By Rafiq Vayani
DUBAI: The New Year began on a high note for six lucky individuals today when Dubai Duty Free announced the latest winners of its famous Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise promotions at the draw held in Concourse C of Dubai International Airport.
Mr. Kanikaram Rajasekhar, a 45-year old Indian national based in Hyderebad, became the first US$1 million dollar winner for this year when his ticket number 3546 in Millennium Millionaire Series 347, which he purchased online on 18th December,was drawn today.
A father of two, Mr. Rajasekhar who is planning to set-up an immigration service company in Dubai, bought two tickets for Series 347 after failing to win with his first ever ticket purchased in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire in Series 345.
“I’m elated! It’s surreal! This is the way to start the year out right. Thank you so much Dubai Duty Free!” he said.
When asked on his initial plans with his win, he said, “I will do business and charity works.”
Today’s draws were conducted following social distancing by Dubai Duty Free’s Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, Colm McLoughlin, Chief Operating Officer, Ramesh Cidambi, Salah Tahlak, Executive Vice President – Corporate Services, Sinead El Sibai, SVP – Marketing, Mona Al Ali, SVP – Human Resources, Sharon Beecham, VP – Purchasing and Zayed Al Shebli, VP – Loss Prevention and Corporate Security.
Following the Millennium Millionaire draw, the Finest Surprise draw was conducted for two cars and three motorbikes.
Mr. Syed Shabber Hasan Naqvi, a 24-year old Indian student based in Dubai, won a BMW 750Li xDrive M Sport (Donington Grey) car, with ticket number 0514 in Finest Surprise Series 1764, which he purchased online on 18th December.
Born and raised in Dubai, Mr. Naqvi only started participating in Dubai Duty Free’s promotion six months ago and is currently doing a Master’s degree in civil engineering at Heriot-Watt University in Dubai.
“I’m very excited to start my new year! After going through some difficult times hopefully this win is the start of more good things to come,” he said.
Mr. Gerardo Fernando, a Filipino national based in Dubai, won a Range Rover Sport HST 3.0 400HP (Black) car, with ticket number 0891 in Finest Surprise Series 1765, which he purchased online on 20th December.Mr. Fernando is unavailable for immediate comment, but will no doubt be surprised when he learns of his new car win.
Mr. Nitin Agrawat, a 38-year old Indian national based in Dubai won a Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider (Billiard Red) motorbike, with ticket number 0901 in Finest Series 436, which he purchased online on 10th December.
A resident of Dubai for 13 years now, Mr. Agrawat is a regular participant in Dubai Duty Free’s promotion for 10 years and works as a credit manager for Novotel in Dubai World Trade Center.
“Thank you so much Dubai Duty Free. I encouraged all to continue buying ticket to this amazing promotion and hopefully luck will be on your side,” he said
Meanwhile, Ms. Martha Rosari, a 35-year old Indonesian national based in Dubai won an Indian Vintage Dark Horse (Thunder Black Smoke) motorbike, with ticket number 0512 in Finest Surprise Series 437, which he purchased on 20th December.
A first-time participant in Dubai Duty Free’s promotion, Ms. Rosari purchased three tickets for Series 437 and split the ticket cost with two other colleagues.
Ms. Rosari who works for Emirates Airline as senior airport service agent couldn’t contain her excitement to share the good news to her two other colleagues and commented, “This is the best New Year’s gift for me. Thank you so much Dubai Duty Free.”
Ms. Rosari is the first Indonesian national to have won a motorbike since it was introduced into the Finest Surprise promotion in 2002.
Lastly, Mr. Ahamed Nasar Kamal Sheik, an Indian national based in Dubai,won an Aprilia Tuono Factory (Atomico Racer) motorbike, with ticket number 0597 in Finest Surprise Series 438, which he purchased online on 20th December. He is also unavailable for comment.
