MEADFA Conference to return to Dubai

The board of the Middle East and Africa Duty Free Association (MEADFA) has confirmed its conference will return to Dubai this year as the industry begins its recovery.

The MEADFA Conference is scheduled to take place from 21-23 November this year at the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel near The Irish Village.

The event will be hosted by Dubai Duty Free and managed by TFWA (Tax Free World Association).

MEADFA president Sherif Toulan said: “As our industry begins its recovery, the return of the MEADFA Conference will be widely welcomed across the industry as an excellent opportunity to reconnect face to face with the regional industry in the Middle East and Africa.

“Our sincere thanks goes to our host, Dubai Duty Free, whose hospitality we have much enjoyed at previous conferences.

“We are eagerly looking forward to meeting up with our friends and partners once again at what I am sure will prove to be a great reunion for our industry in the region.”

Those unable to travel to Dubai will be able to live stream the event for a fee on the TFWA 365 digital platform.

TFWA president Jaya Singh said: “We warmly welcome the return of the MEADFA Conference and are delighted to lend our support once again to this important trade event.

“Dubai has long been a powerhouse of our market and is the ideal choice to allow as many people as possible to attend the event in person.

“Our online platform will also ensure delegates attending virtually will not miss out on a varied and stimulating conference programme.”

Last year, the event was cancelled due to the ‘severe economic impact’ of the Covid-19 pandemic on the global travel retail sector.