Despite geopolitical disruption and closed airspace, the Middle East & Africa region lives up to its dynamic reputation as the MEADFA Conference approaches (9-11 November in Dubai).
Record sales by Dubai Duty Free in five of the first seven months of 2025, record H1 passenger traffic at Jordan’s Queen Alia International Airport, and a +6.9% year-on-year passenger uplift at African airports in June boosted by Egypt and Morocco. Long one of duty free and travel retail’s most dynamic geographies, the Middle East & Africa region is achieving growth despite the current geopolitical turmoil. The forthcoming MEADFA Conference, hosted by Dubai Duty Free at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City and managed by TFWA, provides a valuable opportunity to reconnect and discuss strategy.
The bigger picture
Following a welcome by MEADFA President Abdeslam Agzoul, Day 1 starts with regional powerhouse Qatar Duty Free’s vision of the travel experience at Hamad International Airport in Doha set out by Thabet Musleh, Chief Retail & Hospitality Officer with Qatar Airways. Other major retailers including Avolta, ARI and Lagardère Travel Retail then share their views of the fast-changing commercial landscape in a panel discussion. Three further sessions complete the day’s programme with expert analysis of the regulatory environment in the region, the economic outlook, and the evolving expectations of travellers.
Forces that shape
Macro trends driving investment, market conditions and consumer behaviour across MEA provide economic context on Day 2. The transformation of tourism in Saudi Arabia and its consequences for our industry forms a subsequent focus, as does the next wave of African travel retail with input from ACI and Gebr. Heinemann. Other highlights are sustainability, a core concern for a growing number of passengers, plus a fascinating session on how Indian travellers are reshaping travel retail in MEA. The day’s formal presentations close with data-rich insights from IATA on regional trends including passenger traffic and infrastructure spend.
Forging links
Prized for its networking possibilities, the MEADFA Conference will give delegates ample scope to expand their contacts. Sunday evening’s Welcome Cocktail kicks off the social programme, with networking coffee breaks and lunches arranged for Monday and Tuesday. The highpoint comes on Monday night with the gala dinner incorporating the MEADFA awards. The Conference also leaves participants free on both afternoons to mix with colleagues.
