Dubai, UAE – The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 is set to spotlight the next evolution in global luxury travel, where advanced technology, cultural authenticity, and hyper-personalisation converge to create experiences that go beyond traditional luxury.

Taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 4–7 May 2026, this year’s edition will run under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology.” The event will explore how innovation and individuality are reshaping the meaning of ultra-luxury, where comfort and exclusivity meet purpose, access, and transformation.

One of the most anticipated highlights of ATM 2026 will be the debut of the ATM Ultra Luxury Lounge, a dedicated space connecting leading global brands with buyers serving ultra-high-net-worth travellers. The lounge aims to facilitate high-value networking and exclusive appointments between premium travel suppliers and luxury travel curators.

According to Fortune Business Insights, the global luxury travel market — characterised by tailor-made, high-comfort experiences, personalised services, and enhanced privacy — is projected to expand from US$2.7 trillion in 2025 to US$4.8 trillion by 2032.

Reflecting this momentum, the launch of the ATM Ultra Luxury Lounge marks the beginning of a multi-year focus on the intersection of technology, sustainability, and ultra-luxury travel. The space will feature renowned global brands and specialists, from bespoke travel designers to private jet operators — a segment forecasted by Creative Zone Advisory to exceed US$943 million by 2029.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, commented: “While luxury travel continues to be one of ATM’s strongest growth pillars, ultra-luxury is emerging as the next frontier, reflecting the region’s maturity and the increasing spending power of its travellers. To cater to this demand, we’ve created the ATM Ultra Luxury Lounge — an exclusive environment designed to connect ultra-luxury brands with buyers serving high-net-worth individuals, enhancing their ATM experience through curated networking and collaboration opportunities.”

Curtis added that the region’s ambitious hospitality pipeline — including Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea projects, the upcoming Cheval Blanc on Dubai’s Naïa Island, and Bvlgari Resort & Mansions in Abu Dhabi — together with growing demand for private jet ownership and rentals, underscores the strength and scale of the ultra-luxury segment.

ATM 2026 will also feature a strong presence from top-tier hospitality brands such as Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Jumeirah International, and One & Only, alongside world-class destinations like the Maldives and Mauritius, all of which have become synonymous with luxury travel.

According to the ATM Travel Trends Report 2025, developed in partnership with Tourism Economics, luxury travel remains one of the most resilient segments, with premium and experiential travel outpacing global growth. Outbound luxury travel from the Middle East is growing at twice the global average, while travellers from the region spend 50% more per trip than the global average — reinforcing the Middle East’s dual role as both a leading luxury destination and a source market.

Further insights from Experium’s “Top 10 Luxury Travel Trends Transforming the Middle East in 2025” reveal that sustainability, wellness, and tech-enabled luxury are at the core of this transformation. Today’s travellers are seeking purpose-driven, conscious luxury that fosters connection — not just indulgence — blending exclusivity with authenticity and personal wellbeing.

“Luxury travel is no longer defined by opulence alone, but by purpose, connection, and transformation,” Curtis concluded. “Discerning travellers now seek experiences that are meaningful, that reflect their values, and that enrich their lives. The Middle East is at the forefront of this global shift, shaping a new era of luxury that harmonises innovation, authenticity, and conscious design.”

As Dubai continues to raise the bar for global tourism excellence, the 33rd edition of Arabian Travel Market will reinforce the city’s role as a global hub for innovation, collaboration, and investment in the future of travel. Through dedicated features like the Ultra Luxury Lounge, IBTM@ATM, and ATM Travel Tech’s new Innovation Hub, ATM 2026 will showcase how the industry is evolving to serve new traveller segments and foster stronger connections between destinations, buyers, and global brands shaping the next chapter of luxury travel.