SUCCESS STORY

As Arabian Travel Market celebrates its 30th anniversary, we chart the event’s major milestones against the UAE’s glittering transformation during the past three decades

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) first opened its doors in 1994 at Dubai World Trade Centre with 52 nations, 300 exhibitors and 7,000 trade visitors. Now, 30 years later, ATM facilitates US$2.5 billion in industry deals and attracts thousands of exhibitors and travel trade visitors from around the world.

While the show has grown in stature to become one of the most prestigious travel trade events, the city – and country – in which it operates has transformed tremendously. Having risen from a humble desert settlement to one of the world’s most futuristic destinations, rapid change is built into the very fabric of the UAE.

In many ways mirroring the development of the country itself, in the past 30 years, both ATM and the UAE have gone through major changes, witnessing stellar growth in a time that for many nations is a blink of an eye.

Here, we take a look at the major milestones in the history of the show against the backdrop of the UAE’s ever-changing tourism landscape. Journey back with us from 1994 through to the present.

1994

ATM launched at Dubai World Trade Centre with 2,000 square metres of floor space, 300 exhibitors and 7,000 visitors. For Dubai, this marked the beginning of a partnership that would attract thousands of travel trade professionals annually to the city from all around the world.

1995

ATM moved to Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (the only time the show was staged outside Dubai). Meanwhile, in Dubai, Wafi City was established, styled after ancient Egypt, with the pyramid at its heart, and comprising a mall, hotel and dining venues.

1996

Before ATM moved back to Dubai in 1996, the emirate held the inaugural running of Dubai World Cup with top jockeys and thoroughbreds from around the world. American horse Cigar won the day and a cheque for US$4 million, making it the world’s richest day in horse racing to ever be held.

1998

The stunning façade of Dubai’s largest mosque – the Grand Mosque in Bur Dubai – was completed in 1998. Its tallest minaret, which lords over the city at a height of 70 metres, and more than 50 small and large domes give this mosque its distinctive silhouette.

1997

Real estate development company Emaar Properties was founded and established. In the last two decades, the homegrown company has become a leading developer in hospitality, retail, real estate, leisure and shopping, with its worldfamous attractions drawing an increasing number of visitors year after year.