Indian wins big as Dubai Duty Free celebrates 250th millionaire from India

Dubai: Dubai Duty Free continues to change lives with its Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise promotions, crowning its 250th Indian millionaire and handing over luxury vehicles to four more lucky winners in the latest draw held at Concourse A of Dubai International Airport.

T.P Madathil Mohandas, a 69-year-old Indian expatriate living in Dubai, became the latest recipient of the coveted $1 million prize in Millennium Millionaire Series 501. A loyal participant for 24 years, Mohandas purchased his winning ticket (No. 0310) on April 28 at Terminal 3 Arrivals.

Proud legacy

“Thank you very much, Dubai Duty Free! I’m very happy with this win,” said Mr. Mohandas, a father of two who works as a purchase manager in Dubai. Originally from Kerala, he is now part of a proud legacy, being the 250th Indian national to claim the million-dollar jackpot since the promotion began in 1999. Indian nationals remain the largest group of ticket buyers for the long-running campaign.

The draw was presided over by senior Dubai Duty Free officials including Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi, Deputy MD Salah Tahlak, and other executive team members.

Celebrating another milestone

Also recognised at the event was Venugopal Mullacheri, another Indian national, who won in the milestone Millennium Millionaire Series 500 with ticket number 1163. Based in Ajman, Mullacheri received a ceremonial cheque for $1 million during the event.

“It feels so surreal being here today to meet the people behind my amazing win. Once again, thank you so much Dubai Duty Free” he said.

Luxury cars

Following the millionaire celebration, the Finest Surprise draw handed out high-end vehicles to four lucky participants:

Bishr Shiblaq, a 48-year-old German lawyer based in Dubai, won a BMW 740i M Sport (Oxide Grey Metallic) with ticket number 1185 in Series 1920. A second-time winner, Mr. Shiblaq had previously claimed a Mercedes Benz S500 in September 2023.

“I’m so happy that I won again with my lucky number, ‘18’. Thank you, Dubai Duty Free,” he exclaimed.

Fresewra Fesseha Yohannes, an American expatriate in the UAE, won a Mercedes Benz G 63 (Obsidian Black) with ticket number 1470 in Series 1922.

Tasnim Aslam Shaikh, an 18-year-old Indian university student in Sharjah, won a BMW F 900 R (Racing Blue Metallic) motorbike with ticket number 0330 in Series 622. She said: “I didn’t expect this to happen. I’m just so grateful for this win.”

Hashim Hashim Said, a Saudi Arabian national based in the UAE, won an Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 (Torque Red) motorbike with ticket number 0980 in Series 623.