Indian and Pakistani nationals win $1 million jackpot in Dubai Duty Free draw
German, Iranian nationals take home luxury prizes in vehicle draw
DUBAI: A Dubai-based Indian national has defied the odds once again by winning the Dubai Duty Free (DDF) Millennium Millionaire promotion for the second time, while a Pakistani ticket holder remains unaware of their $1 million windfall.
The draw, held at Concourse B of Dubai International Airport, named winners for Series 502 and 503.
Paul Jose Mavely, a 60-year-old expat from Kerala, emerged as the latest double millionaire after his ticket number 3532 secured the top prize in Series 503. Mavely purchased the ticket online on May 19, sharing the cost with 17 long-time friends who have participated in the promotion since 1999 by rotating names on each entry.
Mavely previously won the same prize in November 2016, making him the 11th individual to achieve a repeat win in the draw’s history. At that time, he had split the prize with nine friends. Now a resident of Dubai for 38 years, he works as a site supervisor for a small contracting firm and is a father of two.
“I’m very thankful to Dubai Duty Free for this second win in your amazing promotion,” he said after the announcement.
Elusive winner
Joining Mavely in the millionaire spotlight is Kiran Batool, a Pakistani national based in Saudi Arabia, whose ticket number 2252 in Series 502 was also picked. Purchased online on May 5, the winning entry made Batool the 27th Pakistani to win the DDF $1 million prize since the programme began in 1999.
However, organisers have so far been unable to contact Batool, who remains unaware of the life-changing news.
Luxury vehicles draw
In addition to the millionaire windfall, two more participants struck lucky in the DDF Finest Surprise draw, walking away with premium vehicles.
German national Martin Rettich, 30, who works for a chimney sweeping company, won a BMW 740i M Sport car with ticket number 0939, purchased at Concourse A on May 13. A first-time participant, Rettich was thrilled at the unexpected win.
“It’s overwhelming! I’m very happy and lucky to have won with my first ever ticket,” he shared.
Iranian national Fathollah Mostafa Mokhtar, a 42-year-old father of two living in Dubai, secured a BMW F 900 XR motorbike in Series 624 with ticket number 0043. A regular entrant for the past three years, Mokhtar was motivated by his brother’s previous DDF win in 2008.
“Thank you Dubai Duty Free! I can’t wait to see my winning bike!” he exclaimed.
The draw was conducted in the presence of senior DDF officials and witnessed by airport visitors and staff.