This year’s event will mark MEADFA’s 25th anniversary.

Early bird registration has opened for the 2026 Middle East & Africa Duty Free Association (MEADFA) Conference, which will take place in Rabat, Morocco, from 15–17 November.

This year’s event will mark MEADFA’s 25th anniversary and will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr. It will be the first time the conference has been hosted in the Moroccan capital, reflecting the association’s efforts to strengthen its engagement with African growth markets while continuing to bring together the wider Middle East and Africa travel retail industry.

Avolta has been confirmed as Official Host of the 2026 conference, while Heinemann Middle East Africa will sponsor the Welcome Cocktail.

Organised in partnership with TFWA, the annual event brings together retailers, airports, brands, distributors and other travel retail stakeholders for three days of networking, knowledge sharing and discussion around the future of the duty free and travel retail industry.

MEADFA said Rabat’s position as a gateway to Africa, alongside its cultural and institutional significance, made it a fitting location for the anniversary edition and reflected growing connectivity between Africa and the Middle East.

MEADFA President Abdeslam Agzoul said: “The 2026 MEADFA Conference marks a proud milestone as we celebrate 25 years of MEADFA. Over the past quarter century, the Association has played a key role in bringing together our industry across the Middle East and Africa, and this anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on our achievements while looking ahead to continued growth and collaboration.”

TFWA President Sarah Branquinho added: “Organised in partnership with TFWA, the MEADFA Conference continues to play a vital role in bringing the industry together across the Middle East and Africa. We look forward to this 25th anniversary edition, welcoming delegates to Rabat for what promises to be an engaging programme, valuable networking opportunities and meaningful discussions about the future of our industry.”

The conference will feature a programme of expert speakers and industry leaders alongside networking events aimed at encouraging collaboration and new business opportunities.

Further details on the agenda, speakers and social programme will be announced in the coming weeks.

To secure the early bird registration rate, sign up here.