News Desk
DUBAI: Dubai Duty Free celebrated the Diwali Festival of Light in Dubai International Airport today with a special reception attended by H.E. Satish Kumar Sivan, the Indian Consul General to Dubai, which coincided with the draw for the popular Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise promotion.
Dubai Duty Free’s Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi led the extended management team in welcoming His Excellency and was joined by Dubai Duty Free’s Deputy Managing Director, Salah Tahlak.
To mark the festivities a ceremonial lighting of a Diwali lamp took place followed by a traditional Indian dance performance.
Commenting on the Diwali celebration, Mr. Cidambi said, “It was an absolute honour to be joined by the Indian Consul General, H.E. Satish Kumar Sivan, in celebrating the Diwali Festival at Dubai Duty Free. We currently employ nearly 1,000 Indian nationals, and Indian passengers account for 13-14% of our business, so it is appropriate that we mark this most popular festival celebrated all over the world.”
His Excellency said, “Thank you Ramesh and Salah for inviting me to your Diwali celebration here at Dubai Duty Free. It is great to know that you have good number of Indian employees working here and that Indians form the majority of your customer who love to shop at Dubai Duty Free. I wish you all Happy Diwali!”
His Excellency then joined in the draw for the popular Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise promotions.
Mr. Khalid Pervez, a Pakistan national based in Doha, Qatar became a US$1 million winner in Millennium Millionaire Series 478 with ticket number 4571 which he purchased on 18th October at Terminal 2 of Dubai International Airport.
Mr. Parvez who is the 26th Pakistani national to have won the Millennium Millionaire promotion since 1999 is currently uncontactable, but will no doubt be delighted to learn of his newfound fortune.
Following the Millennium Millionaire draw, a presentation to the previous Millennium Millionaire Series 477 winner was conducted.
Mr. Amit Saraf, a 50-year-old Indian national based in Dubai, won US$1 million in Millennium Millionaire Series 477 with ticket number 2813 and became the 9th person to win the promotion twice.
Mr. Saraf received the ceremonial cheque from Ramesh Cidambi along with other executive members.
Commenting on the presentation, Mr. Saraf said, “I am very grateful for this opportunity to finally meet the people behind my many wins. I truly believe there are no better promotions than with Dubai Duty Free, so thank you so much for this amazing promotion.”
Three winners of luxury vehicles were also announced in the Finest Surprise Promotion right after the Millennium Millionaire presentation.
Mr. Hadi Sidani, a Lebanese national won a BMW 740i M Sport (Dravit Grey Metallic) car with ticket number 264 in the Finest Surprise Series 1895 which he purchased on 5th October in Terminal 2 of Dubai International Airport.
Mr. Sidani also not available for immediate comment.
Meanwhile, Mr. Avish Thottuparambath, a 38-year-old Indian national based in Ajman won a BMW R12 (Black Storm Metallic) motorbike with ticket number 357 in the Finest Surprise Series 600 which he purchased online on 13th October.
A resident of Ajman for 3 years now, Mr. Thottuparambath has been a regular participant in Dubai Duty Free promotion for two years, is a father of two and works as foreman for a construction firm in Sharjah.
“I’m happy for this win, which came as a surprise. Thank you so much Dubai Duty Free,” he said.
Lastly, Mr. Mohamed Ashmawy, a 43-year-old Egyptian national based in Dubai won an Indian Scout Bobber (Black Smoke) motorbike ticket number 579 in the Finest Surprise Series 601 which he purchased on 6th October in Concourse D of Dubai International Airport.
A resident of Dubai for 12 years now, Mr. Ashmawy has been a regular participant in Dubai Duty Free promotion for 10 years, is a father of two and works as vice president for Marsh Consultant.
“Thank you Dubai Duty Free. It was my dream for a long time, glad it finally came true.,” he said.
Finally, H.E. Sivan was invited to join the cake cutting ceremony followed by a group photo.
As part of the promotional activities for Diwali, Dubai Duty Free rolled out a series of special promotions including the chance to win one of ten Dubai Duty Free 40th Anniversary 10-gram gold bars. Other attractive offers featured the ‘Diwali Special Offers’ on gold products – Buy selected gold products for AED 8,000 and above and get AED 5 discount per gram. Adding more sparkle to the Diwali celebrations, there are special discounts and offers on select perfume brands, confectionery and liquor products and some free gifts on select electronic items.
Also present in the draw were Mona Al Ali, SVP – Human Resources, Michael Schmidt, SVP – Retail, Sharon Beecham, SVP – Purchasing and Zayed Al Shebli, SVP – Loss Prevention & Corporate Security.
