Given the rapid growth of passenger traffic at Dubai’s airports over the next few decades, the case for the rapid expansion of Al Maktoum International Dubai World Central (DWC) is clear. Originally opened for cargo in June 2010 and in October 2013 for passenger operations, DWC currently has capacity for seven million passengers and up to 600,000 tonnes of freight. But this is just the start. The continued growth necessitates not only the ongoing investment in infrastructure but a totally new approach to the airport journey and how services are delivered to customers.
Ultimately DWC – which when complete will be one of the biggest international airports – will leverage both technology and a design that puts the customer at its core to be the most advanced and efficient airport in the world. Delegates at the MEADFA Conference will hear from Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths on the commercial vision for one of the world’s most exciting aviation projects.
The session will also feature an update on retail plans at DWC from Dubai Duty Free Senior Vice President – IT and Logistics Ramesh Cidambi.

With 28,000sq m of commercial space available, Abu Dhabi International Airport’s new Midfield Terminal is subject of some of the most hotly-contested retail tenders ever held in the region. Abu Dhabi Airports Company Senior Vice-President Business Development Dan Cappell will update delegates on the commercial vision for the Midfield Terminal as it takes shape.

Exploring Middle Eastern duty free beyond the airport: at the border, seaport, the diplomatic store and onboard the ferry. What characterises customers in these channels? What opportunities exist for brands and operators?

Featuring Jordanian Duty Free Shops CEO Haitham Al Majali and Flemingo Director & Board Member Paul Topping.

Growth in Middle Eastern duty free continues at a rapid pace, but regulatory challenges remain as in other regions around the world. This session will look at those challenges and at how the industry is mobilising to meet them. Featuring Duty Free World Council President Frank O’Connell and MEADFA President Sean Staunton.

From a small base, Africa is nonetheless one of the fastest growing regions in global duty free, and recent tenders on the continent have attracted interest from the world’s leading operators. But how much do we really understand about the African consumer? How should travel retailers and brands adapt their strategies to cater to the growing numbers of middle-class African travellers visiting their stores?