Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free (DDF) has been presented with the 'Lifetime Services to the Arabian Sponsorship Industry Award' at the inaugural Arabian Sponsorship Awards, held to coincide with the Arabian Sponsorship

Forum (14-15th December).

The award was presented at the Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi by British Gold Olympic medallist Sir Matthew Pinsent CBE, recognising McLoughlin's role in driving DDF's pioneering sponsorship programme in this region.

Commenting on the award, McLoughlin acknowledged the role played by the Government of Dubai in encouraging sponsorship of major sporting events which have succeeded in establishing Dubai's reputation as a leading sports and leisure destination.

‘Dubai Duty Free began sponsorship of sporting events back in the early-1980's and has actively sought to bring international events to Dubai that would result in widespread media exposure. I am delighted to say that one of our biggest events, the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships, which is owned by Dubai Duty Free is a great case in point. The tournament attracts the top tennis stars in the world, with a global TV audience of 400 million and TV exposure worth an estimated $135 million.

‘This would not have been possible without the support of the Government of Dubai. And while I am delighted to accept this award, I have to acknowledge the amount of hard work that our team at Dubai Duty Free puts into organising our events and in ensuring maximum brand exposure for Dubai Duty Free,’ he added.

McLoughlin's Lifetime Services award was one of two 'special awards' presented during the awards dinner, where guests included a mix of international sporting personalities, regional sporting bodies and corporate sponsors.