Exciting times ahead for Dubai Duty Free

The UAE is a fantastic place and there are plenty of opportunities for people

Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Dubai Duty Free (DDF) is very proud to have been part of the success story of DDF that has grown for 34 years from a turnover of $20 million to this year's anticipated $1.9 billion. "However, I am probably most proud of the growth of our employees and the fact that we have such great long-term service and loyalty from our staff," he says in an interview with Khaleej Times.
Of the original 100 employees who started working 34 years ago, 27 still remain in active service including McLoughlin. "We have 33 staff who have been with us for 25 years and 15 who have been with us for 20 years, and I think that this level of retention and continuity is a great achievement that says a lot about the character of the company," he adds.
McLoughlin admits that he has been incredibly lucky at DDF to have the support of the Government of Dubai who have encouraged DDF to succeed in line with the growth and development of Dubai. "I have also been very honoured in having H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of DDF, as my direct boss. H.H. has encouraged our growth and supported our objective to be one of the top airport retailers in the world and that encouragement permeates through all that we do," the EVC & CEO adds.
The fact that DDF works closely with airport authorities and other stakeholders at the airport ensures that plans are very much in line with the overall expansion plans at Dubai International and Al Maktoum International Airports. "There are very exciting times ahead and in terms of turnover, we expect sales to reach $3 billion in the next few years," he predicts.
Expanding at such a rapid rate of course raises some challenges. "Since the opening of Terminal 3, Concourse B in 2008 and the opening of Concourse A in 2013, and opening of Concourse D in 2016, there has been tremendous growth that of course impacts our operation. Our retail footprint is now around 38,000 square metres and our staffing levels increased dramatically to accommodate this expansion," the EVC & CEO notes.
"From a logistics point of view, we have invested in a purpose-built Distribution Centre, which we opened in 2008 and covers 27,000 square metres. The warehouse is 95 per cent automated and capable of ensuring that the stock is moved from there to all points at Dubai International Airport and now Al Maktoum International Airport. We really have to stay one step ahead of the growth in order that our staffing levels, our technology and of course our product offer are on a level or exceeding our growth. The UAE is a fantastic place and there are plenty of opportunities for people. However, it does not happen overnight, so you have to be patient, to work hard and work honestly and you will gain rewards," he concludes. 
"I have great admiration for the rulers of Dubai and think that H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is inspirational for all. I have great respect for my own boss, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, as I can see first-hand how dedicated he is and how hard he works."
- suchitra@khaleejtimes.com

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