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

Anwar Dawood, Staff Reporter

Colm McLoughlin, the pioneering figure of Dubai Duty Free, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 81. He had spent 55 years in the duty-free industry, during which time he led the expansion of the retail sector at Dubai Airport for 41 years. He left behind a significant legacy in the industry.

It was reported by “Al Khaleej” newspaper that McLoughlin had passed away outside of the UAE, surrounded by his little family.

The deceased was renowned for his dedication to hard work and humility. Even after his recent retirement, he continued to contribute to the duty-free market and support charitable initiatives globally.

The duty-free industry has lost a prominent figure with the passing of McLoughlin, who had a distinguished career in the industry and made a significant impact on the field of travel and retail.

McLoughlin, who previously held the roles of Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the travel retail sector. He resigned from his position as head of Dubai Duty Free on May 31, 2024, after a 55-year tenure marked by notable achievements.

Colm McLoughlin was appointed to the advisory team in Dubai in 1983, having been contracted by the Dubai Government to launch the new Dubai Duty Free on behalf of Aer Rianta, a subsidiary of the Irish Airports Authority.

However, the appeal of Dubai proved to be an enduring factor in McLoughlin's decision to remain in the region. He subsequently assumed the role of General Manager, before being appointed CEO of Dubai Duty Free in 2011.

This was followed by his appointment as Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free and its subsidiaries, which include the Irish Village restaurants, Century Village, Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, and Jumeirah Creekside Hotel.

McLoughlin's leadership has resulted in Dubai Duty Free's noteworthy and consistent expansion over the past four decades. Total revenues have increased exponentially, from US$20 million in 1984 to $2.16 billion in 2023.

During this esteemed period, Dubai Duty Free has been the recipient of over 780 awards, 86 of which were presented directly to Colm. These include the Most Distinguished Employee Award, which was bestowed upon him by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in 2000.

Additionally, in 2014, he was presented with the Irish Presidential Award for Distinguished Service by Irish President Michael D. Higgins. In 2017, Middlesex University Dubai bestowed an honorary doctorate upon Colm McLoughlin in commemoration of its academic achievements that year.