During an inaugural visit to the 33rd Arabian Travel Market (ATM) on 14 September, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum declared that the UAE’s next growth phase in tourism will be built on "innovation, openness and exceptional visitor experiences." The trade show, running until 17 September at Dubai World Trade Centre, gathers 1,400 + exhibitors from 150 countries. The Ruler of Dubai spent two hours reviewing AI-enabled immigration solutions, biometrics for frictionless hotel check-in, and new multi-entry visa packages showcased by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). He also met delegations from Kuwait Airways, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Spain and minor hotel groups to discuss partnership opportunities. Under the event theme ‘Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology’, panels focus on digital identity, smart mobility and destination resilience—areas aligned with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy over the next decade. Officials reiterated that seamless border processes and flexible visa products are central to attracting 40 million annual visitors by 2031. For multinational employers, the ATM announcements hint at additional facilitation for short-term assignees and frequent flyers. The GDRFA stand highlighted the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa—particularly useful for regional sales teams—and teased forthcoming enhancements to the virtual work residence permit that allows foreign employees to live in Dubai while serving overseas entities. Industry observers expect formal regulation tweaks to follow in Q4 2026, once feedback from ATM stakeholders is incorporated into Cabinet decisions.
Source: Dubai Government Media Office
