AI Takes Centre Stage at Arabian Travel Market ATM 2026.

Taking place from 14–17 September at Dubai World Trade Centre, this year's event is placing particular attention on artificial intelligence, international tourism markets, hospitality development and stronger connections between the Gulf and global destinations.

AI Takes Centre Stage at ATM 2026

The Future Stage opened with a keynote examining the increasingly important role of artificial intelligence in rebuilding the foundations of the global travel industry.

Dr Marwan Alzarouni, CEO, AI at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), delivered the opening keynote, focusing on AI's growing influence across travel infrastructure, governance and connected ecosystems.

The discussion highlighted the importance of integrating AI across the wider travel ecosystem rather than treating it as an isolated technology. Destinations, airlines, hotels, government agencies and other travel stakeholders are increasingly interconnected, creating opportunities for AI to support more efficient and responsive systems across the sector.

The Future Stage was officially opened by Rachel Travers, President, UK Hub at RX Global, with the programme expected to explore a range of technologies and trends shaping the future of tourism.

HMH Reinforces Commitment to Emirati Hospitality

Hospitality Management Holdings (HMH) is also maintaining a sustained presence at ATM 2026, highlighting its continued commitment to the region's hospitality sector.

HMH's participation at the annual travel trade event represents what the group describes as an enduring commitment to authentic Emirati hospitality, combined with the commercial precision required to operate and grow within an increasingly dynamic industry.

The group's presence provides an opportunity to engage with industry partners and showcase its hospitality portfolio as the regional tourism market continues to evolve.

For additional information, visitors and industry stakeholders can visit the HMH Hotel Group website: https://www.hmhhotelgroup.com/

Germany Targets Year-Round GCC Tourism.

Germany is using ATM 2026 to promote its year-round tourism attractions while strengthening relationships with partners in the Gulf and preparing for a potential rebound in GCC visitor numbers.

The country's participation is expected to highlight the diversity of German destinations beyond traditional seasonal travel, while supporting local tourism partners and strengthening the country's position among GCC travellers.

According to figures presented for the event, GCC travellers spent a combined €3 billion in Germany in 2025, with expenditure per trip and per person more than 30% higher than the average recorded among overseas visitors.

Germany recorded approximately 1.2 million overnight stays by GCC visitors in 2025, representing a 9% increase compared with 2022. The GCC consequently ranked as Germany's third-strongest overseas market, underscoring the importance of the region to the country's tourism industry.

Munich Airport Highlights GCC Connectivity

Munich Airport is among the German participants using ATM 2026 to showcase strengthened connectivity with the Gulf.

The airport is highlighting its new Middle East-focused Terminal 1 Pier, alongside its expanding connections with GCC markets.

The development is being positioned as a premium gateway to Bavaria and Germany, giving Gulf travellers improved access to Munich and destinations across the wider region.

The focus on connectivity comes as German tourism stakeholders seek to strengthen the country's appeal to high-value international travellers and encourage greater visitation throughout the year.

NH Collection Dubai Ibn Battuta Opens Following Hotel Transformation

The hospitality landscape in Dubai is also seeing a new addition, with NH Collection Dubai Ibn Battuta officially launching following the phased transformation of the former Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel Dubai.

The property introduces refreshed guest rooms, upgraded public spaces and enhanced experiences as part of the transformation.

The hotel is also positioning itself as a new destination for dining and leisure, with a range of facilities and social spaces designed to appeal to both hotel guests and visitors.

Its dining and leisure offering includes Benihana, the all-day dining concept Taste, speciality café Nomad, as well as a rooftop pool, spa, fitness centre and Kids Club.

The property also features a range of social venues, adding to the hospitality and entertainment offering around Dubai's Ibn Battuta area.

A Travel Industry in Transition

The developments being showcased at ATM 2026 reflect several of the major forces currently influencing global tourism: technological transformation, stronger international connectivity, evolving hospitality experiences and the continued importance of high-value travel markets.

From AI's potential to reshape travel infrastructure and governance to Germany's efforts to attract more visitors from the GCC and Dubai's continued expansion of its hospitality offering, the event is providing a platform for industry stakeholders to explore how travel will evolve in the years ahead.

With ATM 2026 running from 14–17 September at Dubai World Trade Centre, the event brings together tourism authorities, hospitality companies, airlines, airports, destinations and travel professionals from across the global industry.