The growth witnessed by the Arabian Travel Market (ATM, whose 26th edition began yesterday in Dubai) is emblematic of the progress that Dubai has seen over the decades. What began in 1994 with representatives from 52 nations deploying 300 exhibitors to host 7,000 trade visitors has now evolved into a giant industry event that facilitates $2.5 billion in industry deals and attracts 2,500 exhibitors from 153 countries.

As Dubai pulls all the stops to gear up for Expo 2020 in October 2021, the global event that will fast-track growth of not just Dubai and the UAE’s but the entire region’s travel and tourism sector, events like the ongoing, four-day ATM are indicative of what to expect. The future of travel and hospitality, as demonstrated by ATM, is digital, with everything from travel bookings to advertising campaigns deploying technology to enhance visitor experience. The story of Dubai’s transformation from a sleepy fishing village to a metropolis bustling with activity is one of vision, passion, determination and improvisation. Now it is leveraging the power of digitization to move to the next level.