Hospitality
Arabian Travel Market 2026 opens tomorrow in Dubai
The 33rd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will open tomorrow at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), bringing the travel and tourism community together in Dubai for four days of business, networking, knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Taking place from 14–17 September, ATM 2026 comes at an important moment for the global travel industry. After a period of disruption across the sector, this year’s event will provide a platform for destinations, tourism authorities, airlines, hospitality brands, technology companies, buyers, and industry professionals to reconnect, strengthen commercial relationships, and identify opportunities for the next phase of global tourism growth.
Held under the theme ‘Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology’, ATM 2026 will explore the forces reshaping the global tourism landscape, from artificial intelligence and digital transformation to changing traveller expectations, destination resilience, smart mobility and sustainable long-term growth.
Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director – UAE, RX Global, said: “I’m delighted to be opening the doors to Arabian Travel Market 2026 tomorrow and welcoming the global travel and tourism industry back to Dubai.
“This year is particularly significant as we see continued evolution across both the industry and ATM itself. From the debut of ATM Travel Tech and an expanded focus on innovation to a conference programme exploring the trends and opportunities shaping global tourism, there is a great deal to look forward to over the next four days.
“The industry has also faced its share of challenges in recent months, reinforcing the value of bringing our community together in person. It is great to be back, and I’m looking forward to seeing the conversations, partnerships and opportunities that emerge over the course of the show.”
Technology will be a major focus at this year’s event with the debut of ATM Travel Tech as a dedicated co-located show. Featuring more than 180 exhibitors from 30 countries across two dedicated halls, ATM Travel Tech will bring together technology companies, innovators and industry leaders to explore the solutions and partnerships transforming the travel ecosystem.
At the heart of ATM Travel Tech, the 850sqm Tech & Innovation Hub will offer an immersive look at developments spanning artificial intelligence, VR and AR, robotics, fintech and green technologies. The Hub will also feature the Future Stage, where technology leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators will explore how emerging technologies are reshaping the industry, with sessions addressing artificial intelligence and automation, data and digital transformation, fintech, immersive technology, robotics and next-generation travel platforms.
The stage will open with Dr Marwan Alzarouni, CEO, AI at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), exploring AI’s role in reshaping the travel landscape. The programme will also bring together senior representatives from Sabre, Trip.com, Tripadvisor, Wego, MakeMyTrip, RateGain and Visa to examine agentic AI, the future of online travel agencies, investment and consolidation, digital discovery and the evolving travel supply chain.
Continuing the importance of knowledge exchange, the Global Stage and Experience Hub will host industry leaders, policymakers, researchers and technology specialists throughout the four-day event.
The Global Stage will open with the Ministerial Debate: Building A Resilient Industry Through Collaboration, bringing together senior tourism leaders to discuss how the GCC can rebuild traveller confidence, strengthen its global position, and lay the foundations for a resilient tourism future. Speakers will include H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism; H.E. Shaikha Al Nuwais, Secretary General, UN Tourism; Fatima Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism; and Apostolos Tzitzikostas, EC Commissioner, UN Tourism.
Leading research organisations, including Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, Euromonitor International, STR, Dragon Trail International, and other industry specialists, will share research and practical insights designed to help tourism businesses navigate changing market conditions and identify new growth opportunities.
Curtis added: “The opportunity ahead for travel and tourism remains significant. Research from our partners continues to demonstrate the underlying resilience of travel demand, while innovation is creating new ways for destinations and businesses to respond to changing traveller expectations.”
This year will also mark the introduction of ATM’s refreshed brand identity, visible across the event. The evolution reflects ATM’s continued growth beyond the traditional exhibition floor into a year-round platform connecting communities, ideas and commercial opportunities across the global travel and tourism ecosystem.
Now in its 33rd edition, Arabian Travel Market remains the leading international travel and tourism event in the Middle East, bringing together the global travel community to develop partnerships, share knowledge and explore new business opportunities across the sector.
Hospitality
Emaar Hospitality Group Showcases Expanding Hospitality and Leisure Portfolio New Destinations, Distinctive Experiences – The Next Chapter of Emaar Hospitality Group
Emaar Hospitality Group will participate in Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, taking place from 14–17 September at Dubai World Trade Centre, where it will showcase the continued evolution, growth, and diversification of its hospitality and leisure portfolio at stand HC1210.
A broader hospitality and leisure portfolio
As the hospitality arm of Emaar Properties, Emaar Hospitality Group brings together a distinctive portfolio of hotel brands, branded residences, serviced apartments, restaurants and leisure destinations across key markets. From the refined luxury of Address Hotels + Resorts and Palace Hotels + Resorts to the contemporary, design-led energy of Vida Hotels and Resorts, the Group creates experiences shaped around the character of each destination and the evolving expectations of today’s traveller. Its wider portfolio is complemented by Armani Hotels and Resorts, Al Alamein Hotel, branded residences and serviced apartments.
At Arabian Travel Market 2026, the Group will present a portfolio that is increasingly extending beyond the traditional hotel stay. New openings and an expanding development pipeline reflect a broader vision for hospitality – one that brings together accommodation, dining, wellness, recreation, community and lifestyle experiences within destinations designed for both international travellers and local communities.
New destinations across the region
A key focus will be Vida Aljada, which opened on 1 September 2026 in Aljada, Sharjah, marking an important milestone for the Vida brand and bringing its contemporary lifestyle hospitality experience to one of the emirate’s leading mixed-use destinations. As the brand’s first five-star hotel in Sharjah, Vida Aljada introduces a fresh, social and design-led stay experience within the heart of a growing cultural and lifestyle community. The property features 175 rooms, including guestrooms, suites and a three-bedroom penthouse, alongside one-, two- and three-bedroom serviced apartments and residences. Its location within Aljada places guests close to the destination’s retail, dining, entertainment and community facilities, creating a natural connection between the hotel and the neighbourhood around it.
The Group will also showcase Emaar South Golf Club, expected to open in Q4 2026 in Emaar South. Designed as a leisure and community destination in its own right, the club will feature an 18-hole championship golf course, driving range, par-3 course and contemporary clubhouse facilities, including a restaurant, golf shop, locker rooms, guest parking and electric vehicle charging stations. Located within the Emaar South community, the club will further broaden Emaar Hospitality Group’s offering beyond hotels and residences, creating another way for guests, residents and the wider community to experience the Group through sport, dining and leisure.
The Continued Evolution of Address Hotels + Resorts
The Group’s upcoming Address Hotels + Resorts, developments will further demonstrate the brand’s continued expansion into sought-after destinations, bringing the signature Address Hotels approach to luxury hospitality into new markets and resort settings. Each development is being shaped to combine distinctive stays with dining, wellness, leisure and social experiences that respond to its location.
Address The Bay at Emaar Beachfront to open in Q3 2027, will add a significant new waterfront destination to the Address Hotels + Resorts portfolio in Dubai. Set within one of Emaar’s most distinctive beachfront communities, the property will bring the Address Resort experience to a setting that combines beach, lifestyle and urban connectivity. The opening will further strengthen the brand’s presence in its home market while expanding Emaar Hospitality Group’s beachfront and resort offering in Dubai, creating another compelling reason for both international visitors and UAE residents to experience the city through Address.
Address Diriyah is planned to include 204 hotel keys and 60 serviced apartments, together with dining venues, a club lounge, rooftop pool café, spa, fitness facilities, meeting rooms and family-focused leisure amenities. The development will extend the Address brand’s presence in Saudi Arabia while placing guests within one of Riyadh’s most significant new destinations. Rooted in Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and being developed as a major culture-led destination under Vision 2030, Diriyah is bringing together hospitality, residences, retail, dining and cultural experiences on an exceptional scale.
In Ras Al Khaimah, Address Al Marjan Island will be extending the brand’s resort portfolio into one of the UAE’s most dynamic leisure destinations. The planned beachfront resort will feature 196 hotel keys, alongside adult, family and children’s pools, a kids’ club, spa and health-club facilities, and a selection of dining venues. With Ras Al Khaimah continuing to establish itself as an important regional tourism destination, the resort will give Address a stronger presence within the emirate’s growing luxury hospitality landscape while broadening Emaar Hospitality Group’s leisure footprint across the UAE. Designed around its beachfront location, the property will bring together resort living, wellness, dining and family experiences, creating a destination with appeal for both international travellers and the domestic leisure market.
Together, these developments reflect a deliberate growth strategy for Emaar Hospitality Group, strengthening its presence in established markets while expanding into high-potential destinations across the region. From urban and beachfront hotels to residences, golf, wellness, dining and leisure, the Group is building a more connected and diversified hospitality portfolio – one that responds to how people increasingly want to travel, live and experience destinations. At the heart of this growth is a focus on creating distinctive experiences that are relevant to their location, add value to the communities around them and give guests more reasons to return.
Arabian Travel Market 2026 will provide an important platform for Emaar Hospitality Group to connect with travel trade partners, owners, investors and industry stakeholders from around the world, while showcasing the strength of its established brands, the momentum of its current portfolio and the next phase of its regional growth.
Hospitality
99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant Is Moving to Dubai Creek Harbour This Q4

99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant is set to enter a new chapter this Q4, with the award-winning Japanese dining destination relocating to Dubai Creek Harbour. Opening in Q4 2026, the new venue will bring a premium fine-dining offering to the growing waterfront community, with a larger bar and lounge, a lifestyle-led terrace and views that will form part of the experience. While the new destination will introduce a fresh energy and more elevated approach, it will remain rooted in the contemporary Japanese cuisine and signature dishes that have defined 99 Sushi.
Founded in Madrid in 2005, 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant is renowned for its precision-led Japanese craftsmanship, ultra-premium ingredients and refined dining experience, with its Abu Dhabi flagship awarded a MICHELIN Star for three consecutive years. The brand has grown into an international dining name across Spain, the UAE, Monaco, Rabat and Budapest, with further global expansion underway. In Dubai, 99 Sushi was previously located in Downtown before embarking on this next chapter at Dubai Creek Harbour, alongside the launch of its highly anticipated London restaurant.
Hospitality
Turn Saudi National Day into a Private Island Escape with Sun Siyam



This year’s Saudi National Day offers more than a long weekend. With direct flights connecting Riyadh and Jeddah with the Maldives, Saudi travellers can exchange city life for spacious private villas, world-class dining and some of the Indian Ocean’s most memorable experiences in under a day. Across its Maldivian resorts, Sun Siyam brings together many of the things Saudi travellers look for in an island holiday – space, privacy, family-friendly experiences, premium all-inclusive halal dining and plenty to experience without leaving the island.
Across the Maldives, Sun Siyam’s three collections offer a different experience for every kind of National Day escape. The Luxury Collection, includes Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, focuses on elevated island living, privacy and spacious accommodation; the Lifestyle Collection, featuring Siyam World and Sun Siyam Olhuveli, brings together entertainment, experiences and family fun; while the Privé Collection’s Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef and Sun Siyam Pasikudah (in Sri Lanka) offers a more intimate barefoot island escape.


For Families Who Want Space, Privacy and More Choice
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi combines luxurious beach and overwater villas, including private-pool options, with plenty for every generation to enjoy. Families can spend their days between the beach, pools, water sports and kids’ activities, while parents can retreat to the award-winning Spa by Thalgo for a quieter side of island life.
Dining is also a major part of the experience, with 15 dining and drink venues offering plenty of choice throughout the stay. Premium all-inclusive options, halal food and in-villa dining and floating breakfasts make it easy to dine on your own schedule, while multilingual butler service, including Arabic-speaking assistance, adds another layer of convenience for Saudi guests. With kids staying free on selected offers, Iru Fushi is particularly suited to larger families looking to spend the their holiday together without compromising on privacy.
For Adventure from Morning to Night
Few resorts in the Maldives can promise horse riding in the morning, shipwreck diving in the afternoon and an evening of go-kart racing. Siyam World was designed for travellers who believe one holiday should contain many adventures, bringing an unexpected sense of energy to the traditional Maldives experience.
Families and groups can move from the island’s horse ranch and go-kart track to its floating water park, dive beneath the surface to discover its shipwreck, or simply spend the day enjoying the beach and their private pool. Spacious villas and multi-bedroom residences give larger families and groups room to stay together, while an extensive choice of restaurants and bars means there is always somwhere different to dine.
The resort’s 24-hour WOW! Premium All-Inclusive concept brings dining, drinks and a wide range of experiences together, making Siyam World particularly well suited to Saudi families and groups looking for a holiday where almost everything is taken care of from the moment they arrive.

For Couples Who Want the Island to Themselves
For couples looking to turn the National Day break into a romantic escape, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, offers a more intimate side of the Maldives. Spacious beach and overwater suites, private pools and a strong sense of seclusion give couples the space and privacy to enjoy the island at their own pace.
With its honeymoon appeal, romantic dining experiences and premium all-inclusive offering, Iru Veli is particularly suited to couples looking for a few uninterrupted days together, combining privacy and understated island luxury in an intimate Maldivian setting.
With the Maldives within easy reach of Saudi Arabia, National Day is a chance to make the long weekend feel considerably longer. So why wait? Pack your bags and turn this year’s celebration into an island escape with Sun Siyam. For the latest Sun Siyam packages, benefits and offers, visit sunsiyam.com/offers or book@sunsiyam.com
-
News11 years ago
SENDQUICK (TALARIAX) INTRODUCES SQOOPE – THE BREAKTHROUGH IN MOBILE MESSAGING
-
Trending11 months agoOPPO A6 Pro 5G Review: Reliable Daily Driver
-
Tech News2 years agoDenodo Bolsters Executive Team by Hiring Christophe Culine as its Chief Revenue Officer
-
VAR1 year agoMicrosoft Launches New Surface Copilot+ PCs for Business
-
Automotive2 years agoAGMC Launches the RIDDARA RD6 High Performance Fully Electric 4×4 Pickup
-
Tech Interviews2 years ago
Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape in Hybrid Work Environments
-
Tech News1 year agoNothing Launches flagship Nothing Phone (3) and Headphone (1) in theme with the Iconic Museum of the Future in Dubai
-
VAR2 years agoSamsung Galaxy Z Fold6 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Clash Of The Folding Phenoms


