The Middle East has solidified its status as a major international travel hub in recent years, and with its aviation and cruise industries entering a phase of global expansion, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 will place these sectors firmly in the spotlight during its upcoming edition in May.
The aviation outlook will be examined in depth during the Aviation Predictions 2030: Networks, Fleet Futures & the Future of Mobility session on the Global Stage, alongside The State of Travel: Inflation, Polycrisis & the New Travel Reality, presented by Euromonitor, and Asia-GCC Corridor: The Next Great Growth Engine.
On the Future Stage, sessions including Automated Aviation: Smarter Skies, Cabins & Lounge Experiences and The Business Case for Booking with Flexibility will explore how AI, biometrics and next-generation aircraft are transforming the passenger journey.
Leading aviation exhibitors confirmed to date include Emirates, Qatar Airways, flydubai, flynas, flyadeal, dnata, Icelandair and Air Charter Service.
Speaking on the announcement, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Middle Eastern carriers connect hundreds of destinations across six continents, firmly establishing the region as one of the most strategically connected aviation hubs in the world. This unmatched connectivity is accelerating inbound and outbound tourism growth, strengthening global trade corridors, advancing business events and deepening cultural exchange between markets.
“At ATM 2026, we will showcase the full scale of this global network, providing the space where aviation leaders can shape the next phase of fleet expansion, smart mobility and sustainable growth as we look ahead to the next era of travel.”
Cruising is also experiencing strong growth. According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), global cruise passenger volumes are expected to reach 42 million by 2028, up from 34.6 million in 2024.
Cruise insights will be featured on the Global Stage during Cruising Insight: Ripple Effects of the Blue Economy and the roundtable Cruise Leaders: Putting Cruise on the Map, with participation from Oxford Economics, Ayan Consulting, Celestyal Cruises, Inchcape Shipping Services and TUI Cruises.
Confirmed cruise exhibitors include Cruise Saudi, MSC Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Oceanwide Expeditions and CruiseXplore.
“With new cruise lines launching in Saudi Arabia and expanded Red Sea and Arabian Gulf itineraries, the region is strengthening its position on the global cruise map. ATM 2026 will provide a platform for cruise leaders and destination stakeholders to collaborate on sustainable growth strategies,” Curtis added.
Source: Cruises News 2026