Former Managing Director of Shannon Duty Free, Ballinasloe, Co. COLM MCLOUGHLIN, from Galway, passed away in England last week, aged 81, following a short illness.

He was part of the consultancy team brought in from Aer Rianta, the forerunner of DAA, to launch Dubai’s duty-free operation in 1983.

Colm’s first contract with the Dubai government was for six months but he ran the business for over forty years. The group’s sales have grown from $20 million in 1984 to close to $2.2 billion in 2023..

Paying tribute to the late Galway native, Celia Holman Lee said she was there at the beginning of Colm’s life when he was working as a model in Duty Free shops in Shannon.

“Dubai is where he went to open his Duty Free store, which is now one of the largest and most successful stores in the world, and he and his beautiful wife Breeda were part of the entire Dubai community for many years.

“His legacy will be that he created this incredible Dubai Duty Free. There’s also a village in Dubai called Irish Village that he built. It was all built around his vision.”

Celia added that Colm was a wonderful man as well as kind and generous. He remembered meeting her in Dubai a few years ago.

“I was in Abu Dhabi. He heard I was there and sent us an invitation to come to Dubai, so he sent a car and we went up. We went to a big tennis tournament with Roger Federer and all the stars. We were there and we were so close to this incredible event And we were personal.”

He continued: “I think he was a great Irishman and came from Dr. Brendan O’Regan’s stable. All of those things created everything to do with travel, whether it was the Shannon or airports.”

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Dubai Duty Free (DDF) announced Colm’s death, saying he was a “well-known and much-loved figure” in Dubai.

The Irish Embassy in Abu Dhabi paid tribute to Colm and said:

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Colm McLoughlin. Colm was a truly valued member of our Irish community and leaves behind an incredible legacy. We will all miss him greatly. We offer our deepest condolences to his family and everyone at DDF.”

Meanwhile, Curragh Racecourse described Colm as a “true pioneer” following his passing. “We will always remember Colm as a dear friend and a loyal supporter of Irish racing, particularly the Curragh Racecourse. “His contributions have left an indelible mark, and his absence will be deeply felt.”

Dubai Celtics GAA added that Colm was a key supporter of the team. Dubai Celts and helped the club go from strength to strength. “During his career in the Middle East he directly and indirectly impacted the lives of thousands of Irish men and women who have found a home away from home as part of our club and other Gaelic playing clubs across the region. Words cannot express our appreciation for Colm.”

The company’s former executive vice president and managing director resigned from his job in Dubai in May after more than 50 impressive years in the industry and 41 years at the helm of the largest such business in the world.

Dubai Duty Free DDF has become one of the largest single airport operations in the world. colm He was also the recipient of the Presidential Distinguished Service Award in 2014 for his service to Ireland.

Colm is survived by his wife Breeda, son Niall, daughters Tyna and Mandy and their families.