Name: Colm McLoughlin
Title: Executive vice chairman
Company, city: Dubai Duty Free, Dubai
Number of employees: 4,000
Recent project: Design and fit-out of Dubai Duty Free in Concourse 3 at Dubai International Airport — expected completion by the end of 2012 and operational in the first quarter of 2013
First job: Retail assistant with Woolworths, the U.K.’s leading retail operation in the 1960s
Little-known fact about you: I was the captain of the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai and the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. I held a private pilot license for many years.
Your Business
Essential business philosophy: “Keep it simple.” Our job is to offer a great range of quality products at value-for-money prices, provide great customer service and satisfaction and ensure a shopper-friendly environment. Through high-profile sponsorships and events, Dubai Duty Free also promotes the city of Dubai as a leading sports, business and leisure destination.
Best way to keep a competitive edge: Continually monitor retail offerings to see what can be improved, what is a fast seller, what are the latest trends and how to stay ahead of the curve. We keep in touch with what is happening day to day within the retail environment, listen to the frontline staff and let them know they are our greatest brand ambassadors.
Yardstick of success: Our turnover, which this year is expected to reach $1.64 billion. However, equally important is knowing the customer has a positive experience.
As a Traveler
What is the most important item you carry when traveling? My phone, which is a basic model, and a good book How you spend your time on board: I either read or catch up on new films which I would never otherwise see. As I usually travel on Emirates, the in-flight entertainment is absolutely fantastic. Favorite restaurant in the world: The Irish Village in Dubai, voted by Newsweek “one of the best meeting places in the world.”
Favorite destination: I enjoy traveling to new destinations and learning as much as possible. I traveled to New Zealand for the first time last year, for the Rugby World Cup, and absolutely loved it. I recently visited Bhutan for the first time, and that was also wonderful.
About Your Brand
What can travelers expect from Dubai Duty Free and what sets it apart? We offer international travelers a great shopping experience, whether they are transiting Dubai or arriving and departing from Dubai International Airport. What sets us apart is that we manage the entire retail business under our own operation and therefore ensure consistent staff efficiency and product knowledge and an extremely high standard of customer service.
What are the hottest items and trends at Dubai Duty Free? Having the latest technology, whether it is the newest iPad or smartphone, ensures we appeal to an international traveler. We are mindful of our passenger mix and try to cater to everyone, from those with a few dollars to spend to those with thousands to splurge on a luxury item. We increasingly work with our suppliers to offer travel retail exclusive items or regional firsts on some products.
What is the most challenging aspect of running a successful duty-free organization? From a logistics point of view, we move 71 million pieces of merchandise from our distribution center to our retail operations at Dubai International Airport. At present, our DC is 70 percent automated; we are increasing that to 90 percent this year in line with the opening of Concourse 3, which will be dedicated to the Emirates Airbus A380 fleet. Our retail operation is spread across all three terminals; with the opening of Concourse 3, our retail area will increase to 280,000 square feet.
Read This Next
All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedApril 2026
Apr 18, 2026PIT Becomes First Airport Certified for Universal Design
Pittsburgh International Airport has become the first transportation center and airport in the country to be awarded a Universal Design Certification from the University of Buffalo’s Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access. The certification recognizes the airport’s human-centered approach to design across the terminal, including strong performance in mobility access, wayfinding, lighting, sensory inclusion and intuitive navigation.
Sponsored Content
26 Unforgettable Luxuries Across the Island of Ireland in 2026
From dramatic coastlines and ancient sites to lively festivals and hidden gems, the island of Ireland offers unforgettable experiences year-round. Whether visiting for the first time or returning for more, this list will guide you through both classic favorites and underrated treasures.
April 2026
Apr 17, 2026Sun, Sea, Cliffs and Bridges Beckon on the Pacific Coast Highway
On one side, waves breathe in and out across wide stretches of sand or explode against jagged rocks, sending spray shooting into the air. On the other side, the scenery changes: Cliffs rise like walls, vineyards clip past in neat rows, pine trees line the road. Between these, cities give way to small communities with art galleries, local restaurants and shops selling beachwear.
Daily
Apr 17, 2026The Rise of Destination Hotels: 3 Luxurious Stays Worth a Visit
Booking a hotel typically comes after picking a destination. Some travelers treat it as a second thought or just a place to sleep. According to vacation platform Wander, however, more travelers are planning trips around a single property or hotel instead of the destination. So, we’ve rounded up three hotels around the world that serve as a destination in and of themselves.
Sponsored Content
How To Enhance Your Mental and Emotional Wellness on the Road
Prioritizing Mental and Emotional Wellness While Traveling for Business Business travel opens doors to professional growth and new experiences — but a demanding schedule, time away from home and work pressures can affect mental wellness. According to a 2024 Gallup study, with more than half of the global workforce reporting disengagement, supporting wellness on the road is more important than ever. Below are practical ways to stay balanced and energized during business trips.
Daily
Apr 17, 2026Hilton Introduces Hilton AI Planner
Hilton recently announced its new Hilton AI Planner, a generative AI–powered digital concierge to help travelers explore the company’s hotels and plan stays. Hilton AI Planner, now in beta testing at hilton.com, uses conversational intelligence to help travelers navigate every stage of the shopping journey, from identifying the right destination, comparing properties or exploring amenities using real‑time responses and curated recommendations. The tool initially launches to a small pool of site traffic on hilton.com before expanding to more users as it evolves.
2 Hotels Redefining the Purpose of a Hotel Lobby
Daily
Apr 16, 2026eFlyer Reviews
Apr 15, 2026Labombe by Trivet Review
In the heart of London’s prestigious Mayfair neighborhood and within COMO Metropolitan London is Labombe by Trivet, a relatively new restaurant and bar already making waves across London’s dining scene. I experienced firsthand why Labombe by Trivet has made a name for itself in the short time it’s been open.
Sponsored Content
Explora Journeys: A New Chapter In Luxury Ocean Travel
Sail Unique Explora Journeys continues to shape a new rhythm for luxury ocean travel, one guided by space, intention and a profound connection to the sea. Designed as a European luxury lifestyle experience, each journey feels less like a traditional cruise and more like time spent aboard a refined floating resort or superyacht whose home is the ocean.
eFlyer News
Apr 15, 2026Virgin Atlantic Accelerates Starlink WiFi Rollout
Virgin Atlantic announced an accelerated rollout of Starlink across its entire fleet, beginning with the Airbus A350 aircraft in May. The first customer flight is slated for early May on VS153 from London Heathrow to New York (JFK).
ShareThis