Despite severe pressures and constraints on its ability to operate, Middle East Airlines celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2015 as a thriving, profitable business. The MEADFA Conference will hear from Middle East Airlines Chairman-Director General Mohamad Abdul Rahman El-Hout; on what the future holds for aviation in the Levant and the broader region, including the role of retail in the passenger services mix.

Phoenicia Trading Company, both through its cigar retail business and through its long-standing partnership with Aer Rianta International in Beirut Duty Free, is one of the pioneers of quality retailing in Lebanon. Chairman Mohamed Zeidan has been confronted by most challenges during 40 years of doing business in the country and he will explain to delegates the challenges that the duty free in Lebanon is facing and how the company is prepared to face them.

A personal welcome to delegates from Elie Saab, Chairman & President of the ELIE SAAB group, world renowned fashion designer who projects a vision of positivity from a contemporary Lebanon to the world, bridging distances, bringing people together, and celebrating Lebanon’s talent and name worldwide.