Dubai: Indian expat wins $1 million after buying Duty Free tickets for 24 years

Another Indian name has joined the growing list of $1 million winners in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw. Madathil Mohandas, a 69-year-old Dubai expat, struck it rich in Series 501 with ticket number 0310, which he purchased at the Terminal 3 Arrivals shop on April 28.

Mohandas has been purchasing Duty Free tickets for 24 years. He 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

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Mohandas, who hails from Kerala is the 250th Indian to have won $1 million in the Millennium Millionaire promotion since 1999, with Indian nationals being by far the biggest purchasers of tickets.

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Following the draw, a presentation to the winner of the milestone Millennium Millionaire Series 500 took place. Venugopal Mullacheri, another Indian based in Ajman became the 500th winner of $1 million.

After receiving his ceremonial cheque 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.

Bishr Shiblaq, a 48-year-old German based in Dubai won a BMW 740i M Sport (Oxide Grey Metallic) car with ticket number 1185 which he purchased online on May 3. He is a second time car winner as he previously won a Mercedes Benz S500 car in September 2023.

A resident of the UAE for 16 years, 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.

Fresewra Fesseha Yohannes, an American based in the UAE won a Mercedes Benz G 63 (Obsidian Black) car with ticket number 1470, which he purchased in Concourse A on May 5. Yohannes was not available for immediate comment, but will no doubt be surprised when he learns of his win.

Meanwhile, Tasnim Aslam Shaikh, an 18-year-old Indian based in Sharjah won a BMW F 900 R (Racing Blue Metallic) motorbike with ticket number 0330, which she purchased at Terminal 1 Public Shop on April 22.

A fourth-year university student, 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, Hashim Hashim Said, a Saudi Arabian national based in the UAE won an Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 (Torque Red) motorbike with ticket number 0980, which he purchased in Concourse A on May 2.

Said was also not available for immediate comment.