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, opened the 32 nd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), a leading global event for the travel and tourism industry, held from 28 April to 1 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Bringing together professionals and leaders from across the global travel sector, including leisure, business events (MICE), luxury, and corporate travel, this year’s event features a record 2,800 exhibitors from 166 countries and is expected to welcome 55,000 attendees.
During the opening, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed said that the strong turnout at this year’s Arabian Travel Market reflects Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for tourism, travel and hospitality, and underscores the emirate’s growing role in shaping the future of the global tourism sector.
His Highness said: “Guided by the vision of our leadership, Dubai continues to consolidate its position as a leading global destination for tourism and a key meeting point for industry stakeholders, bringing together investors, decision-makers, experts and leading travel agencies from around the world. The longstanding success of He graced the opening of the Sri Lanka pavillion at ATM together with the Managing Diretor of Sri Lanka Tourism and members of the Sri Lankan travel trade.
Arabian Travel Market highlights Dubai’s pivotal role in fostering strategic partnerships that drive the growth and advancement of the global tourism industry.” His Highness added: “The events and exhibitions sector remain a vital driver of Dubai’s economic growth. The success of Arabian Travel Market, along with other major events hosted by the city throughout the year, reflects our steady progress towards achieving a key objective of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which is to position Dubai among the world’s top three cities for business and specialised tourism by 2033.”
Following the official inauguration, His Highness toured the exhibition halls, accompanied by His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority; and His Excellency Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai.
His Highness was briefed on key highlights of the 32nd edition of Arabian Travel Market, which has recorded a significant increase in international exhibitor participation, with a 20% rise from Asia, a 15% increase from the Middle East, more than 12% growth from Europe, and continued growth from Africa and the Americas. ATM 2025 is being held under the theme ‘Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity’, underlining the vital role of cross-border collaboration, industry partnerships, and community engagement in reshaping the future of tourism and advancing sustainable practices.
