(MENAFN- Mid-East Info)

• The UAE's MICE Market will expand 8.96% annually to 2030, while Saudi Arabia's will grow 10.93%, reinforcing the Middle East's rise as a global business events hub

• IBTM @ ATM 2026 will bring together global and regional business events professionals to connect, collaborate and capture opportunities in this high-growth market
• The dedicated business events hub returns to ATM 2026, taking place from 4-7 May at Dubai World Trade Centre, with a dedicated zone in Hall 3

Dubai, United Arab Emirates,October 2025: Building on the success of its inaugural edition, IBTM @ ATM will return to Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in 2026, which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 4–7 May, with a dedicated business events hub in Hall 3. This expanded space emphasises the show's strategic focus on the global business events sector and highlights the Middle East's position as one of the fastest-growing regions for meetings and events worldwide.

According to Mordor Intelligence, the region's meetings, incentives, conference and exhibitions (MICE) industry continues to expand at pace as investment in large-scale venues, infrastructure, and international partnerships accelerates. The UAE's MICE market is forecast to grow to US$9.26 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 8.96%. The Saudi Arabian market is projected to reach US$5.33 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.93%.

Together, these markets are expected to drive the Gulf's emergence as one of the world's most dynamic business event regions, supported by major tourism development programmes, strong air connectivity and the growing appeal of the Middle East as a platform for global trade and innovation.

The ATM Travel Trends Report 2025, produced in partnership with Tourism Economics, also indicates a continued rise in business travel across the Middle East, with the region's share of global corporate travel spending forecast to increase from 2.5% in 2024 to more than 3% by 2030. This is being supported by the steady recovery of international demand, improved air connectivity and the continued development of business tourism infrastructure.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said:“The expansion of IBTM @ ATM reflects the strength and ambition of the Middle East's business events sector. By establishing a platform for global buyers and regional and international suppliers to exchange ideas and form meaningful partnerships, we are contributing to the future of meetings and events, aligning with our 2040 vision. This year's edition will offer the knowledge and connections necessary for our industry to adapt, innovate and grow.”

According to the Dubai World Trade Centre's 2024 Economic Impact Assessment and broader industry data, inbound participation remains a key driver of growth, with strong travel flows between the GCC and wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) markets supported by short-haul connectivity and regional trade integration. Delegates from Europe, South Asia, and the Asia Pacific continue to represent key source markets, while North America and Africa are contributing an increasing number of high-value exhibitors and corporate travellers.

Beyond attracting international events, the Middle East is also becoming a significant outbound generator of MICE business. According to research from 6Wresearch, organisations across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are increasingly investing in overseas conferences, exhibitions, and incentive programmes, reflecting an expanding corporate footprint and international partnerships.

As part of Arabian Travel Market, the IBTM @ ATM hub will bring together the global business events community with the region's vibrant meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions sector. ATM attracts over 55,000 industry professionals from 166 countries and will showcase more than 2,800 exhibiting companies from every segment of the travel and tourism industry.

IBTM @ ATM will connect association planners, professional conference organisers, corporate buyers, and incentive agencies with destinations, venues, destination management companies (DMCs), and suppliers specialising in world-class business events. This connection will be supported by a comprehensive hosted buyer programme, targeted networking opportunities, and pre-scheduled business appointments.

In alignment with the theme of ATM 2026, 'Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology,' the Business Events Stage at IBTM @ ATM will feature themed tracks and expert-led sessions exploring the evolution of events, the transformation of incentive travel, and the integration of technology into meetings and events. Additionally, roundtable discussions will focus on inclusive event design and sustainability. Destination showcases will further highlight opportunities across global markets.

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) will once again return to support IBTM @ ATM as the Official Business Events Partner, curating content for the Business Events Stage and facilitating the participation of leading association buyers.

Claudia Hall, the Exhibition Director of IBTM World, added:“As the global business events landscape evolves, the Middle East stands out as a powerful hub for growth and innovation. Through IBTM @ ATM, we're bringing together international and regional leaders to collaborate, exchange insights, and unlock new opportunities that will define the next decade of meetings and events.”

The 33rd edition of ATM will bring together global leaders from the leisure, business events, luxury, and travel technology sectors and beyond. In addition to IBTM @ ATM, the event will feature dedicated verticals, including ATM Travel Tech and the Ultra Luxury Lounge, providing a comprehensive platform for innovation, networking, and growth within the global tourism landscape.

About ATM:

Now in its 33rd year, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading global platform driving growth and innovation across every sector of the travel and tourism industry. Held annually in Dubai – the gateway to global travel and tourism with its unmatched connectivity – ATM is where the energy of opportunity comes to life.

More than just an event, ATM is a dynamic hub for industry communities, featuring forums, experiences, and networking opportunities that continue well beyond the show floor throughout the week. Now in a period of rapid expansion, ATM has grown 16% year-over-year, attracting over 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries.

About IBTM @ ATM:

IBTM @ ATM is the dedicated business events hub within Arabian Travel Market (ATM), connecting the global meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) community with the Middle East's rapidly expanding meetings and mega events sector.

The feature brings together association planners, conference organisers, corporate buyers, and incentive agencies with destinations, venues, DMCs, and business event suppliers specialising in world-class events. With a comprehensive hosted buyer programme, targeted networking, pre-scheduled appointments, and a dedicated Business Events Stage featuring expert-led sessions, IBTM @ ATM is the essential platform for driving innovation, collaboration, and growth across the global meetings industry.

About ATM Travel Tech:

ATM Travel Tech is the premier co-located technology event within Arabian Travel Market (ATM), dedicated to showcasing the groundbreaking innovations set to transform global travel by 2040.

ATM Travel Tech will feature more than 180 exhibitors from 30 countries across two dedicated halls, providing a dynamic platform for the technologies, partnerships, and ideas shaping the future of travel.

At its core, the Tech & Innovation Hub spans 850 m2, offering immersive demonstrations in AI, VR, AR, robotics, fintech, and green technologies. The Future Stage will bring together global tech leaders, entrepreneurs, and futurists to discuss artificial intelligence, immersive commerce, cybersecurity, and sustainability, alongside the Start-up Pitch Battle. Evolving from ATM's fastest-growing sector, ATM Travel Tech provides a dynamic platform driving the future of travel technology.

About RX:

RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers.

About RELX:

RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. *Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at

World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio comprises leading travel events and online portals across four continents. The events are:

WTM London is the world's most influential travel & tourism event for the global travel community. The show is the ultimate destination for those seeking a macro view of the travel industry and a deeper understanding of the forces shaping it. WTM London is where influential travel leaders, buyers and high-profile travel companies gather to exchange ideas, drive innovation, and accelerate business outcomes.

WTM Latin America takes place annually in the city of São Paulo and attracts around 20,000 tourism professionals during the three-day event. The event offers qualified content together with networking and business opportunities. In this its ninth edition – there have been eight face-to-face events along with a 100% virtual one, which was held in 2021 – WTM Latin America continued to focus on effective business generation, and achieved the advance booking of six thousand meetings that were held between buyers, travel agents and exhibitors in 2022.

WTM Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2022, WTM Africa facilitated more than 7 thousand unique pre-scheduled appointments, an increase of more than 7% compared to 2019 and welcomed more than 6 thousand visitors (unaudited), the same number as in 2019.

About ATW Connect: Africa Travel Week's digital arm, is a virtual hub packed to the seams with interesting content, industry news and insights, and the opportunity to hear from experts on a variety of topics in our new monthly webinar series. All with the aim to keep all of us in the travel and tourism industry connected. ATW Connect focuses on inbound and outbound markets for general leisure tourism, luxury travel and the MICE/business travel sector as well as travel technology.

WTM Global Hub, is the WTM Portfolio online portal created to connect and support travel industry professionals around the world. The resource hub offers the latest guidance and knowledge to help exhibitors, buyers and others in the travel industry face the challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic. WTM Portfolio is tapping into its global network of experts to create content for the hub.

MENAFN10102025005446012082ID1110177551