Tourism Execs in Dubai Talk Global 'Uncertainties' For Travel

Yes, even in Dubai the fears of a potential recession can be felt.

Uncertainty was a recurring theme at Thursday’s press conference for the upcoming Arabian Travel Market – the region’s largest travel show is set to unfold amid growing concerns of a global travel slowdown.

Now in its 32nd edition, ATM organizers expect a record 55,000 attendees will pack into the halls of Dubai World Trade Center over four days next week.

But global recession risks have been rising, and Skift Research now forecasts 2% to 5% travel industry growth in 2025, down from its forecast at the start of the year for 6% to 9% growth.

Asked by Skift whether Dubai would be immune to a travel slowdown, Dubai Tourism CEO Issam Kazim said at the conference: "I’m confident we’ll be able to ride this wave."

Dubai's tourism numbers have increased every year since records began in 1990 — except from 2020 to 2022.

"Obviously, we know today we [Dubai] are a global community, everyone is interconnected to a certain degree, where any changes happening impact the entire world," added Kazim. "Travel