Adieu, Colm

The visionary behind Dubai Duty Free and one of the prime movers of Dubai’s rise as the sporting hub of the Middle East, has left us.

I first met him in 1989, when I had the good fortune of sitting down to interview him over lunch at rhe Dubai Aviation Club about his ambitious plans. Flanking him were his Marketing and Comms teammates Sinead O'Connor and Anita Mehra. Colm had this spark in his eye, this infectious Irish enthusiasm that turned what seemed like lofty dreams into things you could almost reach out and touch.

Back in those days, imagining Dubai as a sports capital was bold—many thought it was a fantasy. But Colm wasn’t just a dreamer; he was a doer. His knack for blending sports with business was something to behold.

Through his efforts, Dubai Duty Free not only became an international retail giant but also a sponsor of events that put Dubai on the map. From snooker, squash tennis and golf to powerboat and horseracing, if there was a sport in Dubai, you could bet Colm and his team had a hand in it.

What struck me most about Colm wasn’t just his business mind, though. He was warm, engaging, and always had a story (or three) to share, often with that twinkle of mischief in his eye. He was a force, but also a friend to anyone lucky enough to know him.

I was one of the lucky ones! 

Even after I had left The Khaleej Times and took up an executive position at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Colm kept in touch, sometimes sending me invites to the DDF chalets at the Classic Golf or the World Cup horseracing events. 

Today, we say goodbye to a legend, a man who helped make Dubai what it is today. His legacy will live on every time we see a tournament or a match that has Dubai Duty Free’s name on it.

Colm, we raise a glass to you and the incredible journey you charted.

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