Tourism leaders from across the UAE opened the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) today with a clear message: major events and festivals are vital engines for economic and social growth in the region.
Speaking on the Business Events Stage, officials from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah joined forces with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) to explore how strategic event hosting is boosting destination appeal and driving lasting economic benefits. The panel was moderated by ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath.
Ahmed Al-Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, emphasized the transformative role of iconic events like the Dubai Shopping Festival in shaping the city’s global reputation and economic success since 1996.
Highlighting Abu Dhabi’s approach, Mubarak Al Shamsi, Director of the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, said the capital’s strategy focuses on creating a sustainable legacy aligned with Vision 2030, with events supporting sectors such as healthcare, innovation, and energy.
Iyad Rasbey, VP of Destination Tourism Development at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, noted that MICE events contributed to a 40% growth in tourism last year, with events like the Global Citizen Forum and Arab Aviation Summit significantly raising the Emirate’s international profile.
Elsewhere at ATM, executives from Booking.com, dnata Travel Group, and Airbnb discussed emerging travel microtrends such as sleep tourism and dark tourism, urging tourism providers to adapt strategies to evolving traveler behaviors.
ATM 2025 is hosting 2,800 exhibitors and expects 55,000 attendees from over 161 countries, offering over 70 conference sessions and numerous networking opportunities across its expanded Business Events Stage.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
