Worldwide Golf was launched in November 1999 when there was just four playable courses in Dubai. From our first issue one of our biggest supporters was Colm McLoughlin, CEO and Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free, who shared a passion to develop the region as a global golfing and sports destination.
After 55 remarkable years at the forefront of the travel retail industry, and 41 years with Dubai Duty Free, he has announced he will be stepping down at the end of the month.
McLoughlin said: “I am pleased to announce my retirement and want to extend my sincere thanks to all of our management and staff who have supported me so well. A huge thanks of course to our Chairman, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who has been a wonderful boss to me for all these years and who I know will give the same level of support to my successor.”
McLoughlin’s contributions to the golfing landscape in the UAE can’t be understated. Under his leadership, Dubai Duty Free has supported a multitude of international tournaments in the UAE and around the world including the Dubai Desert Classic, Dubai Moonlight Classic, DP World Tour Championship and, of course, the Irish Open in his beloved homeland of which DDF were title sponsors from 2015 to 2021. He was the driving force behind the establishment of the much-loved Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup which last year celebrated its 30th edition and outside of golf, DDF’s support has helped turn the DDF Tennis Championships into one of the foremost events on the ATP calendar while the company has also provided title sponsorship of a string of horse racing events in the UK and Ireland.
As McLoughlin embarks on this new chapter of his life, Worldwide Golf salutes him for his immeasurable contribution to the development of the golfing landscape in the UAE and beyond. Hats off to you sir, what a ride it’s been.
