British researcher wins $1 million Dubai Duty Free prize

Dubai: A British national have been announced as the new dollar millionaire at the latest Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draw, held on Wededay at Concourse C of Dubai International Airport.

Ronnie S, a 56-year-old British national based in Hong Kong became a $1 million winner, in Millennium Millionaire Series 497 with ticket number 1844 which he purchased online on 31st March.

A regular participant in Dubai Duty Free’s promotion for more than 20 years now, Ronnie, who works as a research fellow for a university in Hong Kong was over the moon when he saw and heard his name announced on the live draw in Dubai Duty Free official Facebook page.

“It’s my first time watching the live draw on your Facebook page and it felt surreal to see and hear my name announcing that I’ve won. Thank you so much Dubai Duty Free! I dedicate this win to my darling wife so we can continue a wonderful life together,” he said.

17th British winner

Ronnie. is the 17th British national to have won the Millennium Millionaire promotion since it was launched in 1999.

Wednesday’s draw was conducted by Dubai Duty Free Managing Director, Ramesh Cidambi, Salah Tahlak, Deputy Managing Director, Sinead El Sibai, SVP, Marketing, Michael Schmidt, SVP — Retail along with other officials.

Following the Millennium Millionaire draw, the Finest Surprise draw was conducted for three luxury vehicle Nawwaf Saad, a 65-year-old Saudi Arabian national based in Jeddah won a BMW 740i M Sport (Dravit Grey Metallic) car with ticket number 1037 in the Finest Surprise Series 1917 which he purchased online on 26th March.

Mutli-time car winner

Born and raised in Jeddah and a regular participant in Dubai Duty Free’s promotion since 2020, Saad is a multi-time car winner as he also previously won a Range Rover Sport Dynamic HSE P400 (Ostuni Pearl White) car, with ticket number 1437 in Finest Surprise Series 1878 in May 2024, a Mercedes Benz S500 (Mojave Silver) car, with ticket number 0691 in Finest Surprise Series 1843 in July 2023 and a BMW X6 M50i (Mineral White Metallic) car, with ticket number 0644 in Finest Surprise Series 1807 in June 2022.

“What can I say? You’ve been very generous, thank you for this fourth car Dubai Duty Free,” he said.

Meanwhile Thomas D’Silva, a 53-year-old Portuguese national based in Dubai won a Mercedes Benz G 63 (Polar White) car with ticket number 0983 in the Finest Surprise Series 1918 which he purchased in-store at Terminal 3 Arrivals.

A resident of Dubai since 1996, D’Silva is a father of two and works as finance manager for an insurance company.

“This is a perfect gift for my daughter’s birthday today! Thank you Dubai Duty Free,” he said.

Mohammad Fatani, a 69-year-old Saudi Arabian national based in Jeddah won a BMW F 900 R (Black Storm Metallic) motorbike with ticket number 0200 in the Finest Surprise Series 620 which he purchased online on March 25.

A retired pilot and a father of 9, Mr. Fatani is a second time winner as he previously won a Porsche Panamera 4 car, with ticket number 0451 in Finest Surprise Series 1682 in April 2018. “Thank you Dubai Duty Free for making a lot of people like me so happy with your amazing promotion,” he said.