INTERNATIONAL. Welcome to The Moodie Davitt Magazine for November 2024, which features a special focus on the Middle East and Africa travel retail markets.
This edition is mailed to our worldwide audience in digital format, with hard copies available to delegates at the Middle East & Africa Duty Free Association (MEADFA) Conference in Abu Dhabi on 17-19 November.
We pay tribute in these pages to the towering figure of Colm McLoughlin, long-time Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, who passed away on 30 October. We salute his pioneering and profound influence on the company he served and on the regional and global travel retail industry.
Our cover story features the latest developments at Qatar Duty Free, as a focus on innovation and brand partnerships alongside a hospitality-led, consumer-centric philosophy continue to drive growth at Hamad International Airport.
Just over a year on from the opening of Zayed International Airport, we reflect on how an ambitious vision has become a vibrant reality in Abu Dhabi.
We also speak to leading international and local players in the wider region, including ARI-Middle East, Avolta, Iraq Duty Free, Jeddah Duty Free, Jordanian Duty Free Shops and Lagardère Travel Retail.
MEADFA President Sherif Toulan assesses the issues that lead the association’s agenda, from advocacy to membership to sustainability.
He also discusses the emergence of markets such as Saudi Arabia that have the power to transform the industry in the Middle East region.
This November Magazine is accompanied by the latest issue in our Category Insight series, dedicated this time to tobacco & reduced risk products.
That title features the Dubai Duty Free view of a critical category, alongside brand owner opinion on the opportunities and challenges facing the business, plus interviews with PMI Duty Free and BAT.
Please enjoy this edition with our compliments. ✈