The Middle East & Africa Duty Free Association (MEADFA) has confirmed that the MEADFA Conference is to return this year and take place in Dubai (21-23 November).

Last year, the event was also due to be held in Dubai, but was cancelled due to the economic turmoil, uncertainty and travel restrictions as a result of the coronavirus.

Managed by the Tax Free World Association and hosted by Dubai Duty Free, the event will take place at the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel near The Irish Village.

Delegates unable to travel to Dubai will be able to follow the conference through a paid livestream service on the TFWA 365 digital platform.

Sherif Toulan, President, MEADFA said: “As our industry begins its recovery, the return of the MEADFA Conference will be widely welcomed across the industry as an excellent opportunity to reconnect face to face with the regional industry in the Middle East and Africa.

‘A GREAT REUNION FOR OUR INDUSTRY’

“Our sincere thanks goes to our host Dubai Duty Free, whose hospitality we have much enjoyed at previous conferences. We are eagerly looking forward to meeting up with our friends and partners once again at what I am sure will prove to be a great reunion for our industry in the region.”

Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman & CEO of Dubai Duty Free commented: “We are delighted to once again host the MEADFA conference in Dubai and look forward to welcoming so many of our industry friends to the UAE.

“Having the event staged in Dubai is a great indicator that things are returning to some sort of normalcy and reflects the terrific job that the UAE has done in relation to Covid-19.”

Jaya Singh, President, TFWA remarked: “We warmly welcome the return of the MEADFA Conference and are delighted to lend our support once again to this important trade event. Dubai has long been a powerhouse of our market and is the ideal choice to allow as many people as possible to attend the event in person.

“Our TFWA 365 online platform will also ensure delegates attending virtually will not miss out on a varied and stimulating conference programme.”