UAE/INTERNATIONAL. The Middle East and Africa Duty Free Association (MEADFA) has named the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Hotel in Abu Dhabi as the venue for its 2024 conference. As reported in our coverage from the recent Tax Free World Association (TFWA) Asia Pacific event, it will take place from 17-19 November.
Managed by TFWA, this year’s MEADFA Conference will be hosted by Abu Dhabi Airports. MEADFA said the choice of the location for the event reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to enhancing its infrastructure and global connectivity.
MEADFA noted that Abu Dhabi’s forward-thinking approach is exemplified by the new terminal at Zayed International Airport, which it said has become “a symbol of the emirate’s ambition and world-renowned hospitality”.
Designed to handle 45 million passengers annually, the state-of-the-art terminal doubles the airport’s previous capacity, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s vision to boost tourism and strengthen its status as a key aviation hub. Read more about the airport in our extensive feature here.
MEADFA has also announced a collaboration for this year’s conference Gala Dinner, with Abu Dhabi Airports joining forces with leading travel experience player Avolta to “bring an unforgettable evening to our guests”.
Details of the conference programme and other practical information will follow in due course.
MEADFA President Sherif Toulan said: “This year, we proudly announce the MEADFA Conference to be held in Abu Dhabi. The MEADFA board and I consider it a privilege to return to the UAE and we extend our sincere gratitude to our hosts for their invaluable support. The duty-free and travel retail industry in Abu Dhabi has always been vibrant and continues to flourish.
“We look forward to welcoming our friends and industry partners from the Middle East, Africa and across the globe to an event presenting an engaging programme featuring a diverse line-up of speakers and offering valuable insights and perspectives on the latest trends and innovations in the industry.”
Abu Dhabi Airports CEO Elena Sorlini commented: “Abu Dhabi Airports is honoured to once again host the MEADFA Conference, following the successful event held in Abu Dhabi in 2008. This opportunity reaffirms our commitment to fostering innovation and partnership within the duty-free and travel retail sector.
“As we welcome delegates from around the world, we are proud to showcase Abu Dhabi’s ongoing growth and groundbreaking developments within this industry. Through these efforts, Abu Dhabi further establishes itself as a premier travel destination and a key hub for trade and tourism.”
TFWA President Erik Juul-Mortensen said: “The MEADFA Conference is one of the highlights of the duty-free and travel retail calendar, and TFWA is proud to support it once again. This event connects industry colleagues from the Middle East and Africa with counterparts from global markets, offering invaluable insights into the business dynamics of the region.
“Set against the dynamic backdrop of Abu Dhabi, this conference will yet again promise unmatched opportunities for learning and networking.” ✈
