Programme

Registration (Badge collection)

Welcome cocktail

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

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Welcome from moderators

Dermot Davitt and Michele Miranda

Welcome remarks from the MEADFA President

Abdeslam Agzoul

Dubai leads the way

Every great journey seems to pass through Dubai. What began as a regional gateway has evolved into one of the world’s most dynamic travel hubs — and a leader in turning movement into opportunity. The opening session examines how Dubai has reshaped the connection between travel and retail, setting new standards in passenger engagement, revenue growth, and brand partnerships. With record passenger numbers, a renewed emphasis on luxury and innovation, and an unmatched global presence, Dubai continues to demonstrate how a vibrant city can be both a travel destination and a business model for the future of travel retail.  Speaker to be announced.

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), Jack MacGowan (Al Waha Duty Free Company),  Vincent Romet (Lagardère Travel Retail), and Bernard Schlafstein (Gebr. Heinemann) share their views on leading through change.

Networking coffee break

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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, alongside DFWC President Sarah Branquinho and COMESA Secretary General Teddy Soobramaniem, will 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

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Gala dinner and awards night

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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 explore the scope and significance of Saudi Arabia’s transformation, with Al Waha Duty Free Company CEO Jack MacGowan discussing its implications for duty free and travel retail stakeholders interested in engaging with one of the region’s most dynamic and rapidly changing 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 also hear from Kreol Group’s Executive Director, Kreol Arakulath, on their sustainability journey and its impact on the community they serve.

Networking coffee break

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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), and Loice Muforo, Sales Manager for Scent of Africa 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

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