Cruise industry growth to be key focus at ATM 2026

Cruise will be a core pillar of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, still scheduled to take place at Dubai World Trade Centre from 4 to 7 May, despite current conflicts in the GCC, with industry leaders and destination stakeholders coming together to collaborate on sustainable growth strategies.

Typically convening more than 50,000 travel professionals and exhibitors from more than 166 countries, this year’s ATM will feature a programme made up of dedicated cruise panels on the Global Stage, including a session titled ‘Ripple Effects of the Blue Economy’ and a roundtable with representatives from Oxford Economics, Ayan Consulting, Celestyal Cruises, Inchcape Shipping Services and TUI Cruises. Confirmed cruise exhibitors include Cruise Saudi, MSC Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Oceanwide Expeditions and CruiseXplore, among others. 

The strengthened focus comes as cruising records robust growth, with global cruise passenger volumes forecast to reach 42 million by 2028, up from 34.6 million in 2024, according to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

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Passenger numbers in 2025

In the Middle East, the cruise market was expected to welcome more than 2 million passengers in 2025, with more than 300,000 port visits across key destinations including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Aqaba and Salalah, according to the ATM Travel Trends Report 2025. The Red Sea region alone was projected to attract approximately 500,000 passengers last year, with more than half calling at Jeddah.

Tourism Economics research further indicates that travellers interested in visiting the Middle East are almost twice as likely to consider a cruise holiday as those considering other regions, underscoring the market’s significant growth potential. 

Commenting on the enhanced cruise focus for ATM 2026, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “With new cruise lines launching in Saudi Arabia and expanded Red Sea and Arabian Gulf itineraries, the region is strengthening its position on the global cruise map.”