Taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the revised dates are also expected to complement international markets, the majority of which also follow the Monday-to-Friday working week.

Danielle Curtis, exhibition director ME, ATM, said, “We are looking forward to welcoming the global travel and tourism community to the UAE on May 09. Made possible by the UAE’s forward-thinking decision to transition to a 4.5-day, Monday-to-Friday workweek, we are confident ATM 2022’s updated timings will benefit both exhibitors and attendees by offering improved alignment with international markets.”

Endorsing ATM’s position, UAE business sentiment is certainly very positive. According to a poll conducted by management consultancy Mercer, overall, 84 percent of private sector firms welcomed the initiative and 37 percent would adopt a long-term flexible approach, particularly those with close trading links with other Gulf countries.