During a press conference held at the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes last week, the President of the Middle East and Africa Duty Free Association (MEADFA), Haitham Al Majali revealed that the association had established an Advocacy Group for the region.

 

MEADFA Board Member and VP and CEO of International Duty Free (IDF), Sherif Toulan, explained that the new group comprises several of those sitting on the MEADFA board, as well as association members, in addition to external consultants who are advising them on how best to tackle regulatory challenges particular to the Middle East & Africa, including the ITP (Illicit Trade Protocol).

 

Al Majali also revealed that the association had renewed its agreement with the TFWA to manage its annual conference for a further two years and that its members can expect an upgrade to the MEADFA Training Programme in the coming months.

 

As reported, for the fourth consecutive year, marketing and sales executives were invited to the Annual MEADFA Training event, held from 24 to 26 June 2019 at the Roda Al Bustan Hotel in Dubai.

 

GRADUATION CEREMONY

Shortly after returning to Jordan – where he holds the position of CEO for Jordanian Duty Free Shops – the MEADFA President said he would be hosting a graduation ceremony for the first batch of graduates from the training scheme

 

At the press conference held in Cannes last week, Al Majali was able to provide more details about the annual MEADFA conference which will take place at the Kempinski Hotel in Muscat, Oman, from 24-26 November.

 

The Opening Cocktail, which will take place on Sunday 24 November at the exclusive Zale Beach Club & Lounge on the shorefront.

 

The Gala Dinner, hosted by Muscat Duty Free, will take place on Monday 25 November at the main pool of the Kempinski Hotel.

 

“The duty free and travel retail market in the Middle East & Africa is going from strength-to-strength, and this is reflected in the excellent line-up of speakers and leading brands who will be joining us at the MEADFA Conference this year,” said Al Majali.

 

“Their expertise will prove invaluable in helping more businesses unlock their true potential in this fast-growing region.”

 

Alain Maingreaud, TFWA President, said; “TFWA is proud to continue its long-standing support of the MEADFA Conference and we are looking forward to another great event. With its rich history and reputation for warm hospitality, Oman is the ideal setting for what promises to be an insightful and thought-provoking conference.”

 

Registration for the MEADFA Conference in now open. To book your place and find out more information about the event, please visit https://www.tfwa.com/the-meadfa-conference.