Programme

Registration

Welcome cocktail

• Venue: InterContinental Dubai Festival City
• Dress code: Smart Casual

Welcome from moderators

Dermot Davitt and Michele Miranda

Welcome remarks from the MEADFA President

Abdeslam Agzoul

Redefining travel retail: the Qatar vision

As Doha’s Hamad International Airport continues its ascent as one of the world’s premier aviation hubs, Qatar Duty Free is setting new standards in travel retail and hospitality. With Qatar positioning itself as both a luxury destination and a global connector, its integrated retail strategy is driving innovation, elevating passenger experience, and shaping the future of airport commerce. In this keynote session, Thabet Musleh, Chief Retail and Hospitality Officer at Qatar Airways, will share exclusive insights into Qatar Duty Free’s strategic direction, the evolution of the travel experience, and how the group is preparing to meet the expectations of tomorrow’s travelers. From personalized luxury to tech-enabled convenience and a deep commitment to excellence and sustainability, discover how Qatar Duty Free is redefining the airport journey—and raising the bar for the region and beyond.

Leading through change

Amid geopolitical uncertainty and shifting market dynamics, the Middle East and Africa continue to stand out as regions of bold ambition and rapid evolution in travel retail. With the expansion of aviation infrastructure, a growing consumer class, and rising demand for differentiated experiences, the opportunity for transformation is immense. Yet success demands agility—from navigating regulatory complexities to rethinking the value proposition for a new generation of travelers. In this powerhouse panel, Abdeslam Agzoul (Avolta), Nuno Amaral (ARI), Chichi Maponya (Africa Travel Retail), Vincent Romet (Lagardère Travel Retail), and Bernard Schlafstein (Gebr. Heinemann) share their views on leading through change.

Networking coffee break

Safeguarding tomorrow’s travel retail

As regulations tighten and economic pressures mount, the duty free and travel retail industry is coming under increased scrutiny. With policy shifts and evolving government priorities ahead of the MOP4 negotiations, the need for a unified, forward-looking response has never been more pressing. In this session, MEADFA Advocacy Committee Chair Nuno Amaral joins fellow members Roger Jackson and Chichi Maponya, along with DFWC President Sarah Branquinho and COMESA Secretary General Teddy Soobramaniem, to discuss how advocacy efforts are adapting to meet today’s challenges. Moderated by John Rimmer, the panel will explore how the industry can amplify its voice, deepen collaboration, and shape a regulatory environment that supports the industry’s long-term growth.

The business of airports: Economic trends & non-aero growth

Amid global inflation and shifting consumer behaviors, airports are doubling down on non-aeronautical revenues to stay profitable. Ilia Lioutov, Head of Economics at ACI World, will present the latest economic outlook, highlighting trends impacting retail, F&B, and commercial services. As airports evolve into business ecosystems, this session explores how stakeholders can pivot strategies to seize new opportunities while weathering economic headwinds.

Luxury, local, and lifestyle: The new face of MEA travel retail

Today’s MEA traveler is redefining luxury—favoring authenticity, regional flair, and digital-first convenience. Stephen Hillam, Managing Director at Pi Insight, unveils new data on how younger, experience-hungry shoppers are shaping demand for sustainable luxury and lifestyle-driven offers. With regional identities becoming central to global appeal, this session reveals how brands and retailers can stay ahead by blending exclusivity with purpose and cultural resonance.

Networking lunch

Gala and awards dinner

Risk & resilience: Navigating MEA’s business landscape

As the Middle East and Africa continue to evolve amid shifting economic and political dynamics, understanding regional business conditions is key to unlocking long-term growth. In this session, Trevor MacFarlane, Managing Director at EMIR, offers a timely briefing on the macro trends influencing investment, consumer confidence, and developments across the region. With fresh insights into how market conditions are changing, this session will highlight strategies for travel retail stakeholders to strengthen resilience, anticipate shifts, and make informed decisions in a landscape defined by transformation and opportunity.

Destination Saudi: Growth & opportunity

Saudi Arabia is rapidly redefining the regional tourism and retail landscape through ambitious reforms and bold investments aligned with Vision 2030. As the Kingdom opens its doors to the world, a dynamic new identity is emerging—fueled by cutting-edge infrastructure, a surge in international visitors, and a growing appetite for innovation. This session will unpack the scale and significance of Saudi Arabia’s transformation, highlighting what it means for duty free and travel retail stakeholders eager to engage with one of the region’s most vibrant and fast-evolving markets.

MEADFA Sustainability update: Call to action

Sustainability in travel retail requires a unified effort; it cannot be achieved through isolated actions. This session encourages industry leaders to come together under a shared Sustainability Charter to turn commitments into real results. Dr. Munif Mohammed, head of the MEADFA Sustainability Committee, will stress the importance of committed leadership towards a common charter with shared goals like reducing waste, achieving carbon neutrality, and sourcing responsibly. The session will look at how brands, retailers, and airports can collaborate, stay accountable, and genuinely promote change. It’s a call to move from mere ambition to concrete action.

Networking coffee break

The next wave of Africa travel retail

With a young, fast-growing population, accelerating economic momentum, and expanding air connectivity, Africa stands poised to become one of the most exciting frontiers for duty free and travel retail. Yet alongside this promise lies a unique set of challenges—from complex regulatory frameworks and fragmented infrastructure to evolving consumer expectations across diverse markets. 

This session convenes industry leaders to examine how brands and operators can navigate these complexities and unlock the region’s long-term potential. Joining the discussion are Ali Tounsi, Secretary General of ACI Africa, and Harald Suenner, Area Manager for Middle East and Africa at Gebr Heinemann, and Claudio Ferreira, Vice President Global Travel Retail, Japan Tobacco International (JTI), who will share insights from the front lines of travel retail’s African expansion.

The India Effect: How Indian travellers are reshaping MEA’s travel retail landscape

Indian travelers are becoming a key driver of growth for duty free and travel retail across the Middle East and Africa. With increasing purchasing power and a strong appetite for global brands, they are influencing category demand and redefining retail expectations in airports across the region. As MEA hubs see a surge in Indian passenger traffic, this session explores how the industry can adapt to better engage this increasingly influential consumer segment. Pooja Padmanabhan Bommidala, CEO of BBM Travel Retail, Renat Rozpravka, CEO of Muscat Duty Free, and Mudit Srivastava, COO at Cococart, will share their perspectives on the growing influence of Indian travelers and the opportunities this consumer group presents for the sector.

Travel takeaway

With travel in MEA on a rapid ascent, this closing session offers a data-rich snapshot of where the industry is heading. IATA’s Martina Bednarikova presents the latest aviation trends—from route expansion and passenger booking patterns to infrastructure investments and the economic levers driving tourism. As airports scale up and airlines broaden their networks, this session connects the dots between travel momentum and retail opportunity, providing a compelling outlook on what’s next for the industry in the region.

Networking lunch