Posted on October 30, 2025

Arabian Travel Market Dubai 2026 is set to reshape the ultra-luxury travel landscape with a focus on integrating cutting-edge technology, hyper-personalization and sustainability. This shift reflects the growing demand for tailored, purpose-driven travel experiences, as the industry evolves to meet the desires of today’s elite travellers. With innovations such as the ATM Ultra Luxury Lounge and highlighting cultural authenticity, the event will pave the way for the next generation of high-end tourism, showcasing how luxury brands are adapting to modern expectations and future challenges.
The future of luxury travel is set to be reshaped through advanced technology, cultural authenticity and hyper-personalization, according to organizers of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026. The event, which will be held at the Dubai World Trade Center from May 4 to 7, 2026, will focus on how technological innovations and individualized experiences are redefining the luxury tourism sector under the theme “Travel 2040: New Leadership.” Frontiers through innovation and technology.
One of the highlights of the Arabian Travel Market 2026 exhibition is the introduction of the ATM Ultra Luxury Lounge, a dedicated area that aims to connect high-net-worth individuals with international luxury brands, private jet operators, and customized tour providers. This new feature will mark the beginning of a long-term focus on the evolving relationship between luxury, technology and sustainability, in response to the growing demand for purpose-driven, experience-driven travel in the Middle East and around the world.
Shifting towards technology, authenticity and sustainability
In the past, ultra-luxury travel was defined primarily by comfort and exclusivity. However, this definition is rapidly evolving towards a more transformative paradigm centered around access, hyper-personalization, and conscious design. According to research by Fortune Business Insights, the global luxury travel market is expected to grow from US$2.7 trillion in 2025 to US$4.8 trillion by 2032. Additionally, Creative Zone, a consulting firm, estimates that the private jet market alone could exceed US$943 million by 2029, highlighting the sector’s rapid expansion.
The expansion of luxury travel in the Middle East is reflected in major developments such as the Red Sea project in Saudi Arabia, the upcoming Cheval Blanc resort on Naya Island in Dubai, and the private island Bvlgari Resort and Palaces in Abu Dhabi. These projects demonstrate the region’s growing influence in shaping the future of ultra-luxury travel experiences, offering not only exclusivity but immersive and personalized stays that meet the demands of the modern traveller.
The Middle East is driving the growth of global luxury tourism
The latest Arabian Travel Market Travel Trends 2025 report, prepared in collaboration with Tourism Economics, shows that demand for luxury travel in the Middle East continues to exceed global averages. Outbound luxury travel from the region is growing at twice the global rate, with travelers from the Middle East spending nearly 50% more per trip than the global average. This trend confirms the growing role of the Middle East in leading global luxury tourism.
At Arabian Travel Market 2026, luxury brands such as Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Jumeirah International and One&Only will join leading island destinations such as the Maldives and Mauritius in showcasing their upscale offerings. These brands and destinations will highlight the shift towards travel experiences that go beyond luxury, with a focus on bespoke, transformative experiences that prioritize personal fulfillment and cultural authenticity.
The 33rd edition of the Arabian Travel Market will also include the IBTM @ ATM exhibition, which caters to the meetings and events sector, and the ATM Travel Tech exhibition, which will host more than 180 exhibitors in two halls. With these additions, the event will strengthen Dubai’s position as a global center for innovation, cooperation and cutting-edge technology in the field of tourism.
By 2026, the Arabian Travel Market aims to strengthen its role in setting the future agenda for ultra-luxury travel, ensuring the industry remains at the forefront of cutting-edge trends and innovations. As demand for personalized and sustainable experiences continues to rise, ATM will provide a platform for leading global brands to showcase how they are adapting to the needs of today’s discerning and experienced travellers.
The convergence of technology, cultural authenticity and sustainability will be key to shaping the future of luxury tourism. The ATM Ultra Luxury Lounge and the introduction of new travel trends will provide an essential space for the global luxury travel community to explore new frontiers of innovation and redefine what it means to travel in ultimate luxury. The Middle East’s growing influence and investment in luxury tourism, coupled with the demand for more meaningful and sustainable travel experiences, will undoubtedly drive the future of the sector as it continues to develop.
            