The Middle East & Duty Free Association (MEADFA) Conference, held in Abu Dhabi from 17-19 November, concluded with a resounding affirmation of the region's resilience and the dynamism of the duty-free industry. The Moodie Davitt Report, represented by Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie and President Dermot Davitt, was present throughout the event, providing firsthand coverage. Davitt co-moderated the conference alongside Michele Miranda, Conference Director at the Tax Free World Association (TFWA), which managed the event on behalf of MEADFA. A comprehensive report will follow in the coming weeks.
The conference opened on 17 November with a welcome cocktail reception hosted by Aer Rianta International Middle East at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr hotel, attracting many of the 600 anticipated delegates. The event's positive atmosphere was evident, setting the stage for the following days' discussions and presentations.
Day 1 included a key session moderated by John Rimmer, focusing on the critical issues facing the industry's growth in the Middle East and Africa. This panel discussion featured Rob Marriott, Chair of the MEADFA Advocacy Group and Aer Rianta International Middle East Chief Executive, alongside representatives from Mars, Africa Travel Retail, Organico Solutions, PMI, and the Duty-Free World Council. Marriott emphasised the importance of collaboration to address growing regulatory challenges, while Sarah Branquinho highlighted the need for a unified industry approach to counter negative perceptions of duty free. Banu EkÅi discussed the impact of evolving tobacco allowances on sales.
The 18th November featured the MEADFA Gala Dinner and Awards, held at the Yas Marina Circuit. Avoltaâs choice of venue proved a success. The awards ceremony celebrated industry achievements, with notable wins including a Lifetime Achievement Award for MEADFA Operations Manager Micheline El Amaar Enkiri, Best Retailer for Lagardère Travel Retail, a Sustainability & CSR Award for Muscat Duty Free, and a Best Marketing Strategy Award for Dubai Duty Free. Pernod Ricard India, Middle East & Africa received the Customer & Supplier of the Year accolade.
MEADFA President Sherif Toulan, in his opening address, highlighted the record attendance, demonstrating the region's significance to the global duty-free and travel retail industry. He lauded the new Zayed International Airport, praising its architecture and retail offerings. He also paid a poignant tribute to the late Colm McLoughlin, a legendary figure in the industry, recognising his pioneering contributions to the Middle East duty-free market. Toulan acknowledged the ongoing regional conflict, expressing sympathy for those affected while maintaining optimism for the future.
Day 2 concluded with an inspirational keynote address by GHARAGE Managing Director Lennard Niemann, offering a forward-looking perspective on the future of travel retail in the age of artificial intelligence. Avolta Head of Global Operational Excellence, Alec Denby, and ISC-CX Client Services Director Florian Wimmer provided valuable insight into the application of mystery shopping for enhancing operational excellence and customer satisfaction. Frank Cortes, Director of Public and Commercial Venue Management at King Salman International Airport, challenged conventional airport commercial strategies, highlighting the innovative approach of this major airport development.
ForwardKeys Vice President of Brands, Retailers and Media, Marina Giuliano, presented an overview of regional and global passenger trends, revealing positive indicators for the industry's future growth. A session featuring Abu Dhabi Airports Managing Director and CEO Elena Sorlini, revealed the upcoming announcement of a new Chief Commercial Officer.
The MEADFA 2024 Conference successfully showcased the resilience and innovation within the Middle East and African duty-free and travel retail sector, highlighting future opportunities and the need for collaborative action to address ongoing challenges. The Moodie Davitt Report will publish a more detailed account of the conference's proceedings shortly.