MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA. More details have emerged of the Middle East and Africa Duty Free Association (MEADFA) Conference, which takes place in Muscat, Oman from 24 to 26 November.
The TFWA-managed event is being staged at the Kempinski Hotel, and the social events programme will begin with the Opening Cocktail on Sunday at the Zale Beach Club & Lounge on the shorefront.
The Gala Dinner, hosted by Muscat Duty Free, is on Monday 25 November by the main pool of the Kempinski.
Supporting the event are Muscat Duty Free (Official Host) and Oman Aviation Services SOAC, while other sponsors include JTI (Diamond Sponsor); Aphrodite Duty Free, Dubai Duty Free, Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail, KT International and Jordanian Duty Free Shops (Platinum Sponsors); Aer Rianta International-Middle East, Lagardère Travel Retail and Oriental General Trading (Gold Sponsors) and International Duty Free Shops Morocco (Silver Sponsor).
Additional support will be provided by Imperial Brands (Exhibitor), Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail (Wine & Spirits Sponsor), Al Fakher Tobacco (Delegate Directory Sponsor), Haribo and Nestlé KitKat (Coffee Break Sponsors). The Moodie Davitt Report is among the Media Partners.
Lunch, hosted by Mazaya, is at The Kitchen restaurant at the Kempinski.
As reported, the line-up of speakers includes Oman Aviation Services CEO and Muscat Duty Free Chairman Dr Khalfan Said Al Shueili; Oman Airports Management Co CEO Sheikh Aimen Ahmed Al Hosni; ARI Chief Executive Ray Hernan; Dubai Duty Free Chief Operating Officer Ramesh Cidambi; Dufry Africa CEO Isabel Zarza; Dubai Airports Vice President Commercial Eugene Barry and MMI and Emirates Leisure Retail Group CEO Andrew Day.
MEADFA President Haitham Al Majali said: “The duty free and travel retail market in the Middle East and Africa is going from strength to strength, and this is reflected in the excellent line-up of speakers and leading brands who will be joining us at the MEADFA Conference this year. Their expertise will prove invaluable in helping more businesses unlock their true potential in this fast-growing region.”
TFWA President Alain Maingreaud said: “TFWA is proud to continue its long-standing support of the MEADFA Conference and we are looking forward to another great event. With its rich history and reputation for warm hospitality, Oman is the ideal setting for what promises to be an insightful and thought-provoking conference.”
For more information on MEADFA 2019 click here.
NOTE: The Moodie Davitt Report is this year again publishing the annual MEADFA Guide, the official publication for the MEADFA Conference. For details on how to partner with us, contact Publisher Irene Revilla at irene@moodiedavittreport.com.
