Colm McLoughlin, Dubai Duty Free pioneer, passes away at 81

Colm McLoughlin, the visionary force behind Dubai Duty Free, passed away on Wednesday. He was 81.

McLoughlin’s contributions to the UAE’s travel retail industry were transformative, as he led Dubai Duty Free for over four decades, growing it into the world’s largest single airport retailer. 

McLoughlin’s impact on Dubai Duty Free spanned 41 years, where he steered its growth from modest beginnings to a business generating $2.16bn in annual sales. He joined in 1983 as part of a consultancy team from Ireland’s Aer Rianta, the Irish Airport Authority, to help launch Dubai’s duty-free operation. 

Staying on as general manager, he later rose to CEO, then to executive vice chairman, expanding the operation beyond retail into major projects such as The Irish Village, Century Village, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, and the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel.

A leader both revered and decorated, McLoughlin received 86 individual awards for his work, including the ‘Most Distinguished Employee Award’ from H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, in 2000. In 2014, he was honoured with the ‘Irish Presidential Distinguished Service Award’ by Ireland’s President Michael D Higgins. Three years later, Middlesex University Dubai awarded him an Honorary Doctorate.

Known for his commitment to hard work and his humility, McLoughlin attributed his success to “staying grounded and working honestly.” 

His close relationship with Dubai’s leaders, especially H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, underpinned much of Dubai Duty Free’s achievements. 

In retirement, McLoughlin remained an advisor to Dubai Duty Free and served as chairman of the Dubai Duty Free Foundation, supporting charitable initiatives globally. His contributions extended beyond business, leaving an indelible mark on Dubai’s reputation in the global retail arena.

Ramesh Cidambi, managing director of Dubai Duty Free, paid tribute to McLoughlin in a statement on Thursday.

“Colm was a great leader who built an award-winning retail business at Dubai Airport and steered its growth to a $2bn business with over 6000 employees at the time of his retirement. He was a true friend who touched so many lives within the travel retail industry. I join our chairman, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and all of our employees in sending our deepest condolences to Colm’s wife Breeda, his son Niall and his daughters Tyna and Mandy and all of their families. Our thoughts and prayers are with Breeda and the family at this very difficult time.”