In the light of the fragile oil and energy sector in the Middle East, amid other challenges to regional economies, one of Dubai Eye’s leading voices Richard Dean, Presenter of Business Breakfast, a daily radio talk show and podcast will offer his perspective on the region’s current state of flux and suggest how this will affect regional commerce in the mid- to long-term.
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Gearing up for growth
Dubai Duty Free has set its sights on reaching US$3 billion in sales within a few years’ time. As new retail space opens at Al Maktoum International Airport, and growing numbers of high-spending Asian travellers visit the UAE, that target looks realistic. But challenges remain, both regulatory and geopolitical. Dubai Duty Free Chief Operating Officer Ramesh Cidambi shares his views on the trading climate at the region’s leading travel retailer.
Patchi
Nuno AMARAL
Nuno Amaral is CEO of ARI Middle East and Global Chief Operations Officer, leading business units across the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Based in Bahrain, he also oversees ARI’s global ESG agenda.
He joined ARI in 2014 as General Manager of Operations for the Middle East, later becoming CEO for the region and subsequently Chief Operations & Business Development Officer in Dublin. Nuno returned to the Middle East in 2025 to assume his expanded global role.
Originally from Portugal, he began his career with Deloitte and held senior leadership positions at Lidl and Unilever before entering the travel retail industry as CEO of Lojas Francas de Portugal, managing 31 outlets and TAP Portugal’s in-flight sales operations. Nuno studied Business Management at Católica Lisbon and holds an MBA from Nova School of Business and Economics.
Majani
Stephen HILLAM
Having previously held senior positions at leading travel retail industry consultancies, Stephen Hillam founded Pi Insight in early 2019 to provide research, insight & data solutions to the travel retail industry.
At Pi Insight, Stephen leads a team of experienced travel retail insight specialists. With extensive experience in multiple research and data processing techniques, Pi Insight works with global brands, retailers, and industry associations, delivering insight and clear strategic direction across a wide range of industry themes. In addition to travel retail, Stephen also specializes in packaging development.
Stephen holds degrees from the University of Hull and the University of Northampton in the UK.
Zalatimo Sweets
Mondelez
IDFS Morocco
