News Desk
DUBAI: A Syrian national and an Indian national have been announced as the new dollar millionaires at the latest Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draw, held today at Concourse B of Dubai International Airport.
Mr. Maed Hassan, a 64-year-old Syrian national based in Abu Dhabi became a US$1 million winner, in Millennium Millionaire Series 495 with ticket number 2525 which he purchased online on 7th March.
A resident of the UAE for 33 years, Mr. Hassan who works as mechanical engineer for Combined Group Contracting Company, is no stranger to winning as he previously won a Mercedes Benz S500 in the Finest Surprise Series 1853 with ticket number 0068 in October 2023.
A regular participant in Dubai Duty Free’s promotion for 9 years now, Mr. Hassan who is a father of three was delighted with his win and recalls his wish to win in the Millennium Millionaire promotion, after winning a car in the Finest Surprise draw.
“Thank you very much Dubai Duty Free! I hope for everyone to be a winner, this will really change people’s lives,” he said.
Joining Mr. Hassan as a fellow US dollar millionaire is Mr. Sanjay Ghosh, a 57-year-old Indian national based in Calcutta, India who won in Millennium Millionaire Series 496 with ticket number 3443 which he purchased online on 24th March.
A regular participant in Dubai Duty Free’s promotion since 2009, Mr. Ghosh is a father of one and works as captain for an oil tanker.
Presently on the ship, transiting Singapore strait he said; “I was having this feeling since yesterday when I saw the email from DDF informing the draw date for Millennium Millionaire Series 496, that maybe the day has come. And today, while I was on the navigating bridge and saw this UAE number calling my mobile, I knew that this is it and true enough, I finally won US$1 million!”
“Thank you so much Dubai Duty Free, I can finally retire and enjoy my life with my family,” added Mr. Ghosh.
Today’s draw was conducted by Dubai Duty Free Deputy Managing Director, Salah Tahlak, Sinead El Sibai, SVP – Marketing, Zayed Al Shebli, SVP – Loss Prevention & Corporate Security, Mohamad Al Khaja, VP – Retail Support, Yasa Tahir, VP – HR, Nasser Al Jasmi, Senior Manager – Exchange Bureau and Khalid Saleh, Senior Manager – Loss Prevention & Corporate Security.
Following the Millennium Millionaire draw, a presentation to the previous Millennium Millionaire Series 493 winner was conducted.
Ms. Tanaz Choudhury, an American national who flew in all the way from Houston, Texas, won US$1 million in Millennium Millionaire Series 493 with ticket number 2912 and became the 14th American national to have won the Millennium Millionaire promotion since 1999.
Ms. Tanaz received her ceremonial cheque from Salah Tahlak along with other executive members.
Commenting on the presentation, Ms. Tanaz said, “I love the fact that I get to win the Millennium Millionaire and it’s just fabulous. I hope I can put this money to some better causes and hopefully indulge a little myself as well. Thank you Dubai Duty Free for running this amazing promotion.”
Following the Millennium Millionaire draw, the Finest Surprise draw was conducted for two luxury cars and motorbikes.
Mr. Jayaram Kodialbail, an Indian national based in India won a Mercedes Benz S500 (Graphite Grey Metallic) car with ticket number 1107 in the Finest Surprise Series 1915 which he purchased online on 23rd March.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mohamed Alhashmi, an Emirati national based in the UAE won a Range Rover SE P360 (Ostuni Pearl White) car with ticket number 0181 in the Finest Surprise Series 1916 which he purchased online on 12th March.
While Mr. Viajayan Elimarthy, an Indian national based in India won a BMW F 900 XR (Black Storm Metallic) motorbike with ticket number 0939 in the Finest Surprise Series 618 which he purchased online on 3rd March.
Both the two car winners and the motorbike winner are not available for immediate comment, but will no doubt be surprised when they learn of their win.
Lastly, Mr. Ambeesh Premdas, a 43-year-old Indian national based in Rashidiya won an Indian 101 Scout (Sunset Red Metallic) motorbike with ticket number 1131 in the Finest Surprise Series 619 which he purchased online on 25th March.
A regular participant in Dubai Duty Free’s promotion for almost 5 years, Mr. Premdas is a father of one and works as a technical advisor for Al Futtaim.
“”Thank you Dubai Duty Free for this amazing win!” he said.
rafiq@biztoday.news
