DUBAI: An Indian national has been added to the ever-growing list of Indian millionaires when his name was announced at the latest Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draw, held today at Concourse D of Dubai International Airport.
Mr. Pradeep Chalatan, a 55-year-old Indian national based in Dubai became a US$1 million winner in Millennium Millionaire Series 512 with ticket number 2747 which he purchased online on 8th August.
A resident of Dubai for 20 years, Mr. Chalatan shared the cost of the ticket with his one Indian colleague, have been participating in the Dubai Duty Free promotion for more than 10 years now.
Mr. Chalatan is a father of two and works as document controller for an architectural consultant company in Dubai.
“I’m very thankful to Dubai Duty Free. You’ve secured my family’s future,” he said.
Mr. Chalatan who hails from Kerala is the 256th Indian national to have won US$1 million in the Millennium Millionaire promotion since 1999, with Indian nationals being by far the biggest purchasers of tickets.
Today’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, Sharon Beecham, SVP – Purchasing, Zayed Al Shebli, SVP – Loss Prevention & Corporate Security, Thankachan Varghese, Senior Manager- Retail Support, Salim Ibrahim, Senior Manager- Retail Sales and Khalid Saleh, Senior Manager – Loss Prevention & Corporate Security.
Following the Millennium Millionaire draw, the Finest Surprise draw was conducted for four luxury vehicles. Joining in the draw were Mansoor Al Khaja, VP – Finance, Mohamad Al Khaja, VP – Retail Support and Salim Dahman, Senior Manager – Marketing.
Mrs. Nadeera Noushad, a 35-year-old Indian national based in Kerala won a BMW 740i M Sport (Tanzanite Blue Metallic) car with ticket number 0814 in the Finest Surprise Series 1929 which he purchased online on 27th July.
Mrs. Noushad, a mother of four, had her ticket purchased by her husband, who is based in Dubai. He shared the cost of the ticket with 14 of his Indian friends.
“Thank you so much to Dubai Duty Free. The money from selling this car will be a big help to all of us,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ms. Maryam Fahad Al Nowais, a 22-year-old Emirati national based in Abu Dhabi won a Mercedes Benz AMG GT 43 (Sunny Yellow) car with ticket number 0733 in the Finest Surprise Series 1930 which she purchased in Concourse A on 31st July.
A first-time ticket buyer, Ms. Al Nowais works as a VIP lead for a bank in Abu Dhabi.
“I can’t believe I won with my first ever ticket. You’re the best Dubai Duty Free!” she said.
Mr. Binoy Ramachandran, a 44-year-old Indian national based in Abu Dhabi won a BMW R12 NineT (719 Aluminium) motorbike with ticket number 0872 in the Finest Surprise Series 633 which he purchased online on 6th August.
A regular participant in Dubai Duty Free’s promotion for 3 years now, Mr. Ramachandran is a father of two and works as a marketing executive for Beko Gulf in Dubai.
“Thank you Dubai Duty Free! I’m super happy and excited to see my winning motorbike,” he said.
Lastly, Mr. Prajwal Shetty, a 32-year-old Indian national based in Dubai won a BMW S 1000 R (Bluefire/Mugiallo Yellow) motorbike with ticket number 0956 in the Finest Surprise Series 634 which he purchased on 8th August.
A regular participant in Dubai Duty Free’s promotion for 6 years, Mr. Shetty works for a printing company in Al Quoz.
“It’s the best news ever! Thank you so much Dubai Duty Free!” he said.
