Irishman who transformed Dubai Duty Free into retail powerhouse dies

DUBAI, U.A.E.: Colm McLoughlin, the Irishman who transformed Dubai Duty Free into a global airport retail powerhouse, has died at 81.

McLoughlin, who led Dubai Duty Free from its inception in 1983 until his retirement earlier this year, helped grow the operation into a $2 billion business with over 6,000 employees. According to a statement by Dubai Duty Free, he passed away on Wednesday following a brief illness.

Arriving in Dubai with a small team in 1983, McLoughlin was initially on a six-month contract to set up the airport's duty-free operation. His tenure, however, extended to over four decades, during which he witnessed and contributed to Dubai's rapid growth into a bustling international hub.

Under his leadership, Dubai Duty Free catered to millions of travelers at Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest airport for international flights. The vibrant stores, known for their broad selection of electronics, alcohol, tobacco, and luxury goods, became a signature feature of the airport experience.

Ramesh Cidambi, Dubai Duty Free's managing director, credited McLoughlin's vision for building the brand into a thriving retail enterprise. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's ruler, mourned McLoughlin's passing, praising him as "a distinguished visionary" whose dedication turned Dubai Duty Free into a "global icon."

Born in Ballinasloe, Ireland, in 1943, McLoughlin started his career in duty-free at Shannon Airport in 1969 before relocating to Dubai. Throughout his career, he focused on adapting to international tastes, bringing in Mandarin-speaking staff and payment options to cater to Chinese travelers, and offering a range of duty-free goods that appealed to diverse tastes.

McLoughlin's strategies proved successful, with sales rebounding strongly after the pandemic. In 2023 alone, Dubai Duty Free recorded impressive figures, including millions of cigars, bottles of whiskey, and cartons of cigarettes.

In addition to retail, McLoughlin oversaw Dubai Duty Free's sponsorship of major sporting events and was an active supporter of Dubai's Irish community. In 2014, he received the Irish Presidential Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to promoting Irish interests in the UAE.

McLoughlin is survived by his wife Breeda, son Niall, daughters Tyna and Mandy, and their families. His legacy endures through the impact he made on Dubai Duty Free and the broader Irish community in the UAE.