Events industry back in business

As the global business events industry regains momentum, the Middle East is emerging as a leader due to strategic investment, strong government support and world-class infrastructure. Nowhere is this more evident than at Arabian Travel Market (ATM), where business events are becoming an increasingly prominent focus.

According to the recently-released ATM Travel Trends report, compiled by Oxford Economics, business travel spending is expected to grow around 1.5 times faster in the Middle East than the global average between 2025 and 2030. The region’s strategic location and exceptional event facilities will be key factors supporting the upward trend.

Major conferences, exhibitions and events are now regularly hosted in cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Doha, drawing a large number of corporate travellers and fuelling demand for upscale hotels and event facilities. As a result, the Middle East is poised to experience the second-fastest rate of business travel growth worldwide, underscoring the region’s growing significance in both business and the increasingly popular ‘bleisure’ segments.

Interestingly, business travel is expected to grow at nearly twice the rate of leisure, presenting opportunities for travel companies catering to the increasing needs of business travellers transiting through the Middle East.

In response to this remarkable growth, we launched IBTM@ATM during our 2025 edition, a dedicated platform designed specifically for the business events sector. This launch marked a significant milestone for both ATM and the business events sector, regionally as well as globally. The specialised zone enables business event suppliers to showcase their offerings and connect with buyers through prescheduled appointments and business exchange sessions. A key feature of IBTM@ATM is the Business Events Stage, which explores emerging trends shaping the global event industry. Sessions covered at ATM 2025 included vital topics, such as sustainability in business travel, the role of artificial intelligence in event planning and transforming venues into destinations.

Other highlights included a session from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) on Advancing Climate Action in Business Travel, as well as an insightful discussion on Building Stronger Connections: Bridging Global and Regional Association Collaboration, led by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

Looking ahead to ATM 2026, which will be held from 4–7 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre, business events will have an even larger presence and will form a key pillar of the show. Our enhanced focus on business events reflects the growth of this vital travel sector across the region and beyond.

At the next edition of IBTM@ATM, attendees can expect an enhanced programme of networking, knowledge sharing and unrivalled opportunities to connect with event organisers, destination management companies and venues.

Meanwhile, the Business Events Stage will return with a fresh lineup of expert-led sessions exploring the future of event technology, sustainable practices and strategies for growth. The Middle East is emerging as a global powerhouse for business events, and ATM is proud to be at the forefront of
this transformation.