UAE-based Indian expat becomes latest $1 million winner in Dubai Duty Free draw
British and Emirati participants also claim luxury vehicle prizes
DUBAI – An Indian expatriate in the UAE has become the latest millionaire after winning $1 million in the latest Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw.
The lucky ticket was purchased online, turning a routine purchase into a life-changing moment. The long-running promotion has continued to produce winners from around the world since its launch more than two decades ago.
Mahendihasanj Jamani struck it lucky in Millennium Millionaire series 538 with ticket number 1324. He purchased the winning ticket online on February 26.
Jamani has not yet issued a statement regarding his win, but organisers said he is expected to be delighted once he learns about his newfound fortune.
Winning streak
Jamani becomes the 273rd Indian national to win the $1 million prize since the Millennium Millionaire promotion was launched in 1999.
According to Dubai Duty Free organisers, Indian nationals remain the largest group of ticket buyers in the popular draw, which has produced hundreds of millionaires over the years.
The draw was held at the Dubai Duty Free head office in Ramool and conducted by managing director Ramesh Cidambi alongside several senior executives. These included Dr Bernard Creed, senior vice president for finance; Sinead El Sibai, senior vice president for marketing; Michael Schmidt, senior vice president for retail; Sharon Beecham, senior vice president for purchasing; Mona Al Ali, senior vice president for human resources; and Zayed Al Shebli, senior vice president for asset protection.
Luxury prizes
Following the Millennium Millionaire draw, Dubai Duty Free also conducted its Finest Surprise draw for luxury vehicles.
Juliepatric Jennings, a British national based in the UK, won a Mercedes-Benz S500 (Manufaktur Paint White) in Finest Surprise series 1950 with ticket number 0611. She had purchased her ticket at Concourse A on February 6.
Due to the time difference in the UK, Jennings was not immediately available to comment after the announcement.
Emirati win
Meanwhile, Saqer Alnaqbi, a 31-year-old Emirati from Ras Al Khaimah, won a BMW F 900 GS Adventure motorbike (Sage Green Metallic) in Finest Surprise series 660 with ticket number 0816.
Alnaqbi bought his ticket online on March 7 and has been participating regularly in the Millennium Millionaire promotion for the past two years.
“Thank you Dubai Duty Free. You have made my day very happy today,” Alnaqbi said.