Colm McLoughlin Named 'Businessman of the Year'

Colm McLoughlin Named ‘Businessman of the Year’

Middle East Business Achievement Award presented during Leaders in Dubai Business Forum

October 27, 2009 12:00 by Aarti Nagraj

Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, was named ‘Businessman of the Year’ in the 3^rd Middle East Business Achievement Awards which were held on Monday, 26^th October to coincide with the first day of the Leaders in Dubai Business Forum.

The Middle East Business Achievement Awards honour regional professionals in nine Award categories. The judging panel is made up of international and respected business representatives from a variety of industry sectors and disciplines.

The prestigious award for ‘Businessman of the Year’ acknowledges Mr. McLoughlin’s role in leading Dubai Duty Free to become one of the most recognizable duty free operations in the world with a turnover of US$1.1 billion in 2008.

Commenting on the award, Mr. McLoughlin said: “I am deeply honoured to receive the Middle East Business Achievement Award for ‘Businessman of the Year’. In accepting this honour, I am very aware that Dubai Duty Free’s success over the past 26 years is the result of the hard work and efforts from all of our employees, who now number 3,500.

“I am also indebted to H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports, who has given me and my team his whole-hearted support over the years.”

Going on to thank the award organizers, IIR Middle East, Mr. McLoughlin acknowledged the growing status of the Middle East Business Achievement Awards which are now regarded as one of highest business accolades that a company or an individual can achieve.

The Award was presented by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who was one of the key speakers at the Leaders in Dubai Business Forum, which is also organized by IIR Middle East.