News Desk
DUBAI: Another Indian national has been added to the ever-growing list of Indian winners of US$1 million when the draw for the latest Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise promotion was held today at Concourse A of Dubai International Airport.
Mr. Thekkinikattil Padinhare Madathil Mohandas, a 69-year-old Indian national based in Dubai became a US$1 million winner in Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire Series 501 with ticket number 0310 which he purchased at Terminal 3 Arrivals shop on 28th April.
A regular participant in Dubai Duty Free’s promotion for 24 years now, Mr. Mohandas is a father of two and works as a purchase manager for Al Jaber Gallery.
“Thank you very much Dubai Duty Free! I’m very happy with this win,” he said, Mr. Mohandas, who hails from Kerala is the 250th 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, Zayed Al Shebli, SVP – Loss Prevention & Corporate Security, Mansoor Al Khaja, VP – Finance, Mohamad Al Khaja, VP – Retail Support, Salim Ibrahim, Senior Manager- Retail Sales, Salim Dahman, Senior Manager – Marketing, Khalid Saleh, Senior Manager – Loss Prevention & Corporate Security.
Following the Millennium Millionaire draw, a presentation to the winner of the milestone Millennium Millionaire Series 500 took place.
Mr. Venugopal Mullacheri, an Indian national based in Ajman became the 500th winner of US$1 million, in Millennium Millionaire Series 500 with ticket number 1163.
Mr. Mullacheri received his ceremonial cheque from Ramesh Cidambi along with other executive members.
Commenting on the presentation, Mr. Mullacheri said, “It feels so surreal being here today to meet the people behind my amazing win. Once again, thank you so much Dubai Duty Free!”
After the presentation, the Finest Surprise draw was conducted for two luxury cars and motorbikes.
Mr. Bishr Shiblaq, a 48-year-old German national based in Dubai won a BMW 740i M Sport (Oxide Grey Metallic) car with ticket number 1185 in the Finest Surprise Series 1920 which he purchased online on 3rd May.
Mr. Shiblaq is a second time car winner as he previously won a Mercedes Benz S500 car, with ticket number 0218 in Finest Surprise Series 1851 in September 2023.
A resident of the UAE for 16 years, Mr. Shiblaq works as a lawyer and has been a regular participant in Dubai Duty Free’s promotion for 9 years now.
“I’m so amazed and happy that I won again with my lucky number. ’18’. Thank you Dubai Duty Free!” he said.
Mr. Fresewra Fesseha Yohannes, an American national based in the UAE won a Mercedes Benz G 63 (Obsidian Black) car with ticket number 1470 in the Finest Surprise Series 1922 which he purchased in Concourse A on 5th May.
Mr. Yohannes was not available for immediate comment, but will no doubt be surprised when he learns of his win.
Meanwhile, Ms. Tasnim Aslam Shaikh, an 18-year-old Indian national based in Sharjah won a BMW F 900 R (Racing Blue Metallic) motorbike with ticket number 0330 in the Finest Surprise Series 622 which she purchased at Terminal 1 Public Shop on 22nd April.
A fourth-year university student, Ms. Shaikh is a first-time ticket buyer herself, after her parents would frequently purchase tickets under her name.
“I didn’t expect this to happen. I’m just so grateful for this win, thanks Dubai Duty Free,” she said.
Lastly, Mr. Hashim Hashim Said, a Saudi Arabian national based in the UAE won an Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 (Torque Red) motorbike with ticket number 0980 in the Finest Surprise Series 623 which he purchased in Concourse A on 2nd May.
Mr. Said was also not available for immediate comment.
