RX Global has confirmed the return of IBTM @ ATM for 2026, expanding the strategic business events program within Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai. The initiative aims to build on the region’s rapid growth as a meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) destination and strengthen the Middle East’s role in shaping the global business events industry.
The next edition of IBTM @ ATM will take place during Arabian Travel Market 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together corporate buyers, destination management companies, and event planners from across the world. The collaboration follows the successful debut of IBTM @ ATM earlier this year and reflects the region’s continued investment in infrastructure, tourism diversification, and professional event hosting capabilities.
Middle East Poised for Accelerated MICE Growth
Organizers said the return of IBTM @ ATM will further reinforce Dubai’s position as a regional hub for global meetings and events. According to RX Global, the region’s business events market is projected to grow significantly over the next five years, driven by large-scale investments in tourism facilities, transport connectivity, and technology integration.
“The Middle East continues to be one of the fastest-growing business events markets in the world,” said Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME for Arabian Travel Market. “Following the success of the inaugural IBTM @ ATM, we are delighted to bring it back in 2026, offering global and regional professionals a platform to connect and develop new business opportunities.”
The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are leading the region’s growth trajectory, supported by national strategies that prioritize business tourism as a key economic driver. Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to host a record number of international conferences, while Riyadh and Jeddah are expanding their exhibition and convention facilities as part of Saudi Vision 2030.
According to the Saudi Tourism Authority, the Kingdom hosted more than 4,000 business events in 2024, with attendance surpassing 2 million delegates. Dubai, meanwhile, welcomed over 1.2 million MICE visitors last year, with 2025 expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels. The region’s ability to attract global conferences, such as COP28 in the UAE and LEAP in Saudi Arabia, has further elevated its standing as a global business events destination.
IBTM @ ATM: A Platform for Global Collaboration
The 2026 edition of IBTM @ ATM will feature curated networking sessions, business appointments, and educational seminars designed to facilitate partnerships across corporate travel, incentives, and event management. The event will also provide a gateway for international destinations seeking to tap into the Middle East’s expanding outbound MICE market.
“Our goal is to connect global event professionals with the Middle East’s growing business opportunities,” said Juliet Losardo, Exhibition Director for IBTM World. “We have seen unprecedented demand for engagement in this market, and IBTM @ ATM allows us to create an environment where innovation and international collaboration can thrive.”
As part of the expanded 2026 program, organizers plan to introduce specialized sessions focused on sustainability, digital transformation, and experiential event design—topics increasingly central to the industry’s evolution. Delegates can expect matchmaking meetings, keynote discussions with regional tourism boards, and insights from international associations and corporate buyers.
IBTM @ ATM 2026 will also serve as a platform for tourism boards and convention bureaus from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to showcase new venues and incentive travel offerings. Recent infrastructure developments, including the expansion of Riyadh’s King Salman International Airport and Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport, are expected to further boost connectivity for MICE visitors.
Tourism Diversification and Economic Impact
The return of IBTM @ ATM reflects broader regional efforts to diversify tourism economies beyond leisure travel. Governments across the Middle East are aligning national tourism strategies with global business trends, emphasizing innovation, investment, and sustainability as drivers of long-term growth. The sector contributes significantly to employment, foreign investment, and GDP across the GCC.
In the UAE, business events are estimated to contribute more than AED 5 billion annually to the economy, while Saudi Arabia’s event industry is valued at over SAR 6 billion. According to RX Global, the sustained rise of business travel, corporate meetings, and incentive programs will continue to position the Middle East as a leading force in the international events market.
“The success of business tourism in this region demonstrates how strategic collaboration and infrastructure investment can elevate an entire industry,” said Curtis. “We expect IBTM @ ATM to continue playing a pivotal role in connecting global and regional stakeholders who are shaping the future of travel and events.”
The event’s alignment with Arabian Travel Market ensures that MICE industry professionals will engage directly with hospitality, aviation, and technology exhibitors from across the tourism value chain. The co-location aims to maximize business synergies while showcasing the Middle East’s growing capacity for large-scale international events.
Since its launch in 2024, IBTM @ ATM has strengthened its role as a connector between the global MICE community and the fast-evolving Middle East market. By 2026, organizers expect the event to attract more than 300 hosted buyers and over 3,000 meetings between suppliers and buyers, alongside a robust conference program featuring thought leaders from around the world.
As global demand for business travel and corporate events rebounds, the Middle East’s focus on connectivity, investment, and innovation is positioning it as a cornerstone of the international MICE calendar. The return of IBTM @ ATM in 2026 underscores that trajectory—showcasing the region’s growing influence on how the world meets, connects, and conducts business.