The MEADFA Conference
The MEADFA Conference 2018
Trends can change fast in the dynamic, diverse landscape of Middle Eastern and African duty free and travel retail. The forthcoming MEADFA Conference offers a valuable opportunity to keep ahead of the curve.
MEADFA Conference update
MEADFA Board Member Karl Raphael; TFWA Managing Director John Rimmer; H.E. Mr Avedis Guidanian, Lebanese Minister of Tourism; Beirut Duty Free Business Development Manager Lynn Zeidan; and MEADFA President Mr Haitham Al Majali at the press conference to launch the MEADFA Conference held on 12 September.


Home to some of the world’s newest aviation infrastructure, the Middle East has little left to prove in terms of its commercial dynamism. In August, Bahrain Duty Free reported buoyant half-year results including 33.1% profit growth for Q2. That same month, Dubai International Airport saw its highest-ever monthly traffic at 8.37 million passengers. While Africa’s airports have some way to go to rival their Gulf counterparts, the continent’s increasingly prosperous and brand-aware consumers represent a market that promises much.

How can duty free and travel retail professionals keep on top of trends in such a diverse region? The MEADFA Conference (19-20 November 2018 in Beirut, Lebanon) brings together business leaders and experts from across the Middle East and Africa to provide delegates with analysis of the key issues. The programme includes brand-new research into the impact of Asian travellers, especially Chinese passengers, on the region’s airport retail scene. Participants will hear retailer and airline perspectives on operating in the rich but challenging Lebanese market, as well as analysis of how blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies can develop and disrupt the retail environment. ACI Africa Secretary General Ali Tounsi will explore the potential for African airports, and retail executives familiar with the realities of doing business on the ground there will share their experiences.

Conference delegates will also hear from one of Lebanon’s best known entrepreneurs: fashion designer Elie Saab, whose network of haute couture boutiques now spans the world.

Held under the patronage of the Lebanese President of the Council of Ministers, H.E. Saad Hariri, the Conference will take place in the historic Phoenicia Hotel in the heart of downtown Beirut. As well as tackling core industry topics in the region, the two-day programme will also include ample networking opportunities for delegates.

Registration is now open at tfwa.com. Follow the link to book your place at the industry’s indispensable annual forum for debate and exchange in the Middle East and Africa.