Watch: Two Indian nationals strike $1 million each in Dubai Duty Free draw
Three UAE residents drive away luxury cars and a motorbike
DUBAI – Two Indian nationals became overnight millionaires after winning $1 million each in the latest Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw, held on Wednesday, at Dubai International Airport.
The event also saw three UAE residents walk away with luxury vehicles in the accompanying Finest Surprise promotion.
Akshaypat Singhania, a 56-year-old from Mumbai, won $1 million in Millennium Millionaire Series 520 with ticket number 2837, purchased online on October 16. A regular participant for over two decades, the father of three works in real estate and the equity market. “A very big thanks to Dubai Duty Free – finally, after so many years!” he said.
Joining him was 35-year-old Srinivas Teja Reddy Gaddam from Kuwait, who secured the same prize in Millennium Millionaire Series 521 with ticket number 2700, bought at Concourse C on October 17. Having lived in Kuwait for just over a year, Gaddam works as a cost controller for KBR Group and has been participating in the promotion since 2024. “Thank you Dubai Duty Free! I feel that I’m the luckiest!” he shared.
First Afghan winner honoured
During the same event, organisers also presented a ceremonial cheque to Mohammad Khan Barakzai, an Afghan national who previously won $1 million in Millennium Millionaire Series 519. His victory made him the first-ever Afghan winner since the competition began in 1999.
Luxury vehicle prizes
In the Finest Surprise draw, Sanjeev Karatil, a 45-year-old Indian based in Dubai, won a BMW XM (Cape Green Metallic) car with ticket number 1631 in Series 1936. A Dubai resident for 17 years, the father of two works as a health and safety inspector and has been a frequent participant. He chose his winning ticket based on his children’s birthdays. “It’s amazing! I’m very, very happy with this win,” he said.
Another Dubai resident, Mohammed Qassim, a 50-year-old Emirati, won a Range Rover Sport Dynamic SE P360 (Santorini Black) in Series 1937 with ticket number 0660, purchased online on October 5. A father of four and head of private banking service and strategy at Emirates NBD, Qassim is a two-time winner, having previously claimed a Porsche Panamera GTS in 2022.
More lucky draws
Completing the list of winners, Sameer Kunni Parambil, a 37-year-old Indian based in Dubai, won an Indian Super Scout (Maroon Metallic) motorbike in Series 642 with ticket number 0547, purchased online on October 9. A father of one, he works as a sales official for a food trading firm in Al Quoz and has participated in the promotion for the past two years.