Dubai Duty Free will be celebrating its 40th birthday today.
In 1983, the Dubai Government requested a 10-man team from Aer Rianta to set up the duty-free operation in Dubai, and the individual was part of that team.
Its was headed by Colm McLoughlin whose career began in the 1960s at Woolworths before moving to work for Shannon Duty Free in Ireland. His excursion as part of that team changed his life.
They opened the Dubai Duty Free on December 20, 1983, and Colm McLoughlin was asked to stay on and lead the new operation.
He holds the position of Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Duty Free.
Dubai Duty Free operates retail areas of approximately 40,000 square meters across Dubai International and Al Maktoum International airports. They also oversee subsidiary businesses like The Irish Village, The Century Village, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, and Jumeirah Creekside Hotel.
Over the past 40 years, Dubai Duty Free has evolved and enriched the duty-free experience in the region and globally by developing a retail operation that rivals the best in the world.
The duty-free industry in the Middle East has grown and developed through regional competition, raising awareness among suppliers about the region.
Dubai Duty Free’s unique business model, including marketing and promotion efforts, has contributed to the growth and recognition of Dubai as an aviation hub.
Key achievements include organising a major tennis tournament that generates over $1 bn worth of TV coverage, promotions like the Finest Surprise Promotion (1,850 luxury cars given away) and the Millenniummaire Promotion (437 winners of $1m), and receiving over 750 awards in 40 years.
