Skift Global Forum East returns to Abu Dhabi this October with a sharp lens on where power is shifting in global travel, and how the Middle East is defining what comes next.
Strip back every question facing the region right now and the same one sits underneath: does the momentum hold? The Gulf's capital is moving at a pace the rest of the industry can't match, artificial intelligence is reshaping how the work gets done, and new tourism demand is being built from the ground up. The open question is whether the region's growth holds as geopolitical, climate, and market instability press in from multiple directions.
Skift Global Forum East puts the people deciding the answer in one room: the CEOs, tourism ministers, aviation leaders, and capital allocators steering the region, with Skift editors asking the questions the press releases don't answer.
‘It wasn't just meeting and greeting… attendees had the chance to deep dive on topics, share experience and engage on all aspects of travel… these intimate events remind me that it is a wonderful time to be alive and that hospitality is mission critical to keeping our human connection.’
‘The experience was truly outstanding - from the incredible venue to the impressive lineup of speakers and attendees. The organizers went above and beyond to ensure every participant felt engaged and valued.’
‘The speed of change, the creativity, the ambition; and the shared belief that travel continues to inspire.’
2025 By The Numbers
2026 Agenda Themes
Where does the Gulf's capital supercycle go from here? How regional investment will continue to grow and evolve.
How is your company moving AI from pilot to production? Who owns advancements and deployments across teams.
Demand regeneration: How are operators engaging visitors? Inspiring new and returning travelers across regions.
How can live tourism foster broader demand after the event? Building durable and sustainable growth beyond the fandom.
What next for hospitality development cycles for the region? Portfolio opportunity or margin threat: how models evolve.
Resilience is now the new strategy, not just a contingency. Staying ahead of geopolitical, climate, and market instability.
Who Attends
Past Speakers
See who spoke at Skift Global Forum East last year.
Supported By
host sponsor
TRAVEL INDUSTRY SPONSORS
app sponsor
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Sponsor Opportunities
Want to be part of the event? Sponsor opportunities include main stage talks, networking, workshops and more. Reach out to sponsorships@skift.com to learn more.