News Desk
DUBAI: On the eve of its 42nd Anniversary, Dubai Duty Free announced a group of 10 Indian colleagues from Qatar as the collective winner of US$1 million during the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draw held at Concourse C of Dubai International Airport.
Mr. Jomy John, a 32-year-old Indian national based in Doha, Qatar won a US$1 million in Millennium Millionaire Series 527 with ticket number 4002, which he purchased online on 5th December.
Mr. John who works as draftsman, shared the cost of the ticket with his nine colleagues, who have been participating in the Dubai Duty Free promotion for two years now, alternating the name on the ticket for each series whenever they purchase.
“Thank you so much Dubai Duty Free! This is such a blessing for the group,” he said.
Ms. John is the 267th Indian national to have won the Millennium Millionaire promotion, with Indian nationals being by far the biggest purchasers of tickets.
Today’s draw was conducted by Dubai Duty Free’s Managing Director, Ramesh Cidambi, Salah Tahlak, Deputy Managing Director, Sinead El Sibai, SVP – Marketing, Mona Al Ali, SVP – Human Resources, Michael Schmidt, SVP – Retail, Zayed Al Shebli, SVP – Loss Prevention and Corporate Security, Mohammad Rafeek, VP – Finance and Nasser Al Jasmi, Senior Manager – Exchange Bureau.
Following the Millennium Millionaire presentation, the Finest Surprise draw was conducted for three luxury vehicle winners were also unveiled at the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise draw. Joining in the draw are the rest of the extended management team.
Mr. Salem Alfzari, a 38-year-old Emirati national based in Abu Dhabi won a Mercedes Benz AMG GT 43 (Vintage Blue) car, with ticket number 1223 in the Finest Surprise Series 1941, which he purchased online on 4th December.
A regular participant in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire promotion for more than 7 years, Mr. Alfzari who purchased two tickets for Series 1941, works as an aircraft engineer for Etihad airways.
“I’m surprised and speechless. What a lucky day, my car broke down yesterday due to flooding caused by heavy rain and now I’ve suddenly won a brand-new car!” he said.
While Mr. Ali Alnuaimi, a 61-year-old Emirati national based in Dubai won a Land Rover Defender 110 V8 HSE P525 (Carpathian Grey) car, with ticket number 0264 in the Finest Surprise Series 1943, which he purchased in Terminal 3 Public Shop on 6th December.
A regular participant in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire promotion for 20 years, Mr. Alnuaimi is a father of six and ran a consulting and financial service company.
“Big thanks Dubai Duty Free for this amazing win! Can’t wait to drive my winning car on Dubai road,” he said.
Lastly, Mr. Palani Andavar Ayyanar, a 38-year-old Indian national based in Abu Dhabi won a BMW R 1300 RS (Light White) motorbike, with ticket number 0182 in the Finest Surprise Series 649, which he purchased online on 30th November.
A regular participant in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire promotion for 2 years, Mr. Ayyanar is a father of one and works as an AC technician.
“Thank you Dubai Duty Free for this win. The money that I will get from selling this bike will go a long way,” he said.
