Dubai Duty Free's 21st anniversary was marked by the 44th Millennium Millionaire winner receiving his cheque.
He was presented with his prize by Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group.
People gathered to watch the draw in the Shaikh Rashid Terminal of Dubai Airport.
More than 350 Dubai Duty Free (DDF) employees along with hundreds of travellers saw the lucky winner, Natesan Thirunavukarasu, receive his $1 million cheque from Shaikh Ahmad.
Shaikh Ahmad also drew a name for the new millionaire winner Saadi Al Rais from the UAE.
"I'm still in shock. We have bought the ticket twice before, so this was third time lucky," Thirunavukarasu said.
Thirunavukarasu was on his way home to Chennai in south India when he decided to try his luck one last time and buy a ticket for Dh1,000.
Thirunavukarasu had worked for a Dubai marketing company for 18 years.
"We have Dubai to thank for giving us such a comfortable life before we won the money. It always gave us a good life and we will never forget this," he said.
Thirunavukarasu does not yet know exactly what he will do with the money but said he would definitely buy a car.
"I will buy a Toyota car and more importantly I will give my two sons a better education. With this money, I now have a chance to look at universities in Dubai," he said.
Names are drawn for the Millennium Millionaire every two months and every two weeks for two Mercedes-Benz cars and a Harley Davidson.
