DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Colm McLoughlin, a pivotal figure in transforming Dubai Duty Free into a major player in airport retail, has passed away at the age of 81. McLoughlin dedicated over 40 years to this enterprise, which has grown in tandem with Dubai’s evolution from a humble trading port to a vibrant metropolis renowned for its architectural innovations and attractions, including the tallest building in the world.
During his tenure, from 1983 until his recent retirement, McLoughlin oversaw the expansion of Dubai Duty Free, an operation characterized by its extensive range of products. Travelers at Dubai International Airport, the busiest globally for international passenger traffic, were greeted with rows of electronics, alcohol, tobacco, and other goods sold duty-free by a multilingual sales team clad in green jackets and yellow ties.
In a 1987 interview, McLoughlin expressed the diverse customer base of Dubai Duty Free, saying, “It’s a very Middle Eastern kind of thing… We have to cater to a lot of tastes.” The organization announced his passing on Wednesday, citing a brief illness as the cause, and celebrating his considerable contributions to the airport retail sector, which grew into a $2 billion business with a workforce exceeding 6,000 by the time he retired. Ramesh Cidambi, the new managing director, commended his leadership and vision for the company.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who heads both Emirates Airline and Dubai Duty Free, expressed his sorrow at McLoughlin’s passing, noting the lasting impact of his passion and innovative spirit through a social media post.
McLoughlin, hailing from Ballinasloe, Ireland, began his career in duty-free retail in 1969 at Shannon Airport. His journey to Dubai commenced in July 1983 when he moved with a small team to establish the first duty-free operation in the region, initially signing a six-month contract that extended over four decades.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for the aviation sector, including a decline in sales at Dubai Duty Free. However, recovery has been remarkable. In 2023, the year he retired, the operation reported impressive sales figures that included millions of beer cans, whiskey bottles, cartons of cigarettes, cigars, and perfume.
The Chinese traveler segment became increasingly important for the duty-free enterprise, as McLoughlin’s team created tailored services such as Mandarin-speaking staff and localized product offerings to cater to their preferences. “We would be silly if we didn’t take advantage of it and try to serve them,” he remarked in a 2012 interview about this initiative.
Additionally, Dubai Duty Free became synonymous with extravagant raffles, giving travelers chances to win cash prizes, luxury cars, and motorcycles. McLoughlin’s influence extended beyond retail as he actively supported sporting events in tennis and golf and became a notable figure in Dubai’s Irish community. His dedication was recognized in 2014 when he received the Irish Presidential Distinguished Service Award.
The citation for his award underscored his role within the Irish community in the UAE, highlighting his significant professional achievements and leadership in various Irish organizations, which significantly promoted Irish interests in the region. He is survived by his wife Breeda, son Niall, daughters Tyna and Mandy, along with their families.