55,000 global tourism pros gather in Dubai for Arabian Travel Market

Dubai was once again in the international spotlight as it welcomed tourism professionals from more than 166 countries to the vibrant “City of Gold” for the 2025 rendition of Arabian Travel Market, held this year from April 28 to May 1 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the leading global event for the travel and tourism sector, officially welcomed more than 55,000 individuals, representing a 16% increase on last year’s edition. The event has showcased more than 2,800 exhibiting companies, with 19% from the Middle East and 81% from the rest of the world.

Organized by RX Global, ATM 2025 was based on the theme of “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity”, exploring how the future of tourism will be shaped by connectivity across borders, industries and communities. Throughout the course of the four-day event, several prominent dignitaries and VIPs attended ATM 2025, including 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, who officially inaugurated the event, while His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, explored the show floor and was presented with highlights of the 2025 edition.

Growth has been observed across all show verticals, with regional year-on-year increases in the following areas: the Middle East (19%), Asia (20%), Europe (17%), and Africa (21%). Notably, Asia is the fastest-growing region at ATM 2025, with exhibitor participation rising an impressive 20% year-on-year. This growth has been fueled by enhanced regional connectivity and strengthened relationships with international markets.

Dubai gains autism-friendly certification

In a landmark announcement on April 28, 2025, Dubai became the first certified autism-friendly destination in the Eastern Hemisphere. This milestone aligns with the UAE’s “Year of Community” and positions Dubai as a premier destination for inclusive and family-friendly travel.

Spearheaded by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the initiative reflects the emirate’s deep commitment to accessibility. “Inclusivity in tourism and accessibility for all is something we truly live by,” says Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Tourism.

More than 70,000 individuals in Dubai have undergone sensory awareness training, and more than 300 hotels are either certified or in the process of certification to accommodate guests with autism and sensory sensitivities. The “Dubai Way,” an online training program developed by the Dubai College of Tourism, educates tourism-facing workers on inclusive practices.

Kazim adds, “We want to become the destination of choice for people of determination.” This goal extends across Dubai’s tourism infrastructure—including hotels, attractions, and airports.

Emirates commits to sensory training

Further reinforcing the city’s commitment, Emirates Airlines became the first airline to be certified by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) in 2023. To date, Emirates has trained over 30,000 staff members to meet these standards, offering a seamless, door-to-door experience for travellers with sensory sensitivities.

Emirates was busy signing eight new Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with tourism boards from around the world, underscoring its bullish outlook for future growth and its commitment to expanding global connectivity to Dubai.

All of these advancements align with the ambitious Dubai Economic Agenda 2033 (D33), which aims to double the city’s GDP over the next decade and establish Dubai as the fastest, safest, and most connected city in the world. Tourism is expected to play a central role in realizing this vision.

Hotel development in Dubai

Long known for its ultra-luxurious properties and 5-star experiences, Dubai is now also investing in the development of 3- and 4-star hotels. By waiving the 10% municipal tax on these developments, the city is encouraging growth in the mid-market segment.

Kazim notes, “We’re seeing 3- and 4-star properties that feel like 5-star experiences.” This shift complements Dubai’s inclusive tourism strategy, making the destination accessible to a broader range of travellers.

Notably, the hotel segment at ATM 2025 has experienced a 12% year-on-year growth, with all major international hotel chains represented, while the ATM Conference featured more than 70 sessions and showcased insights from more than 200 esteemed speakers on the Global Stage, Future Stage, and the new Business Events Stage, which is part of IBTM@ATM.

For more information on Arabian Travel Market, visit https://www.wtm.com/atm/en-gb.html