Long-Awaited Fortune: Indian Resident Claims $1 Million After 27 Years of Trying in Dubai Duty Free Draw

Govindan Nair, an Indian national who has resided in Dubai for over three decades, has finally won $1 million in the latest Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw. Mr. Nair, originally from Kerala, runs a textile and garment factory in Bur Dubai and has been a consistent participant in the promotion for more than 25 years, since its inception in 1999. He secured the winning ticket, number 3159, for Millennium Millionaire Series 562 through an online purchase on October 20. Expressing his disbelief and gratitude, Mr. Nair stated, "Thank you Dubai Duty Free for this great news! I can’t believe I have finally won!" The 62-year-old businessman plans to invest his winnings in his business. He is the 286th Indian national to achieve this $1 million prize, with Indian citizens being the largest group of ticket purchasers for the draw.

In addition to Mr. Nair's win, Dubai Duty Free also announced winners for its Finest Surprise promotion. Rami Mohammed Alkhatib, a 36-year-old Jordanian national living in Sharjah, won a BMW S 1000 R motorbike in Series 683 with ticket number 1191, purchased online on October 8. He has been participating in the promotion since 2019. Abhilash Padmanabhan, an Indian national based in the UAE, won a Harley-Davidson Sportster S in Series 684 with ticket number 1024, also bought online on October 21.

The announcements coincided with Dubai Duty Free's Diwali celebrations at Concourse B of Dubai International Airport. The event was attended by Dr. Emmadi Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, India's Consul General in the emirate, and featured traditional Indian cultural performances, including a ceremonial lighting of diyas, a dance performance, and a cake-cutting ceremony. Dubai Duty Free managing director Ramesh Cidambi highlighted the company's commitment to recognizing the diverse nationalities and cultures of its customers and employees. He noted that nearly 1,000 Indian nationals are employed by Dubai Duty Free, and Indian passengers constitute approximately 13 to 14 percent of its business.