Momentum and resilience

Making the most of difficult circumstances, tourism and travel retail continue to thrive in the Middle East & Africa, as delegates will discover at the upcoming MEADFA Conference (9-11 November in Dubai).

Presenting the recent global tourist figures for the first half of 2025, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili spoke of “strong momentum and resilience” in the face of challenges. His words could also apply to MEA travel retail. Africa saw a +12% H1 rise in tourist arrivals, while in August Dubai Duty Free hit yet another record for monthly sales (its sixth so far this year) with turnover of $177 million. Both achievements came despite continued volatility in international trade and geopolitics. They form a positive backdrop to the upcoming MEADFA Conference at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, to be hosted by Dubai Duty Free.

Carpe diem 

Thriving in an environment that never stands still is a central theme of the event. The “Leading through change” session on Day 1 will highlight the opportunities across the region from a retailer perspective, with input from major players ARI, Lagardère Travel Retail, Heinemann, Avolta and Africa Travel Retail. In a similar vein, Day 2 starts with “Risk & resilience: navigating MEA’s business landscape” where boutique advisory firm EMIR will identify the qualities crucial to success in the region’s diverse key markets. The surge in international visitors to Saudi Arabia is also creating new openings, and a mid-morning session will explore how travel retail stakeholders can make the most of the resulting possibilities.

Data and detail 

As well as bigger-picture analysis of MEA, the two-day Conference will yield plenty of actionable insights and metrics that form the basis of successful strategies. The head economist at ACI World will underline the main economic trends affecting the region’s airport retail, F&B and non-aeronautical revenue on Day 1. Immediately after, traveller research specialist Pi Insight analyses the expectations of younger consumers driving demand for sustainable luxury and experiential shopping. Day 2 features an IATA overview of the latest developments in aviation and tourism including passenger reservations and infrastructure investments. Focuses on Qatar Duty Free, African travel retail, sustainability and the growing influence of Indian passengers in the region complete the incisive Conference programme.

Event information 

See the full event programme 
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