Dubai's Arabian Travel Market Postponed to September
Resilience and innovation take center stage as ATM 2026 adapts to industry challenges.
- Publish date: Friday، 22 May 2026 Reading time: 3 min reads
Dubai’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the emirate’s flagship tourism industry event, has been rescheduled to September 14–17, organizers announced today. The decision comes as a precautionary measure following the outbreak of the Iran war, which has significantly disrupted travel and tourism in the region.
Originally scheduled for May 4–7, the 33rd edition of the annual exhibition was first postponed to August before being moved to September to “maximise participation” and align with a traditionally busier period for the travel industry in the Emirates.
Why the Delay?
The postponement reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the UAE’s tourism sector, which has been severely impacted by the Iran war. Hotels across Dubai have reported declining occupancy rates, while restaurants and businesses have seen reduced footfall. In response, authorities and industry players have introduced discount deals and promotions to revive demand.
To further support recovery, Dubai approved a Dh1.5 billion ($400 million) economic incentive package aimed at bolstering the city’s business and tourism sectors. Key measures include:
- Suspending the nightly hotel tax (Dh20 for higher-tier hotels).
- Removing the 7% municipal tax on hotel and restaurant bills.
Additionally, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) recently announced the full resumption of air traffic operations in the UAE, following earlier airspace closures and travel restrictions imposed after Iran’s attacks on Gulf countries began on February 28.
Major airlines like Emirates are gradually returning to pre-war capacity, signaling a slow but steady recovery in air travel.
ATM 2026: A Focus on Innovation and the Future
Under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology,” ATM 2026 will explore emerging trends shaping the future of global travel. The event, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, remains a critical platform for business, networking, and partnership opportunities in the international travel community.
Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director for RX Global (ATM’s organizer), emphasized the importance of the new dates:
“Our priority is always to ensure that ATM delivers the strongest possible platform for business, networking, and partnership opportunities for the international travel community. Following industry feedback, we are pleased that these new dates will allow exhibitors, buyers, and visitors from around the world to maximise their participation and engagement at the event.”
Last year’s ATM attracted 55,000 industry professionals from 166 countries, a 16% increase from 2024, and featured 2,800 exhibiting companies, with 19% based in the Middle East.
A Sector Fighting Back
Despite the challenges, the UAE’s tourism industry is demonstrating resilience. Discounts, tax reliefs, and the resumption of air travel are steps toward recovery. As ATM 2026 approaches, the event will not only showcase the innovations transforming global travel but also serve as a beacon of hope for an industry adapting to new realities.
For now, the travel community turns its focus to September, when Dubai will once again stand at the forefront of connecting cultures, businesses, and futures.