Amid an ambitious expansion plan for the airport, Dubai Duty Free maintained its investment in infrastructure to support its growth. A new office and warehouse complex across 12,000sq m of space adjacent to Terminal 1 opened in 1997, as sales continued to reach new milestones.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid AI Maktoum visits the Dubai Duty Free office complex shortly after the opening, escorted by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed AI Maktoum, Colm McLoughlin, George Horan and Dubai Police Chief Major General Dahi Khalfan Tamim.

Beginning a proud partnership: Colm McLoughlin at the inaugural Dubai Duty Free International Raceday at Newbury, pictured with Clerk of the Course Richard Pridham; Anita Mehra; Newbury Racecourse CEO Major General David Pank; The Earl of Carnarvon and Bharat Godkhindi.

Fox on the run: Aer Rianta International Director Noel Fox emerges as champion of the fifth edition of the Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup. Fox won the title for four consecutive years.

Colm McLoughlin, Salah Tahlak, Bharat Godkhindi and staff representatives with jockeys at the Dubai Duty Free International Raceday. The retailer's interest in Newbury started with sponsorship support for the Fred Darling Stakes, and grew to include the Group Three Arc Trial.

Spanish star Carlos Moya (centre), along with other tennis players, is picturede with Colm McLoughlin and Dubai Duty Free staff on the eve of the Dubai Tennis Open.

Honouring history: Delegates from the duty free industry worldwide gathered at Shannon Airport to mark the golden jubilee of the business, which began at the location in 1947, the brainchild of Dr. Brendan O'Regan. The Dubai Duty Free team present a special memento to officials of Irish airports group Aer Rianta.

The Moodie Davitt e-Zine | Spotlight Series – Special Report | 20 December 2018