Dubai Duty Free has announced the passing of Colm McLoughlin, its former Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, who died in the UK yesterday after a brief illness. A native of Ireland, Colm lived in Dubai for over 40 years and helmed Dubai Duty Free from 1983 until his retirement this past May.
Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, praised Colm as a remarkable leader who cultivated an award-winning retail business within Dubai Airport, growing it into a $2 billion enterprise with over 6,000 employees at the time of his retirement. Cidambi joined HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and the entire staff in offering condolences to Colm’s wife Breeda, his son Niall, and daughters Tyna and Mandy during this challenging period.
Colm was well-known and cherished in Dubai, having been part of the original team from Aer Rianta that established the duty-free operation in July 1983, a venture that was meant to last just six months but instead spanned over four decades. Under his leadership, Dubai Duty Free emerged as one of the largest single airport operations globally. He was also dedicated to supporting the Irish community in Dubai and received the Irish Presidential Award in 2014 for his contributions. Furthermore, he was instrumental in founding the Dubai Duty Free Foundation in 2004, which supported 119 local and international charities. Colm will be fondly remembered for his personable nature, kindness, and unwavering friendship, marking an enduring legacy.
