ATS Travel appoints CEO

UAE-based travel management company ATS Travel has appointed Saleem Sharif as Chief Executive Officer as the company continues expanding across the GCC, Egypt and India.

Sharif joined ATS Travel in 2011 and has played a key role in the company’s regional expansion, operational growth and strategic partnerships over the past 15 years.

In his new role, he will oversee business operations and growth strategy across all markets, with a focus on operational performance, technology and customer engagement.

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ATS Travel Managing Director Khaled Ghubash said: “Saleem has been a trusted and valued member of the ATS family for many years. His dedication, leadership, and deep understanding of the business have contributed immensely to the company’s success and regional growth.”

Sharif said: “I look forward to building on our strong foundation and driving continued growth, innovation, and excellence across all markets.”

The appointment comes as travel across the Middle East continues to outpace global growth. The sector grew 5.3% in 2025, surpassing the global average of 4.1%, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), with international visitor spending rising 5.2% against a global rate of 3.2%. Business travel has been one of the strongest-performing segments, with spending across the Middle East rising 23% in 2025, driven by increased demand for in-person engagement and the region’s growing role in hosting major international events, conferences and investment activity. The UAE, a core market for ATS Travel, reached $68.5 billion in travel and tourism GDP in 2025, with international visitor spending of $56.9 billion.

For more information, visit www.travelats.com