MOROCCO. The Middle East & Africa Duty Free Association (MEADFA) has unveiled the programme for its upcoming conference, taking place from 15-17 November at the Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr in Morocco.
Held in Morocco for the first time, the conference also underscores the growing importance of Africa’s dynamic and fast-growing travel retail markets, as well as MEADFA’s expanding engagement across the region.
Marking MEADFA’s 25th anniversary, the event will bring together key figures from across the global travel retail industry for three days of conference sessions, networking and social events.
The programme will provide opportunities for industry leaders to exchange insights, share perspectives and build new connections.
Industry issues in focus
Sessions will explore the key trends shaping travel retail across the Middle East and Africa, including air traffic and passenger growth, opportunities across African markets and shifts in the retail landscape.
The programme will examine regional aviation and passenger trends through a Middle East and Africa air traffic outlook, alongside discussions on Africa’s growing travel retail potential with leading industry voices.
Senior leaders from across airports, retailers, brands, tourism, technology and industry organisations will feature throughout the programme, with representatives from ACI Africa, Africa Tourism Association, Amadeus, Avolta, Dubai Duty Free, Heinemann, Lagardère Travel Retail and Qatar Airways, as well as experts from Oliver Wyman and The Moodie Davitt Report.
The Moodie Davitt Report President & CEO Dermot Davitt will also co-moderate the programme.
MEADFA President Abdeslam Agzoul said, “We are delighted to share the programme for our 2026 conference, which brings together a strong line-up of industry leaders and experts to explore the opportunities and challenges affecting travel retail across the Middle East and Africa.
“The programme will offer delegates valuable perspectives, practical insights and opportunities for meaningful debate.”
Building industry connections
The event will also feature networking opportunities designed to encourage meaningful connections and new business relationships.
The social programme will include a Welcome Cocktail on Wednesday (15 November) and Gala Dinner on Thursday (16 November), alongside the MEADFA Grand Raffle, offering delegates the chance to win a selection of prizes.
Avolta will serve as Official Host of the conference, with Heinemann Middle East Africa sponsoring the Welcome Cocktail for the association’s 25th anniversary edition.
The conference builds on the global reach of its 2025 edition, which attracted 736 industry executives representing markets across different regions.
Delegates are invited to pre-register for MEADFA 2026 by 22 October.
Registration includes access to the two-day conference and networking facilities, the Opening Cocktail and Gala Dinner, as well as entry into the MEADFA Grand Raffle.
Those registering by 28 September will also have their name and company listed in the Delegate Directory and benefit from preferential room rates at MEADFA Conference preferred hotels. ✈
