Dubai’s Arabian Travel Market 2026 postponed to August

One of the world’s major and increasingly popular travel and tourism trade events has been postponed by more than three months in response to the ongoing military crisis and oil shortage in the Middle East.

The 33^rd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 is now scheduled to take place from 17 to 20 August 2026, at Dubai World Trade Centre. The original event planned at the same venue for 4 to 7 May 2026 has been pushed back to Q3 to take account of the ongoing security situation in the region since Israel and the United States attacked Iran in late February, and Iran began retaliations.

Arabian Travel Market (ATM), ATM Travel Tech, and IBTM @ ATM have been rescheduled to 17–20 August 2026 (originally 4–7 May) due to regional developments, ensuring a better experience for all.

Read the full announcement 👉 https://t.co/i9OCQh9IVg#ArabianTravelMarket #ATM2026 pic.twitter.com/IxQt0nZO3N

— ATM Dubai (@ATMDubai) March 18, 2026

Beset by missile and drone strikes and interceptions, airspace across the Middle East has been closed, and most major airports have limited operations, effectively shutting down a regional travel sector that was described just last year as “fuelled by enhanced regional connectivity and strengthened relationships with international markets.” Now it is estimated to be losing $600 million a day.

Now, six weeks ahead of the original industry event, which was anticipated to draw in more than 55,000 travel stakeholders from 166 countries, an oil crisis is looming amid the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and with airlines still running only partial schedules, organisers RX have given two-fold reasoning for the postponement: safety and pragmatism.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, ATM, described the trade fair as “a vital platform for bringing the global travel and tourism community together in Dubai, enabling destinations, suppliers and industry leaders to connect, collaborate and shape the future of the sector.”

But she added: “The safety and well-being of our customers, partners and colleagues remains our highest priority, and the decision to reschedule ATM 2026 to August reflects our commitment to ensuring that everyone can participate at this important industry gathering. We look forward to welcoming the international travel community back to Dubai later this year.”

Spring 2025’s edition of ATM, also held in Dubai, recorded 16% growth in attendance over 2024’s event, and showcased over 2,800 exhibiting companies, with 19% from the Middle East and 81% from the rest of the world. RX figures show it generated $2.5 billion in deals.

The organisers have assured those expecting to attend in 2026 that they remain committed to supporting all participants. They have undertaken to work alongside all would-be exhibitors, partners, and stakeholders to smooth the change to the trade year calendar.