The MEADFA Conference will take place in Dubai on 9-11 November.

The Middle East & Africa Duty Free Association (MEADFA) is inviting submissions to the MEADFA Awards, which will take place during the gala dinner at this year’s MEADFA Conference (9-11 November).

MEADFA President Abdeslam Agzoul said: “The MEADFA Awards celebrate the innovation, resilience, and excellence that define our industry. A platform to honour those who continue to push boundaries and set new benchmarks in travel retail across the Middle East and Africa.

“We look forward to recognising the remarkable achievements of this year’s participants and are excited to see how their contributions will shape the future of our industry.”

MEADFA Award Committee Chair Dr Bernard Creed added: “We encourage all companies in the travel retail sector to participate and showcase their outstanding accomplishments. The MEADFA Awards provide a unique opportunity to highlight the remarkable efforts driving our industry forward.”

The MEADFA Awards Committee Members comprise the following: Dr Bernard Creed, Treasurer; Abdeslam Agzoul, President; Chichi Maponya, Vice President; Isaias Diaz, Board Member; Nuno Amaral, Board Member; Sherif Toulan, Board Member; and Micheline El Ammar, Operations Manager.

MEADFA Awards categories

Submissions close on September 30, 2025.

Best Retailer Award: Recognising organisations that demonstrate excellence in customer service, innovation, and significant contributions to the development of travel retail in the region.

Best in Marketing Strategy of the Year Award: Celebrating marketing approaches that engage customers through innovative platforms and dynamic content, setting new benchmarks for adaptability and consumer engagement.

Sustainability and CSR Award: Highlighting initiatives that champion sustainability and corporate social responsibility, with sub-categories including Best Green Achiever, Best Sustainable Brand, Sustainable Retailer of the Year, Best CSR Performance.

Customer & Supplier Award: Recognising exceptional achievements in customer satisfaction and supplier collaboration, with sub-categories such as Outstanding Achievement in Customer Satisfaction, Innovative Supplier of the Year, Excellence in Supplier Collaboration

Lifetime Achievement Award: Honouring an individual whose visionary leadership and remarkable contributions have significantly shaped the travel retail industry, fostering sustainability, innovation, and growth.

The MEADFA Conference will be staged in Dubai at InterContinental Dubai Festival City, hosted by Dubai Duty Free.

For further information, contact Micheline El Ammar at [email protected]

READ MORE: Dates and location announced for 2025 MEADFA Conference