar’s tourism calendar, the Governorate also offers a wealth of experiences year-round. The Sarab and Winter seasons have seen increasing popularity, attracting nearly half a million visitors annually thanks to Dhofar’s temperate climate and diverse natural landscapes.

Visitors can explore Dhofar’s breathtaking beaches, mountain ranges, desert expanses, and fertile agricultural valleys. In addition to natural attractions, the Governorate is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Al Baleed Archaeological Park, Samharam Archaeological Park, and the Museum of the Land of Frankincense, underscoring Oman’s rich cultural legacy.

In preparation for the 2025 season, public and private sector entities are working together to ensure that all facilities, services, and tourism offerings are fully equipped to meet the needs of visitors worldwide.

With consistent year-on-year growth and expanded tourism offerings, Dhofar is poised for another record-breaking season in 2025. Last year, the 9% increase in visitor numbers highlights the Governorate’s growing importance within Oman’s broader tourism strategy, contributing to economic diversification and enhancing Oman’s reputation as a leading destination in the Arabian Gulf.

As Oman showcases Dhofar’s exceptional potential to global audiences at ATM 2025, the Sultanate reaffirms its commitment to delivering sustainable, authentic, and world-class tourism experiences for visitors from the GCC and beyond.

ENDS

منذ 5 ساعات . News

Automechanika Riyadh explores the Middle East’s transformation into a global automotive hub

Senior stakeholders gathered at the Automechanika Academy conference to outline the positioning of the Middle East as a globally connected automotive ecosystem

The session emphasised the importance of localising EV infrastructure, expanding automotive manufacturing zones, and aligning standards to attract global investment in the region's mobility industry.

The seventh edition of Automechanika Riyadh features over 450 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and 19,000 industry professionals.

Riyadh, KSA: As the automotive aftermarket across the Middle East experiences rapid growth and change, senior stakeholders convened at the Automechanika Riyadh 2025, Saudi Arabia’s leading regional trade show for the automotive aftermarket, to outline a strategy for establishing the region as a global hub for the automotive industry.

Supported by Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is quickly emerging as a significant player in global automotive manufacturing. Major projects such as Lucid Motors' plant in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) and the launch of Ceer are aimed at localising the Kingdom’s automotive value chain. In addition, the broader MENA region is contributing to this transformation, with Morocco raising its ambition is to achieve an annual production of one million cars by 2025, and the UAE becoming a crucial hub for aftermarket services and re-exports.

During his keynote address at the Automechanika Academy conference Dr. Faisal Al-Kadi, CEO, Al-Kadi Commerce & Industry, highlighted partnerships as a key driver to business success in the Kingdom: “In Saudi Arabia, you have to be within the fabric of the industry. The country has a vibrant local industry. It has fantastic companies that are very active in the industry across all stages. I think partnerships – both local and international - are the way forward.”

This was followed by a panel discussion, “Building the Middle East’s Automotive Hub”, featuring key voices from industry, logistics, manufacturing, and policy. The panellists discussed the transformation of the aftermarket, focusing on topics such as localisation, supply chain and cluster development, and the need for harmonised certification processes. These themes are vital to enhancing trust and competitiveness in locally manufactured and remanufactured automotive parts.

Ben Stewart, Supply Chain Director, Lucid MENA, said: “One of the things we need to do is create the environment for the suppliers. We are working very hard with government bodies as well as private companies, other OEMs and other industries to create a supply chain that’s sustainable.”

Key trends discussed during the panel emphasised the necessity of standardised certification frameworks to facilitate regional aftermarket growth, and the government’s role in enabling the growth.

“We hope to create a real deep localisation. This is our goal, and we have support from the government policy which can support the upstream and downstream localisation,” added Aftab Ahmed, Chief Advisor, National Industrial Development Center.

The Automechanika Academy serves as the show’s knowledge exchange hub, bringing together regional and global experts to address the future of the automotive aftermarket.

Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and Founder of 1st Arabia, licensee of Automechanika Riyadh directed by Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, said: “The Automechanika Academy has once again delivered powerful conversations that address real-world challenges. Covering topics from industrial localisation to digital innovation, these discussions reflect our commitment to giving the aftermarket sector the tools needed to excel in an increasingly interconnected and competitive global market."

Automechanika Riyadh 2025 will feature over 450 exhibitors from more than 34 countries and an expected 19,000 visitors. The seventh edition of the event will also feature 39 exhibitors from Saudi Arabia, representing nearly 10% of the total exhibitors and highlighting the market growth within the country.

Aly Hefny, Show Manager, Automechanika Riyadh, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, added: “The increasing participation of Saudi companies reflects the Kingdom's expanding role in the regional automotive supply chain. To accommodate this demand, we have expanded the exhibition by 70% compared to last year, adding two new halls and offering an even stronger platform for local and international companies to connect, collaborate, and grow.”

The product areas showcased at Automechanika Riyadh include Parts & Components, Electronics & Systems, Tires & Batteries, Oils & Lubricants, Accessories & Customising, Diagnostics & Repairs, Body & Paint, and Car Wash & Care.

-ENDS-

About Automechanika Riyadh

Automechanika Riyadh, licensed by Messe Frankfurt GmbH, will take place from 28 April – 30 April 2025 at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre. This will be the 7th edition of Automechanika in Saudi Arabia, which is the leading exhibition dedicated to the automotive aftermarket industry in the Kingdom. The dedicated exhibition is one of 14 instalments of Automechanika – the most successful and largest automotive aftermarket exhibition brand in the world.

For more information, please visit our website.

About 1st Arabia

1st Arabia Tradeshows & Conferences is a leading exhibition & conference organiser in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Headquartered in Riyadh, 1st Arabia has regional offices in Jordan and is set to expand its operations in more countries regionally. 1st Arabia organises top international trade exhibitions and conferences that provide unparalleled networking and business opportunities for companies looking to excel and grow within the Kingdom. Apart from conducting quality and high profile B2B trade fairs, country specific shows, corporate events, conferences, events management and festivals, 1st Arabia also provides a complete marketing tool and exhibition solutions to their valued clients. 1st Arabia is the only MICE organisation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who is a member of the International Organizations like IAEE, ICCA, MPI PCMA, SISO and, UFI.

For more information, please visit our website: https://1starabia.sa/

منذ 5 ساعات . News

The Preferred Smartphone for Roshn Saudi League Players

Rashad Iskandrni

Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – In a strategic move that underscores its leadership in technological innovation, Samsung has officially announced the selection of the Galaxy S25 as the official smartphone of the Roshn Saudi League (SPL).
This cutting-edge device embodies Samsung’s commitment to innovation and excellence, offering a premium experience tailored to the needs of both players and fans. Designed with advanced imaging technology, the Galaxy S25 enhances the way sporting moments are captured and shared.

Next-Level Zoom Technology to Capture Every Sporting Moment:
Equipped with an exceptional zoom capability — combining optical and digital zoom of up to 100x without compromising image quality — the Galaxy S25 allows players to capture stunning photos and videos from any angle on the field. With crystal-clear clarity, users can record and share key moments with their audience in a professional, immersive way.

Enhancing the Fan Experience:
Through this collaboration, Samsung aims to elevate how fans engage with the Roshn Saudi League by introducing a smartphone that empowers players to document every match moment in unprecedented detail. With powerful camera features, users can enjoy a richer, more vivid viewing experience, capturing even the finest on-field details that might otherwise go unnoticed.

In an official statement, Mr. Hendrik Lee, President of Samsung Electronics Saudi Arabia, said:
"We are proud to introduce the Galaxy S25 as the official smartphone of the Roshn Saudi League. This partnership reflects our deep commitment to supporting sports in the Kingdom and enhancing engagement between players and fans. By equipping athletes with this advanced device, we are taking the viewing experience to the next level through ultra-high-definition technology. We firmly believe that innovation can redefine the way we live and experience the world around us — and the Saudi League is the ideal platform to demonstrate this."

The Galaxy S25 is crafted for sports and tech enthusiasts alike, offering the ideal tools to document unforgettable moments. With cutting-edge camera capabilities that bring visuals closer to reality, the device is set to transform the way fans experience the Roshn Saudi League — making every match moment clearer, richer, and more alive than ever before.

منذ 7 ساعات . News

MATCH Hospitality Asia delivers the Official Hospitality Programme for the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025

Rashad Iskandrni

Jeddah – Saudi Arabia: An all-new Finals concept sees four qualified teams progress to a centralised tournament consisting of 3 further matches to be held across 2 stadiums in Jeddah this week as continental football fever grips the Kingdom.

The new format already witnessed hosted exciting matches at the weekend, with the quarter-finals seeing three Saudi Arabian teams progress to the last four of the competition. Al Hilal SFC defeated Gwangju, from the Republic of Korea; Al Ahli Saudi FC beat Thailand’s Buriram United, while Al Nassr Club saw off Japanese club Yokohama F. Marinos. In the fourth quarter-final, Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale beat Qatari side Al Sadd SC, leading to the semi-final encounters.

The semi-finals will see Al Hilal SFC take on Al Ahli Saudi, on Tuesday evening, with Al Nassr Club facing Yokohama F Marinos, on Wednesday. The winners of those ties will face-off in the ultimate challenge and the final on Saturday, 3 May.

Guests in Official Hospitality will enjoy all the action on the pitch from the sophisticated surroundings of shared lounges and private suites that deliver the best views of the match whilst enjoying an outstanding service.

MATCH is honoured to work again with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in an ongoing partnership and looks forward to delivering an exceptional hospitality experience in Saudi Arabia.

MATCH Accommodation Asia has also been endorsed by the AFC as an “Official Accommodation Agency” and the “Official Ticket and Accommodation Product Provider” of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah to deliver accommodation and category-1 tickets to travelling fans and groups.

For more information, visit match-asia.com

HOSPITALITY SPECIFIC

Enjoy an elevated AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 experience with Official Hospitality. Enjoy all the action on the pitch with a guaranteed category-1 ticket providing prime seating and exclusive in-stadium dining and service. Fans can choose from tiered hospitality levels and benefit from preferential entry to the stadiums and access to sophisticated shared lounges or private suites; enjoy dining experiences such as bespoke menus or buffet offerings, accompanied by a selection of beverages and exceptional service.

ADDITIONAL INFO

Megastar players will be playing in the Finals:

Roberto Firminio

Ivan Toney

Riyad Mahrez

Roberto Firminio

Galeno

Cristiano Ronaldo

Sadio Mane

Aymeric Laporte

2 stadiums:

King Abdullah Sports City, Home to Team Al-Ahli.. Capacity 61,000Future FIFA World Cup stadium.

Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium, Home to Team Al-Ittihad. Capacity 24,000

Hospitality products:

MATCH Lounge from 4,000 SAR

MATCH Private Suite (Gold & Silver)

Hospitality series (bundle of games):

Final Round Series from 7,800 SAR

Secure your seat to watch one Semi Final and the Final or both Semi Finals and the Final of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025.

منذ 18 ساعة . News

Ahmed bin Saeed opens Arabian Travel Market 2025

The 32^nd edition of the event at the Dubai World Trade Centre features a record 2,800 exhibitors from 166 countries

His Highness: Guided by the vision of our leadership, Dubai continues to consolidate its position as a leading global destination for tourism and a key meeting point for industry stakeholders

“The longstanding success of ATM highlights Dubai’s pivotal role in fostering strategic partnerships that drive the growth and advancement of the global tourism industry”

ATM 2025 is organised under the theme ‘Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity’

Held from 28 April to 1 May, this year’s event sees significant growth in participation across global markets

ATM Travel Tech has expanded by more than 26% this year, reflecting the sector’s increasing integration with technology and innovation

Government of Dubai Media Office – 28 April 2025: 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, today opened the 32^nd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), a leading global event for the travel and tourism industry, being held from 28 April to 1 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Bringing 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 166 countries and is expected to welcome 55,000 attendees.

During the opening, His Highness 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.

His Highness said: “Guided by the vision of our leadership, 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.”

His Highness added: “The events and exhibitions sector remain a vital driver of Dubai’s economic growth. The success of Arabian Travel Market, along with other major events hosted by the city throughout the year, reflects our 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.”

Following the official inauguration, His Highness toured the exhibition halls, accompanied by 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.

Key Highlights

His Highness was briefed on key highlights of the 32nd edition of Arabian Travel Market, which has recorded a significant increase in international exhibitor participation, with a 20% rise from Asia, a 15% increase from the Middle East, more than 12% growth from Europe, and continued growth from Africa and the Americas.

ATM 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 ATM 2025. Responding to growing demand for a dedicated platform for business events, IBTM@ATM has been launched this year. The new sector provides a specialist zone for business events 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 expanded by more than 26% 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.

Commenting on the opening of ATM 2025, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “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.”

ATM Conference

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum was also briefed on the renowned ATM Conference, which returns this year with more than 200 speakers leading over 70 sessions across the Global Stage, Future Stage, and the newly launched Business Events Stage. The conference programme will explore emerging trends, share global best practices, and discuss strategies to unlock new opportunities while addressing key industry challenges.

This year’s programme 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.

On the first day, Cassie Kozyrkov, CEO of Kozyr, a leading international expert in AI and Google’s first Chief Decision Scientist, hosted the opening session on the Future Stage on how the travel industry can lead in AI adoption.

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 be shared 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 burgeoning 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.

ATM 2025 forms part of Arabian Travel Week, a ten-day festival of travel and tourism events held annually in Dubai. Over its three-decade history, ATM has played a pivotal role in facilitating over USD2.5 billion in industry deals and advancing the Middle East’s tourism landscape.

Organised in collaboration with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2025’s strategic partners include the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as Destination Partner; Emirates as Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts as Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel as Official DMC Partner.

For the latest news and updates from ATM 2025, please visit: https://hub.wtm.com/category/press/atm-press-releases/

-ENDS-

منذ 20 ساعة . News