UAE. Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman and CEO Colm McLoughlin has received an Honorary Doctorate of the University (DUniv) from Middlesex University Dubai.
McLoughlin was honoured for his contribution to UAE society and outstanding service to the aviation sector as a key player in the region’s retail sector for nearly 35 years.
The degree was presented by the Chancellor of Middlesex University, Dame Janet Ritterman. It formed part of the university’s celebration of the academic success of its Class of 2017 at a ceremony on 4 November at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.
“Having worked in the region’s retail sector for nearly 35 years, I’ve seen Dubai transform into the city it is today and the credit goes to the Government of Dubai and its forward thinking leadership,” said McLoughlin in addressing the distinguished guests and graduating students at the ceremony.
“I am honoured to be recognised by such a prestigious institution as Middlesex University Dubai for my work and I dedicate this to our Chairman, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, my wife and family, and to the wonderful team of employees at Dubai Duty Free.”
McLoughlin was accompanied at the ceremony by his wife Breeda, daughters Tyna and Mandy, and son Niall, who came with his wife Shirley.
Also joining him were Dubai Duty Free COO Ramesh Cidambi and his wife Alpana and Senior Vice President – Marketing Sinead El Sibai, with husband Jihad. H.E. Paul Kavanagh, Irish Ambassador to the UAE, and his wife Rosemary were also present.
The ceremony saw more than 750 students graduating from over 90 nationalities.
