The world’s biggest travel retailer in a single location, Dubai Duty Free, achieved over US$2 billion in sales last year. The retailer is redoubling its efforts to increase spend among key nationalities at a time of intensifying competition from other sales channels. The retailer’s Chief Operating Officer Ramesh Cidambi will give his thoughts on the issues currently shaping the business in Dubai and beyond.

Aer Rianta International is the most experienced international retailer in the Middle East, with a presence in markets such as Bahrain, Oman, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, plus a debut in Abu Dhabi to come. At a time of new developments and rapid change in the marketplace, how does the retailer assess the challenges ahead? This session will hear from Aer Rianta International Chief Executive Ray Hernan, making his first speaking engagement in the travel retail industry.

Welcome address from official host, Dr Khalfan Said Al Shueili, CEO of Oman Aviation Services and Chairman of Muscat Duty Free

Welcome from moderators Dermot Davitt and John Rimmer

With the opening of the new Muscat International Airport and the growth of national carrier Oman Airways, the outlook for aviation and related businesses in Oman has rarely looked brighter. The opening session of the MEADFA Conference will look in detail at current and future developments in the host nation, courtesy of Oman Airports Management Co CEO Sheikh Aimen Ahmed Al Hosni.