Two Kerala Expats in UAE Each Win $1 Million at Dubai Draw
Not one, but two expats from Kerala, UAE, struck it rich in the recent Dubai Duty Free draw, each becoming the latest winners of a $1 million prize. With their names now added to the roster of Indian winners, Kabir Poovathingal and Mohammed Shibil Thayyil are reaping the rewards of their luck and participation in this exciting opportunity.
Winners’ Profiles: Kabir Poovathingal
Kabir Poovathingal, aged 48, purchased his lottery ticket online on June 13. A Dubai resident for over two decades, he has participated in the Dubai Duty Free promotions for more than 12 years. Working as an aviation operator in Abu Dhabi and a father of five, Kabir described the win as a transformative moment in his life. “It’s a wonderful and life-changing experience. I encourage everyone to take this opportunity and try their luck,” he stated, emphasizing the joy and excitement that comes along with such unprecedented good fortune.
Winners’ Profiles: Mohammed Shibil Thayyil
On the other hand, 30-year-old Mohammed Shibil Thayyil also secured his ticket on June 18. Relatively new to Dubai since October 2023, he works in sales at Sharjah Airport International Free Zone. Recently married, Mohammed expressed sheer disbelief at winning just a month after tying the knot. “You have changed my life! This is the greatest news ever! Thank you so much Dubai Duty Free,” he exclaimed, highlighting the significant impact that this windfall will have on his future.
Both Kabir and Mohammed are part of an impressive lineage of winners, becoming the 278th and 279th Indian nationals to win $1 million in the Millennium Millionaire promotion, which has been running since 1999. Indian participants are the most frequent buyers of tickets for this draw, underscoring the significant engagement of the Indian community in Dubai’s vibrant lottery culture.
Luxury Vehicle Winners in the Finest Surprise Draw
Following the Millennium Millionaire draw, excitement continued in the Finest Surprise draw, where luxury vehicles were up for grabs. Kaushal Ved, a 39-year-old Indian national residing in Muscat, Oman, won a stunning Mercedes-Benz S500 with ticket number 1513, purchased online on June 25. Having participated in Dubai Duty Free promotions for five years, he expressed his delight at winning. “Amazing! I have been buying tickets every month, combining Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise options. I never expected to win but now it has happened,” he shared, hoping to strike gold again in the next draw.
Another notable winner, Mahmoud Harissi, a 45-year-old Canadian living in Kuwait, claimed an Aprilia RSV4 1100 motorbike with ticket number 0391, purchased at the airport on June 12. This marks his third winning ticket in the Dubai Duty Free promotion. As a regional director for a tech company and a father of four, Harissi expressed immense joy at his good fortune, reinforcing the idea that luck can indeed strike at any moment.
In summary, the recent draws at Dubai Duty Free not only spotlighted the incredible luck of the winners but also underscored the excitement and engagement of participants from diverse backgrounds. From life-changing cash prizes to luxury vehicles, the allure of the Dubai Duty Free draws continues to attract ticket buyers eager for that chance of a lifetime.
