{"id":125103,"date":"2026-09-15T18:29:37","date_gmt":"2026-09-15T15:29:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/?p=125103"},"modified":"2026-09-15T18:29:37","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T15:29:37","slug":"embracing-diversity-while-delivering-joined-up-experiences-is-key-to-gulf-nations-business-events-success-say-experts-at-atm-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/?p=125103","title":{"rendered":"Embracing diversity while delivering joined-up experiences is key to Gulf nations\u2019 business events success, say experts at ATM 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"[mhc_section admin_label=&#8221;\u0642\u0633\u0645&#8221; fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; specialty=&#8221;off&#8221;][mhc_fullwidth_menu admin_label=&#8221;\u0642\u0627\u0626\u0645\u0629 \u0628\u0639\u0631\u0636 \u0643\u0627\u0645\u0644&#8221; menu_id=&#8221;56&#8243; background_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; submenu_direction=&#8221;downwards&#8221; 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fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221; specialty=&#8221;off&#8221; transparent_background=&#8221;off&#8221; gradient_background=&#8221;off&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; gradient_style=&#8221;horizontal&#8221; inner_shadow=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method=&#8221;off&#8221; video_hide=&#8221;off&#8221; video_pause=&#8221;off&#8221; allow_advanced_padding=&#8221;off&#8221; remove_padding=&#8221;off&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221; column_paddings=&#8221;padding-0pct&#8221; column_match_heights=&#8221;off&#8221; background_leak=&#8221;off&#8221; background_leak_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_leak_size=&#8221;50&#8243; separator_top=&#8221;off&#8221; separator_bottom=&#8221;off&#8221; background_image_size=&#8221;cover&#8221; background_image_repeat=&#8221;no-repeat&#8221; background_image_position_x=&#8221;center&#8221; background_image_position_y=&#8221;center&#8221; animation=&#8221;off&#8221; animation_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; mobile_2_pr_row=&#8221;off&#8221; mobile_reverse=&#8221;off&#8221;][mhc_row admin_label=&#8221;\u0635\u0641&#8221;][mhc_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243;][\/mhc_column][mhc_column type=&#8221;2_3&#8243;][mhc_text admin_label=&#8221;\u0646\u0635&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; animation=&#8221;off&#8221;]\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul dir=\"ltr\">\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">Senior figures from UAE, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar placed the long-term success of GCC business events under the microscope at ATM 2026<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">Middle East growth in international association meetings grew by 45% in 2025, compared to a global average of 22%, according to ICCA statistics<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">Experts stated that strategic collaboration and friendly competition between nations must coexist to drive further growth in regional business events<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\"><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>Ain Alalam &#8211; Rashad Iskandrni<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>15 September 2026<\/strong>: Gulf nations must showcase the differences in their offerings while presenting a united front to international visitors, according to regional business events leaders speaking on day two of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wtm.com\/atm\/en-gb.html\">Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026<\/a>. The 33rd edition of ATM is being hosted at Dubai World Trade Centre until Thursday 17 September.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>Maryam Toorani, <\/strong>Director of Marketing and Promotions, Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, <strong>Dr. Debbie Kristiansen, <\/strong>SVP Venue Development &amp; Operations MEAA, OVG Middle East, <strong>Ahmed Al Binali, <\/strong>Director of Festivals &amp; Events, Visit Qatar, <strong>Iyad Rasbey, <\/strong>Vice President Destination Tourism Development, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, and <strong>Khalid Waleed Ramadhan Al Zadjali, <\/strong>Director, Oman Convention Bureau gathered at ATM 2026\u2019s Experience Hub to examine the relationship between collaboration and competition within the GCC\u2019s business events community.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-125100 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-09-15-at-4.34.42-PM-900x565.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"900\" height=\"565\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-09-15-at-4.34.42-PM-900x565.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-09-15-at-4.34.42-PM-1024x642.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-09-15-at-4.34.42-PM-768x482.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-09-15-at-4.34.42-PM-400x250.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-09-15-at-4.34.42-PM-1080x678.jpeg 1080w, https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-09-15-at-4.34.42-PM.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\">Moderated by <strong>Anju Gomes, CICD, Senior Regional Director, ICCA ME<\/strong>, the session explored how the region can promote joined-up business event experiences without giving the impression that each GCC country\u2019s offering is identical.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\">Dr. Kristiansen said: \u201cUnfortunately, when people think about the Middle East, [they think of it as] collective. But when you look at Europe, you don\u2019t see it as collective; you look at the individual countries within Europe. It\u2019s exactly the same in the Middle East. Every country and destination has something unique to offer.\u201d<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\">Commenting on the need to emphasise individual national identities while working collaboratively, Toorani said: \u201cI do genuinely believe that our growth is connected as a region, and there is an opportunity to position ourselves as one connected region without each of us losing the identity of our diverse countries. Having more people coming to our destinations allows us to move away from that global perception.\u201d<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\">Rasbey said: \u201cDestinations shouldn\u2019t look at developing [meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions] in isolation. In Ras Al Khaimah, it\u2019s part of the development of the destination. While we are investing in our infrastructure \u2013 the venues, the hotels \u2013 the [business events] development goes in parallel. And this is what we have been doing for the last decade.\u201d<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\">Speaking on the importance of maintaining a destination\u2019s individuality, Al Zadjali said: \u201cWe should not change ourselves [to fit with the events]. We should design the events to match our destination. Because event organisers have been to many parts of the world. They have experienced the best beaches, the big historical areas, they have been to the \u2018wow\u2019 hotels \u2013 everywhere. What they\u2019re looking for is the experience, and that should be our focus.\u201d<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\">In reference to the region-wide benefits delivered by mega-events such as FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Al Binali said: \u201cThe GCC needs to share the legacy of the delivery of any major events, because it\u2019s got that visibility \u2013 not only for the destination itself, but also for the region.\u201d<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director \u2013 UAE, RX Global<\/strong>, said:\u00a0\u201cThe Gulf\u2019s business events market continues to move from strength to strength, with the latest ICCA figures showing regional growth more than double that of the global average. It is exciting to see industry leaders capitalising on their nations\u2019 unique offerings and cultural heritage, while working closely together to present seamlessly connected experiences to international visitors.\u201d<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\">This year marks the introduction of ATM\u2019s <strong>refreshed brand identity<\/strong>, visible across the event. The evolution reflects the show\u2019s continued growth beyond the traditional exhibition floor into a year-round platform connecting communities, ideas and commercial opportunities across the global travel and tourism ecosystem.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\">Held under the theme <em>Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology<\/em>, ATM 2026 will examine how artificial intelligence, digital transformation, smart mobility and evolving traveller expectations are influencing the future of tourism. The Experience Hub hosted a total of seven sessions on the show\u2019s second day, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wtm.com\/atm\/en-gb\/conference-programme\/sessions-details.4798.268499.round-table-rebooting-hotel-revenue-where-to-start.html\">Round Table: Rebooting Hotel Revenue, Where to Start?<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wtm.com\/atm\/en-gb\/conference-programme\/sessions-details.4798.274154.closing-the-missing-link-in-the-transportation-journey.html\">Closing the Missing Link in the Transportation Journey<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\">Now in its 33rd edition, Arabian Travel Market remains the leading international travel and tourism event in the Middle East, bringing together the global travel community to develop partnerships, share knowledge and explore new business opportunities across the sector.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr;\">Registration is live for ATM 2026. Media can register <a href=\"https:\/\/register-atm.wtm.com\/reg-contact.aspx?type=media-pass\">here<\/a>; to register as a visitor, click <a href=\"https:\/\/register-atm.wtm.com\/reg-contact.aspx?type=visitor\">here<\/a>; and for enquiries related to exhibiting, please click <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wtm.com\/atm\/en-gb\/forms\/exhibitor-enquiry.html\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n[\/mhc_text][\/mhc_column][\/mhc_row][\/mhc_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[mhc_section admin_label=&#8221;\u0642\u0633\u0645&#8221; fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; specialty=&#8221;off&#8221;][mhc_fullwidth_menu admin_label=&#8221;\u0642\u0627\u0626\u0645\u0629 \u0628\u0639\u0631\u0636 \u0643\u0627\u0645\u0644&#8221; menu_id=&#8221;56&#8243; background_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; submenu_direction=&#8221;downwards&#8221; fullwidth_menu=&#8221;off&#8221;] [\/mhc_fullwidth_menu][\/mhc_section][mhc_section admin_label=&#8221;section&#8221; transparent_background=&#8221;off&#8221; gradient_background=&#8221;off&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; gradient_style=&#8221;horizontal&#8221; inner_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221; parallax=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method=&#8221;off&#8221; video_hide=&#8221;off&#8221; video_pause=&#8221;off&#8221; allow_advanced_padding=&#8221;on&#8221; remove_padding=&#8221;on&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;off&#8221; column_paddings=&#8221;padding-0pct&#8221; column_match_heights=&#8221;off&#8221; background_leak=&#8221;off&#8221; background_leak_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_leak_size=&#8221;25&#8243; separator_top=&#8221;off&#8221; separator_bottom=&#8221;off&#8221; background_image_size=&#8221;cover&#8221; background_image_repeat=&#8221;no-repeat&#8221; background_image_position_x=&#8221;center&#8221; background_image_position_y=&#8221;center&#8221; animation=&#8221;off&#8221; animation_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; mobile_2_pr_row=&#8221;off&#8221; mobile_reverse=&#8221;off&#8221;][mhc_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221;][mhc_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243;][mhc_image admin_label=&#8221;\u0635\u0648\u0631\u0629&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/ainlogo.png&#8221; show_in_lightbox=&#8221;off&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;off&#8221; animation=&#8221;off&#8221; hoverfx=&#8221;scaleup&#8221; sticky=&#8221;off&#8221; image_mask=&#8221;off&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;0&#8243; align=&#8221;center&#8221; force_center_on_mobile=&#8221;on&#8221; [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":125101,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-125103","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-coverage"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/125103","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=125103"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/125103\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":125104,"href":"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/125103\/revisions\/125104"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/125101"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=125103"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=125103"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.makkahalyoum.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=125103"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}