This evolution will be explored in detail at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 04-07. Under the theme ‘Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology’, the event will explore how innovation and individuality are redefining the global ultra-luxury travel landscape. Central to this conversation will be the debut of the ATM Ultra Luxury Lounge, an exclusive space that will connect buyers that focus on ultra-high-net-worth travellers with prestigious, world-class travel brands.
Research from Fortune Business Insights indicates that the value of the global luxury travel market, characterised by premium and tailor-made experiences focused on exclusivity, luxurious comfort, personalised service, and enhanced privacy – trademarks of ultra-luxury travel – will grow from USD2.7 trillion in 2025 to USD4.8 trillion by 2032.
Reflecting these trends, the ATM Ultra Luxury Lounge marks the beginning of a multi-year focus on the evolving intersection between ultra luxury, technology, and sustainability. It will bring together leading global brands and specialists in high-end travel, including bespoke tour designers, private jet operators – a market expected to top USD943 million by 2029 according to advisory firm Creative Zone.
The dedicated space will serve as a showcase for ultra-luxury experiences, enabling suppliers to meet qualified luxury travel buyers through an exclusive appointments programme.
In addition to a keen focus on the ultra-luxury segment, ATM 2026 will continue to shine a light on luxury hospitality brands such as Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Jumeirah International, and One & Only, as well as some of the world’s top-rated luxury destinations, such as the Maldives and Mauritius, who have become a prominent part of the growing segment amoungst the hospitality brands on showcase at ATM.
According to the ATM Travel Trends Report 2025, developed in partnership with Tourism Economics, luxury travel remains robust, with high-end and experiential segments outperforming global growth. Outbound regional luxury travel is rising at twice the global average, while Tourism Economics’ datasets show that travellers from the Middle East spend 50 percent more per trip than the global average, reinforcing the region’s position as both a key luxury destination and source market.
The trends that are positively impacting the sector have been outlined by luxury DMC, Experium, in their Top 10 Luxury Travel Trends Transforming the Middle East in 2025. At the core of this is sustainability, wellness, and tech-enhanced luxury, which are all reshaping the definition and consumption of luxury. Today’s travellers are moving beyond opulence to seek purpose-driven, conscious luxury that connects them with destinations, communities, and personal wellbeing.
