KT subscriber wins Mazda sports car in subscription draw

A loyal Khaleej Times reader, who is celebrating his 40^th birthday this month, got rewarded with a brand new Mazda MX-5 sports car after winning in the final KT Annual Subscription 2018-2019 draw.
"This is the best surprise gift I could ever have," a beaming Anwar Shafeeq told Khaleej Times after receiving the key to his stunning two-door roadster from Axel Dreyer, general manager of Galadari Automobiles, on Thursday (May 9).
Anwar, who came with his wife, Rubeena, to collect the car, said he was busy at work when he got a call from Khaleej Times on May 2, informing him about the prize. "At first, I did not believe that I won until someone from the DED (Department of Economic Development) spoke to me. But still I thought it was just a prank so I called the same number and a KT executive confirmed to me that I really won!
"I guess this win was a reward for being a loyal KT reader - I've always been a faithful subscriber," Anwar quipped.
Anwar, who is originally from the Indian state of Kerala, said he started subscribing for Khaleej Times eight years ago. "I would like to describe myself as a news addict and Khaleej Times has been providing me with all the news and information I need," he said.
His love for the printed word started at a young age of four. "Back then my father, a college professor, would read out loud the daily local newspaper to me and it started my passion in reading. As I grew older, I would devour at least three newspapers daily - one from our home, the other from our neighbour and yet another from the nearby flour shop.
"Reading is a habit that was instilled in me at a young age and I carried this passion when I moved to the UAE. I could not let the day pass without reading a newspaper. And Khaleej Times satisfied that need," Anwar noted.
Sharing his preference for Khaleej Times, Anwar said: "KT covers a wide range of news and stories featuring local events, regional affairs and international developments. The facts of stories are well presented; opinions are diverse; and it also has a very strong Indian page - I keep up with the election updates - so I really never felt I left home," Anwar added.
Reading is also a tradition that is strong in Anwar's household. His eldest son, Ali, 10, also loves to read Khaleej Times, particularly its weekly kids' magazine, Young Times; while Ameer, 4, loves listening to his father and mother reading the newspaper.
"My son (Ali) is always the first one who checks the newspaper on Wednesdays to check Young Times and if there's no YT, he would call the attention of the newsboy," Anwar said.
Rubeena added: "KT has always been our source of information. And this Ramadan, it has been useful for its cookbook, fasting and health tips. We also enjoy reading how people from various cultures are marking the holy month."
According to Constance Moraes, head of circulation and distribution at Khaleej Times, the strong connection between KT and its readers has always been the hallmark of the newspaper for 41 years.
"The retention and acquisition of new readers has been phenomenal because our brand offering and service delivery has always been our unique selling point. We have exceeded our target for new subscribers by 140 per cent - which can be attributed to our strong sales force on the ground as well the brilliance of KT as product," he underlined.
"Because of our loyal and new subscribers, the future really looks good and we have a development plan that only grows stronger year after year," Moraes concluded.
angel@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE