Two Indians win $1 million each in Dubai Duty Free raffle

Dubai - Both winners expressed their desire to use a part of their winnings towards charity.

Two Indians are the latest to become overnight millionaires after winning the most recent Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw.

Amit S, a 46-year old Indian national based in Bangalore, became a US$1 million dollar winner when his ticket number 0518 in the Millennium Millionaire Series 348, which he purchased online on December 18 last year, was drawn on Wednesday.

A participant in the promotion since 2016, Amit took advantage of the 25 per cent discount during the Dubai Duty Free's 37th Anniversary celebrations in December to purchase 10 tickets for the series.

“I’m so grateful for this win, it’s hard to believe that it actually happened. With this amount, it will definitely change the whole quality of my life,” said the businessman, who runs a computer shop and is involved in equity trading.

When asked about his initial plans for the prize, he said, “I will pay off my debts and invest more into equity trading. I would also like to set up an NGO to hopefully help as many people as I can,” he added.

Joining the millionaire’s circle is Varun Boosnur, a 34- year old Indian national based in Seattle, California who was announced as the winner of the US$1 million in Millennium Millionaire Series 349 with ticket number 1720, which he bought online on January 1 this year.

Varun, who moved to the US in 2011, has been participating in Dubai Duty Free’s promotion for over a year. Originally hailing from Davanagere in India, he is a father of one and works as a program manager for Microsoft.

“This win keeps hope alive especially during this difficult time,” said an ecstatic Varun.

Sharing his initial plans, he added, “I would love to help some poor kids who don’t have access to education, buy a new house, and invest in a business.”

• Dubai