An Indian banker based in Dubai has won $1 million in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw, finally striking lucky after more than a decade of buying tickets. Atul Rao purchased the winning ticket, number 2242 in Series 522, on his birthday while travelling through Dubai International Airport.
A Birthday Ticket and Disbelief
Rao, who works for a bank and has been living between the UAE and Oman since 1998, bought the ticket about two and a half weeks before the draw. He was transiting through the airport on his way to a friend’s wedding in Bali when he decided to participate once again.
The win came as a complete shock. “When I got the call, I thought someone was playing a prank on me,” Rao said, explaining that the prevalence of spam messages made him sceptical. “It only sank in when I checked the Dubai Duty Free website myself.”
Twelve Years of Persistence
The Mumbai-born banker has been a faithful participant in the draws since 2012. “Every time I travel, I buy at least three tickets, one each for the bike, car, and millionaire draws,” he explained. “I always tell myself, maybe this will be the one. This time, it finally was.”
Over the past twelve years, Rao estimates he has spent nearly Dh50,000 on tickets, never losing faith that he might one day win. “I remember the very first ticket I bought in 2012, I was convinced I would win that time,” he recalled. “But I never lost hope. I always waited for my next travel to buy another one.”
Charity, Investment, and Celebrations
With his newfound fortune, Rao plans to donate a portion to charity and make sensible investments. He is also considering re-entering the city’s property market. “I had owned property in Dubai before, but sold it a while ago. Now, I might look at investing in one again,” he stated.
The news has brought immense joy to his family. “The mood in the house is just pure joy,” Rao said. His wife, a special educator, was thrilled, and the family, including his daughter who works in Dubai and his son studying in Canada, is now planning a holiday together.
Despite his life-changing win, Rao has no intention of stopping. “I’ll definitely keep buying tickets,” he confirmed, noting he still has a ticket for an upcoming bike draw. “Dubai Duty Free has changed my life,” he added. “This win is proof that patience really pays off.”
