An Indian expatriate and an Afghan national have each won US$1 million in the latest Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw. The event was held at Concourse D of Dubai International Airport, where three luxury vehicles were also given away in the Finest Surprise promotion.
Indian Expat in Saudi Arabia Wins US$1 Million
Danny Telis, a 47-year-old Indian national based in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, became a millionaire in Series 518 with ticket number 0542. A resident of Tabuk for over three years, the construction manager and father of two has been participating in the promotion for five years. He purchased his winning ticket at Terminal 2 on 23 September.
“I am truly grateful for this win; it’s a dream come true for me. My heartfelt thanks go to Dubai Duty Free,” he said. Telis, who hails from Mumbai, plans to invest his winnings in Dubai, a city he called home for 13 years before moving to Saudi Arabia. He is the 261st Indian national to win the grand prize.
First Afghan National Becomes a Millionaire
The draw for Series 519 produced a historic result, as Mohammad Khan Barakzai became the first Afghan national to win the US$1 million prize since the promotion began in 1999. The 44-year-old Dubai resident purchased his winning ticket, number 1700, online on 23 September.
Barakzai, who runs an interior decoration company in Business Bay, has lived in Dubai since 2014. The father of three, originally from Helmand province, has been taking part in the promotion for four years.
Luxury Vehicles Awarded in Finest Surprise Draw
Following the millionaire announcements, the Finest Surprise draw saw three more winners claim luxury vehicles.
Mercedes Benz Goes to Mumbai Manager
Chinmay Joshi, a 31-year-old from Mumbai, won a Mercedes Benz S500 with a ticket he bought online on 30 September. The strategic alliance manager for a financial company was a first-time participant in the promotion. “I just couldn’t believe it that I have won this early. Thank you Dubai Duty Free!” he said.
Two Motorbikes Won by Indian Nationals
Melwin Pontes, an Indian national based in the UAE, won an Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1100 motorbike. At the time of the announcement, organisers were unable to reach him.
Seetaraman Venkataraman, a 67-year-old Indian national living in Abu Dhabi, won a BMW S 1000 XR motorbike. A regular participant for 20 years, the business development manager said the prize money will be put to good use. “The money that I will get from selling this bike will go toward my children’s college education,” he explained.
