Former chief of Dubai Duty Free Colm McLoughlin dies aged 81

He was instrumental in DDF's rise to become the single-largest duty free operation in the world

Colm McLoughlin led Dubai Duty Free for 41 years. Victor Besa / The National

The former chief executive of Dubai Duty Free, Colm McLoughlin, died on Wednesday. He was 81.

McLoughlin, who also served as DDF's executive vice chairman, was instrumental in its rise to becoming the single-largest duty-free operation in the world.

He stepped down from the company in May this year, after 41 years at its helm. He maintained an advisory role and remained as chairman of the DDF Foundation.

Under his leadership, DDF’s business grew from $20 million in 1984 to $2.16 billion last year.

"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," Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said on X on Friday. He hailed the former DDF chief as an "inspiring and humble figure".

Ramesh Cidambi, managing director of Dubai Duty Free, said, “Colm was a great leader who built an award-winning retail business at Dubai Airport and steered its growth to a $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, 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.”

McLoughlin was a member of the original consultancy team from Aer Rianta, the Irish airport authority, which was contracted by the Dubai government to launch the duty free operation in 1983. His initial contract with the government was for six months but he went on to run the business for more than four decades.

He continued to serve the Irish diaspora throughout his life in Dubai and received an Irish Presidential Distinguished Service Award in 2014.