Departure of former Dubai Duty Free CEO Colm McLaughlin

Yesterday, Wednesday, the former CEO of Dubai Duty Free, Colm McLaughlin, passed away at the age of 81, after a brilliant journey that lasted for more than four decades in the leadership of Dubai Duty Free, where he played a major and influential role in the rise of the “market” and its achievement of a prominent global position. As the largest free market in the world.

McLaughlin came to Dubai as a member of the advisory team from Air Rianta, a subsidiary of the Irish Airports Authority, which was contracted by the Dubai government to launch the new Dubai Duty Free in 1983. However, McLaughlin remained in Dubai to later serve as general manager of the new organization, and then became Executive Director of Dubai Duty Free in 2011, before he was later appointed to the position of Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free and its subsidiaries, which include “The Village” restaurants. The Irish Club, Century Village, Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, and Jumeirah Creekside Hotel.

Under McLaughlin’s leadership, Dubai Duty Free has achieved significant and steady growth over the past four decades, with its total revenues jumping from US$20 million in 1984 to US$2.16 billion in 2023. During that stellar journey, Dubai Duty Free has won more than 780 awards. , 86 of which were awarded directly to McLaughlin.

In 2017, Middlesex University Dubai awarded an honorary doctorate to Colm McLaughlin as part of its celebration of her academic successes that year.

On May 31, 2024, Colm McLoughlin announced that he was stepping down from his position as head of Dubai Duty Free, after 55 years of dedication and success in the travel retail sector. McLaughlin, who played a major role behind the rise of Dubai Duty Free, retained an advisory role.

Commenting on the announcement of his resignation last May, he said at the time: “I take advantage of the news of my retirement announcement to extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to the Chairman of our Board of Directors, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Supreme Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, for his support. The great and lasting one for me, which had a profound impact on the success of my mission at the helm of Dubai Duty Free. I also thank all the market staff members, including administrators and employees, who spared no effort to support my career. “Continuity and stability have played a major role in the success of Dubai Duty Free.”