Dubai tourism eyes rebound as ATM 2026 returns for 33rd edition

Dubai: The emirate appears poised for a tourism recovery as it prepares to host the 33rd Arabian Travel Market (ATM) next week. The city is relying on its long-term strategy, global connectivity, and public-private sector collaboration to overcome challenges stemming from the US-Iran conflict in recent months, according to Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM).

Dubai recorded a strong 2025, with 19.6 million international visitors, and December saw a record 2 million visitors, Kazim noted during a press conference ahead of ATM 2026. However, he acknowledged that current circumstances have affected visitor flows, particularly due to flight disruptions and travel advisories. Kazim emphasized that Dubai has been working closely with federal and local partners, airlines, and other stakeholders to maintain connectivity and restore access to the destination as swiftly as possible.

The city's tourism strategy focuses on long-term planning rather than short-term fluctuations, with ongoing investments in infrastructure, including road networks, metro expansion, and airport capacity. Dubai is also leveraging its international resident population as advocates, and the DCTCM has launched partnerships to reinforce the destination's image.

The ATM 2026 event will feature over 80 destination participants and more than 300 hosted buyers, focusing on future trends such as artificial intelligence, smart mobility, and fintech. The theme, "Travel 2040 – Providing New Frontiers through Innovation and Technology," aims to reconnect the travel industry and address immediate concerns like travel confidence and destination resilience, while also exploring longer-term subjects like AI and consumer expectations.