Thursday, November 21, 2024 Over 550 industry leaders gathered in Abu Dhabi for MEADFA Conference 2024, exploring travel retail innovation, sustainability, and future growth opportunities. Over 500 participants gathered for the 2024 MEADFA Conference in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from November 17-19. The event featured a compelling agenda, engaging sessions, and prestigious awards, setting the stage for significant discussions on the future of travel retail in the Middle East and Africa.
The conference commenced with opening remarks by MEADFA President Sherif Toulan and Abu Dhabi Airports’ Managing Director & CEO Elena Sorlini. Attendees observed a moment of silence in honor of Colm McLoughlin’s legacy before diving into discussions on regional growth opportunities, particularly the importance of non-aeronautical revenue streams for airports and expansion potential in the Indian subcontinent. The first day also explored strategies to tackle industry challenges and highlighted the critical need to adapt to evolving traveler expectations amid recovery in global travel.
Day two spotlighted transformative developments in Saudi Arabia, offering significant prospects for the duty-free and travel retail sectors. Discussions extended to East Africa’s flourishing travel and tourism sectors, underscoring new opportunities for engaging with diverse audiences. Sustainability took center stage with an update on its growing relevance across the industry.
A session dedicated to enhancing custome.