Welcome to MEE
I would like to welcome all exhibitors and visitors to the 9th edition of the Middle East Exclusive (MEE) exhibition that will be held in Dubai from 25 to 27 November 2012 at Dubai World Trade Centre.
MEE is the only show of its kind in the region that brings together international and regional representatives of the travel industry for a unique opportunity to showcase the world's leading and most luxurious brands to hundreds of international buyers and distributors from airports, airlines, duty free operations, border shops, hotels, ships and seaports.
The response to last year's exhibition was encouraging and underlines the fact that MEE continues to provide an effective business platform for the region's rapidly expanding duty free and luxury goods industry.
The United Arab Emirates continues with its impressive expansionary path and its travel and tourism industry also remains upbeat about its long-term prospects. Impressive growth is reflected in its hotels, leisure, retail sectors and its airports. The 2012 planned opening of Concourse 3 at Dubai International Airport and the opening of the passenger Terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport are good examples of our long term confidence and planning.
Other countries in the region are pursuing impressive tourism-related development projects of their own – a trend that bodes well for the future of the duty free industry and related businesses.
Thanks to Dubai Duty Free and the Middle East Duty Free Association (MEDFA) and the host of retailers and distributors from the Middle East, North Africa and the Indian sub-continent, for continuously supporting this event.
On behalf of the Government of Dubai, I wish you a rewarding time at MEE 2012.