Burj el Arab turns green in memory of Galway born Colm McLoughlin, the long-time Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, who passed away on Wednesday night at age 81 after a brief illness.
Mr McLaughlin, who retired on May 31 after 55 years in the travel retail sector, was instrumental in transforming Dubai Duty Free from a startup in 1983 into the largest single airport duty-free operation globally, having originally arrived in Dubai with a six-month contract.
Colm actively represented and supported the Irish community in Dubai throughout his life, receiving the Irish Presidential Award in 2014 for his contributions to Ireland.
In 2004, he helped establish the Dubai Duty Free Foundation, which supported 119 charities, reflecting his commitment to social responsibility.
Colm was remembered not only for his business acumen but also for his warmth, kindness, and generosity, which left an enduring legacy in the travel retail community.
His professional journey began in 1969 at Shannon Airport, where he played a pivotal role in the development of the airport duty-free industry established by Brendan O’Regan before joining the Dubai project.
Colm also helped establish the Dubai Duty Free Foundation in 2004 and was very proud of the work that was done to support 119 local and international charities. Irish charities who were beneficiaries of Dubai Duty Free include the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation and Barrettstown Children’s Charity among many other local community organisations.
Under Colm’s tenure Dubai Duty Free were proud supporters of sport in Ireland and have been the title sponsor of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh Racecourse for nearly 20 years. The company were also the title sponsor of the Irish Open and revived the whole golf tournament when they came on board as title sponsor in 2015.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, shared: “With a heavy heart, we mourn the passing of Colm McLoughlin, a distinguished visionary whose dedication transformed Dubai Duty Free into a global icon over more than four decades. Colm was an inspiring and humble figure, one of the beautiful faces of Dubai and a brilliant mind with a kind and loving heart.”
Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi shared, “Colm was a great leader who built an award-winning retail business at Dubai Airport and steered its growth to a US$2 billion business with over 6,000 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.”
Interview with Travel Extra
Breda and Colm McLoughlin
