- Record-breaking 32nd Edition Hosts 2,800 Exhibitors from 166 Countries
Dubai, 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, officially opened the 32nd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Held from 28 April to 1 May, the event has drawn a record 2,800 exhibitors representing 166 countries, and is expected to welcome 55,000 attendees from around the globe.
During the opening ceremony, His Highness emphasized Dubai’s ongoing commitment to the tourism sector:
“Guided by the vision of our leadership, Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a leading global destination for tourism and a vital hub for industry stakeholders. The enduring success of Arabian Travel Market underscores our city’s key role in fostering strategic partnerships that drive the global tourism sector forward,” he said.
He further noted that ATM is aligned with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, contributing to Dubai’s ambition of ranking among the top three global cities for business and specialized tourism by 2033.
Following the inauguration, Sheikh Ahmed toured the exhibition halls, joined by several dignitaries, including H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri (Director General, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism), H.E. Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid (Director General, Community Development Authority), and H.E. Lt. Gen. Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri (Director General, General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai).
Key Features of ATM 2025
Under the theme “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,” ATM 2025 highlights the importance of international cooperation, industry partnerships, and innovation in shaping a sustainable future for global travel.
International participation has grown significantly this year:
- Asia: +20%
- Middle East: +15%
- Europe: +12%
- Ongoing increases from Africa and the Americas
New additions for 2025 include:
- IBTM@ATM: A dedicated zone for business events, providing structured networking, buyer meetings, and a new Business Events Stage.
- ATM Travel Tech: Expanded by over 26%, showcasing tech-driven innovations.
- Start-Up & Innovation Zone: Featuring 21 travel start-ups and offering an immersive VR experience highlighting futuristic travel solutions.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, ATM, remarked:
“This year’s edition reflects an industry that’s more connected, innovative, and resilient than ever. With features like IBTM@ATM and cutting-edge technologies on display, ATM continues to be a catalyst for impactful global collaboration and forward-looking business development.”
ATM 2025 Conference Highlights
The ATM Conference returns with over 200 speakers across more than 70 sessions, spread over the Global Stage, Future Stage, and the new Business Events Stage.
Notable highlights include:
- Opening Day: Cassie Kozyrkov, CEO of Kozyr and former Chief Decision Scientist at Google, explored the travel industry’s potential for AI leadership.
- Day Two: The Ministerial Session will examine enhanced connectivity as a driver for tourism growth, with speakers from Bahrain, Lebanon, and Trip.com.
- Day Three: Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, will discuss the future of aviation amidst global disruption.
- Final Day: Insight sessions on the Asia Pacific region and India, plus the ATM Start-Up Competition, spotlighting rising innovators in travel.
ATM 2025 is a cornerstone event of Arabian Travel Week, a 10-day celebration of global tourism hosted annually in Dubai. Over the past three decades, ATM has facilitated more than USD 2.5 billion in business deals and significantly shaped the region’s tourism landscape.
Strategic partners for ATM 2025 include:
- Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) – Destination Partner
- Emirates – Official Airline Partner
- IHG Hotels & Resorts – Official Hotel Partner
- Al Rais Travel – Official DMC Partner
Written By Queen Diana Story