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'I need it desperately': Dubai expat wins $1 million after 10 years of buying Duty Free tickets

Two expats will be sharing the grand prize with family and friends who pitched in for the tickets

Published: Wed 13 Nov 2024, 3:20 PM

Updated: Wed 13 Nov 2024, 6:55 PM

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Photo: Supplied

Photo: Supplied

Two groups of Indian expats bagged the $1-million Dubai Duty Free (DDF) grand prize in the last two draws, it was announced on Wednesday.

In the latest draw held on Wednesday, 55-year-old Dubai resident Thomas Prado's entry was picked, making him an instant dollar-millionaire. He clarified, however, that he will be sharing the grand prize with four family members and colleagues who pitched in for the ticket.

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Asked what he would do with the money, Prado — a resident of the emirate for 20 years and a DDF participant for 10 — was sure where it would go.

“Firstly, I have some debts to clear but a big chunk will be saved for my children’s education, while I will also do some religious donation," he said.

“I’m so grateful to God (it came) in this moment of time when I need it desperately.

Another Indian expat, Liv Ashby, was just as lucky. The 45-year-old was announced as the winner of $1-million in Millennium Millionaire Series 480.

A resident of Dubai since 2005, Ashby purchased two tickets with his two friends; so all three of them will be splitting the prize.

“It’s unbelievable. It will definitely change our lives for the better,” said the expat who is a father to one and works as an electrical engineer for Dubai Airports.

Parado and Ashby, who are from Goa and Kerala, respectively, are the 238th and 239th Indian nationals to have won the Millennium Millionaire promotion since 1999.

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