Countries across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region are focusing on stronger collaboration while showcasing their individual strengths to attract global business events, industry leaders highlighted during discussions at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026.
The session at ATM 2026’s Experience Hub brought together senior representatives from Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE to discuss how destinations can create connected business events experiences without losing their unique identity.
The discussion featured Maryam Toorani, Director of Marketing and Promotions, Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority; Dr. Debbie Kristiansen, SVP Venue Development & Operations MEAA, OVG Middle East; Ahmed Al Binali, Director of Festivals & Events, Visit Qatar; Iyad Rasbey, Vice President Destination Tourism Development, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority; and Khalid Waleed Ramadhan Al Zadjali, Director, Oman Convention Bureau. The session was moderated by Anju Gomes, CICD, Senior Regional Director, ICCA ME.
A key focus of the conversation was the importance of balancing regional cooperation with destination differentiation. Speakers highlighted that while Gulf destinations can collectively promote the region’s capabilities, each market must continue to showcase its own culture, heritage, infrastructure, and visitor experiences.
Dr. Debbie Kristiansen noted that international audiences often view the Middle East as a collective destination, while each country offers distinctive experiences that should be recognised individually.
Maryam Toorani highlighted that regional growth is interconnected, with opportunities to position the area as a connected destination while preserving the identity and diversity of individual nations.
The discussion also explored the role of infrastructure development, venue expansion, and destination planning in supporting the growth of meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE). Industry leaders emphasised that business events should be integrated into broader tourism development strategies.
According to International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) statistics shared during the session, international association meetings in the Middle East recorded 45% growth in 2025, compared with a global average growth of 22%, highlighting the region’s growing importance in the international business events landscape.
Speakers also discussed the impact of major global events, including the legacy created by FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and the importance of sharing regional success stories to enhance international visibility.
Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director – UAE, RX Global, stated that the region’s business events market continues to expand as destinations leverage their cultural strengths while working together to deliver seamless experiences for international visitors.
The 33rd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre until 17 September, is being held under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology”, exploring the impact of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, smart mobility, and evolving traveller expectations on the future of tourism.
