Announced the winners in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise Promotions
By Rafiq Vayani
DUBAI: Dubai Duty Free welcomed the “Year of the Fire Horse” with a vibrant Chinese New Year celebration held at Concourse B of Dubai International Airport, bringing together distinguished guests, cultural traditions and signature Dubai Duty Free promotions.
The celebration began with the arrival of Her Excellency Ou Boqian, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai and Northern Emirates, who was warmly received by Dubai Duty Free’s senior executive team and staff members.
Following opening remarks by Dubai Duty Free’s Managing Director, Ramesh Cidambi and Her Excellency, a traditional “Rubbing Art Ceremony” was held. The event continued with a ribbon and cake cutting to officially commence the celebration.
The festivities continued as Her Excellency and the Managing Director conducted the Dubai Duty Free’s renowned Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draws, adding excitements for passengers and participants alike. They were joined by Deputy Managing Director Salah Tahlak, Sinead El Sibai, SVP – Marketing, Mona Al Ali, SVP – HR, Michael Schmidt, SVP – Retail, Sharon Beecham, SVP – Purchasing, Wang Yi, Deputy Consul General, Wang Xiaojia, Commercial Counsellor and He Chao, Director of Consular Section.
The first winner of the day was Mr. Oliver, an Austrian national based in Portugal who won a US$1 million in Series 534 with ticket number 4393, which he purchased online on 27th January.
Joining Mr. Oliver as a fellow US dollar millionaire is Mr. Rajan Lall, an Indian national based in the UAE who was also announced the winner of US$1 million in Millennium Millionaire Series 535 with ticket number 3099 which he purchased in Concourse D on 30th January.
Both dollar millionaires are uncontactable but are expected to be delighted upon learning of their newfound fortune.
After the Millennium Millionaire draw, three luxury vehicle winners were also unveiled in the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise draw.
Mr. Walid El-Murr, a Lebanese national based in the UAE won a Mercedes Benz S500 (Metallic Paint Obsidian) car, with ticket number 0124 in Finest Surprise Series 1948, which he purchased in Concourse D on 14th January.
Meanwhile, Mr. David Duppa-Miller, a British national based in the UK won a BMW F 900 GS (Trophy White / Blue / Red) motorbike, with ticket number 0742 in Finest Surprise Series 656 which he purchased online on 24th January.
Both Mr. El-Murr and Mr. Duppa-Miller were unavailable for immediate comment.
Lastly, Mr. Rasheed Parambi Abdul Kader, a 51-year-old Indian based in Jebel Ali won an Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 (Scorpion Yellow) motorbike, with ticket number 0459 in Finest Surprise Series 657, which he purchased online on 2nd January.
A resident of Jebel Ali for nine years, Mr. Kader has been a regular participant in Dubai Duty Free promotions for a year now. Mr Kader is a father of three and works as a chef at Ramada Hotel.
“I’m very happy for this win! Thank you Dubai Duty Free,” he said.
After the draw, a traditional Chinese dance performance captivated the audience, after which guests gathered for a commemorative group photographs.
