ME-HR&Learning join the rest of Dubai, and the World Travel industry, to mourn the passing of Colm McLoughlin, former Executive Vice chairman and chief executive of Dubai Duty Free. From all the accolades and expressions of sadness, Colm's Irish humour, kindness and humbleness touched the hearts and minds of many in the Emirates, his home country of Ireland, and the Retail Travel Industry world wide. 

Arriving in 1983, Colm pioneered Dubai Duty Free, into a world renowned, first class retail destination, which became the benchmark for similar Duty Free outlets around the world. He was the epitome of a visionary leader, dedicated and driven to put Dubai and Dubai duty Free on the map. 

He pioneered sporting sponsorship and drove the initiative of bringing World Class Sports Tournaments to the Emirates. From Rugby 7s, Golf, the VictoryTeam, Dubai Tennis, to the annual Dubai World Cup Racing, Colm was always at the forefront. He was also a proud supporter of over 100 charities.

Colm's enduring legacy by everyone who knew him, will be his easy-going personality, his generosity, extraordinary kindness and friendship. 

We salute you for all that you have contributed to Dubai and the UAE. Truly a life well lived.