Two Indian Expats Win $1 Million Each in Dubai Duty Free Draw
Dubai: In an exciting turn of events, two Indian expatriates have won an astounding one million dollars (approximately Rs 8.44 crore) each in the latest Dubai Duty Free (DDF) Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draws. The draws were held on Wednesday, November 13, at Concourse C of Dubai International Airport.
First Winner: Thomas Parado
Thomas Parado, a 55-year-old Indian national from Goa, currently residing in Dubai, emerged as a winner in Millennium Millionaire Series 479. Parado, who works as an accountant for a management company, secured the prize with ticket number 2762, which he purchased on October 28.
A Dubai resident for the past 20 years, Parado has been participating in DDF promotions for the past decade. He shared the cost of his winning ticket with four of his family members and colleagues. Parado plans to use his winnings to pay off debts, save for his children’s education, and make religious donations.
Second Winner: Liv Ashby
The second winner, Liv Ashby, a 45-year-old electrical engineer from Kerala, also based in Dubai, won in Millennium Millionaire Series 480 with ticket number 1841, which he purchased online on October 25. Ashby, who has been living in Dubai since 2005, is a regular participant in DDF promotions and had shared the cost of his winning ticket with two friends.
In disbelief at his good fortune, Ashby said, “It’s unbelievable! But I’m so thankful to Dubai Duty Free for this win. It will definitely change our lives for the better.”
Milestone for Indian Nationals
Parado and Ashby are the 235th and 236th Indian nationals to win the one million dollar prize since the launch of the Millennium Millionaire promotion in 1999. Indian nationals represent the highest number of buyers of Millennium Millionaire tickets, solidifying their prominent presence in the Dubai Duty Free draws.
Other Winners in the Latest DDF Draw
In addition to the two million-dollar winners, other participants also claimed luxury prizes in the latest draw:
- Anupam Sharma, a 55-year-old Indian national from Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, won a luxury vehicle in the Finest Surprise Series 1897 with ticket number 301. Sharma purchased his ticket online on October 25.
- Jaseema Mariyam, a 39-year-old Indian national from Sharjah, won a motorbike in the Finest Surprise Series 602 with ticket number 757, purchased at the Terminal 1 Arrivals shop on October 27.
