Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 will spotlight how technology, sustainability and hyper-personalisation are reshaping the ultra-luxury travel sector. Scheduled to take place from 4–7 May 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre, the 33rd edition of the event will showcase innovations that go beyond traditional hospitality, extending into private aviation, yachting, and lifestyle design.
Organised under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology”, ATM 2026 will examine how affluent travellers—particularly from the Middle East—are driving a new era of luxury travel focused on exclusivity, cultural authenticity and conscious consumption. The debut of the ATM Ultra Luxury Lounge will anchor this focus, creating an exclusive environment for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals to connect with leading global travel brands.
Luxury Travel Market Poised for Strong Growth
According to research by Fortune Business Insights, the global luxury travel market—defined by personalised, high-comfort and privacy-focused experiences—is projected to grow from US$2.7 trillion in 2025 to US$4.8 trillion by 2032. This momentum is reflected in the Middle East, where regional travellers spend on average 50% more per trip than the global average, according to Tourism Economics data cited in the ATM Travel Trends Report 2025.
The ATM Ultra Luxury Lounge marks the beginning of a multi-year focus on the intersection of ultra-luxury, sustainability, and technology. It will feature bespoke tour designers, private jet operators, and high-end travel specialists, connecting them with qualified buyers through curated appointment programmes. The segment’s growth is also being supported by the private aviation market, forecast by advisory firm Creative Zone to exceed US$943 million by 2029.
“While luxury travel remains one of ATM’s strongest growth pillars, ultra-luxury is emerging as the next frontier, reflecting the region’s maturing market and high-spending audience,” said Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market. “To meet this growing demand, we have created the ATM Ultra Luxury Lounge, an exclusive space designed to connect ultra-luxury brands with buyers serving high-net-worth travellers, elevating their ATM experience through curated, high-value networking and collaboration opportunities.”
Regional Ambitions Fuel Sector Expansion
Major developments in the Gulf are reinforcing this trend. Projects such as Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea developments, the upcoming Cheval Blanc resort on Dubai’s Naïa Island, and the Bvlgari Resort & Mansions on a private island in Abu Dhabi illustrate the Middle East’s ambitions in high-end tourism. These initiatives align with the region’s broader economic diversification and investment in tourism infrastructure.
In addition to ultra-luxury experiences, ATM 2026 will continue to feature established global hospitality brands including Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Jumeirah International, and One&Only. Top luxury destinations such as the Maldives and Mauritius will also participate, reflecting their prominence within the global upscale travel market.
Experium, a regional luxury destination management company, identified ten major trends redefining the luxury segment in its report Top 10 Luxury Travel Trends Transforming the Middle East in 2025. Among them are sustainability, wellness, and technology-driven experiences that connect travellers with local culture while reducing environmental impact. This convergence signals a shift away from traditional notions of luxury centred on opulence, toward experiences that are purposeful and transformative.
“Luxury travel is no longer defined by opulence alone, but by purpose, connection, and transformation,” added Curtis. “Today’s discerning travellers are seeking experiences that are not only exclusive but also meaningful—journeys that enrich their wellbeing, reflect their values, and deepen their connection with the world around them.”
Innovation at the Heart of ATM 2026
The 2026 edition of ATM will introduce several new features designed to reflect this evolution in travel. Alongside the Ultra Luxury Lounge, the event will include IBTM@ATM, a programme focused on business events, and ATM Travel Tech with a newly established Tech and Innovation Hub. Together, these initiatives will showcase how the industry is integrating artificial intelligence, biometrics, and data analytics into personalised travel experiences.
ATM organisers said the event aims to strengthen connections between destinations, buyers and brands while positioning Dubai as a global hub for travel innovation and collaboration. The show continues to serve as a barometer for global tourism trends and a platform for investment, particularly in the Middle East, where governments are leveraging innovation to elevate global tourism standards.
As the boundaries between luxury, technology, and sustainability continue to blur, ATM 2026 seeks to provide a forward-looking platform for the industry to redefine the meaning of exclusivity in a rapidly changing world. The event’s focus on purposeful luxury reflects both evolving traveller expectations and the region’s ambition to lead the next chapter of global tourism growth.