Dubai: A British national and an Indian national have been announced as the new dollar millionaires at the latest Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draw, held on Thursday at Concourse C of Dubai International Airport.
Nasrin S, a 48-year-old British national based in London became a $1 million winner, in Millennium Millionaire Series 460 with ticket number 3184, which he purchased on 4th April on his way to Bahrain.
A first time ticket buyer, Nasrin is a mother of four and is the 16th British national to have won the Millennium Millionaire promotion since it was launched in 1999.
“I never thought that I’m going to win, as I didn’t even tell anyone that I bought a ticket. Thank you very much, Dubai Duty Free; you know, I really had no words to say, but I’m really happy,” she said.
Joining Nasrin as a fellow US dollar millionaire is Payal, a 42-year-old Indian expat in Dubai who was announced as the winner of US$1 million in Millennium Millionaire Series 461 with ticket number 3337, which he purchased online on 3rd May.
Regular participant
A resident of Dubai for 12 years now, Payal has been a regular participant in Dubai Duty Free’s promotion, buying tickets every time she travels, alternating the names on the tickets with her husband’s and children’s names.
When asked about her plans for her win, the mother of two said, “I want to secure my kids futures so they can have a good life. I would also extend help to my brother, who is in Australia, and do some charity work with our community in Punjab.
“Thank you, Dubai Duty Free, for fulfilling my dream of winning your promotion. This will go a long way,” she added.
Payal, who is originally from Punjab, is the 229th Indian national to have won the Millennium Millionaire promotion, with Indian nationals being the biggest buyers of tickets.
The draw was conducted by Dubai Duty Free Chief Operating Officer Ramesh Cidambi, SVP Marketing Sinead El Sibai, SVP – Human Resources Mona Al Ali, and Senior Manager - Retail Support Thankachan Varghese,
Luxury cars winners
Following the Millennium Millionaire draw, the Finest Surprise draw was conducted for two luxury cars and motorbikes. Joining in the draw is Richelle Villarama, Manager – Operations Concourse C.
Eid Ali, a 37-year-old Emirati national based in Dubai won a luxury car with ticket number 1233 in the Finest Surprise Series 1877, which he purchased online on 10th April.
A regular participant in Dubai Duty Free’s promotion for 4 years now, Ali works for Dubai Municipality.
“Thank you very much Dubai Duty Free, you have absolutely made my day!” he said.
Meanwhile Nawaf Saad, a 64-year-old Saudi Arabian national based in Jeddah won a an SUV car with ticket number 1437 in the Finest Surprise Series 1878, which he purchased online on 3rd May.
Born and raised in Jeddah and a regular participant in Dubai Duty Free’s promotion since 2020, Saad is a third time car winner.
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Bijoy Gomes, a 48-year-old Indian national based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, India won a motorbike with ticket number 0191 in the Finest Surprise Series 580, which he purchased online on 30th April.
A regular participant in Dubai Duty Free’s promotion for more than 10 years now, Gomes is a father of one and works for Jordan Ambassador in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
“Dubai Duty Free promotion is one of the best promotions that can change many people’s lives. And I always believe that one day my time will come, and now it has finally happened,” he said.
Lastly, Firasal Khatib, a 43-year-old Jordanian national based in Dubai won a motorbike with ticket number 1058 in the Finest Surprise Series 581, which he purchased online on 3rd May.
Khatib, who bought three tickets for Finest Surprise Series 581, has been a regular participant in Dubai Duty Free’s promotion for 15 years now and works as an operations manager for The Roost Rotisserie.
“I started doubting myself if I would ever win, as I always buy tickets many times, but I never win. I’m glad I finally received a call from Dubai Duty Free after a long time, informing me that I finally won, so thank you, Dubai Duty Free,” he said.
