An Indian national and a Kazakhstani national have been added to the growing list of dollar millionaires while three others won luxury vehicles when Dubai Duty Free conducted the draw for Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise promotion earlier this morning in Concourse B, Dubai International Airport.

The first up was Mr. Raaamesh Kannan, a 55-year-old Indian national from Chennai, India who purchased his winning ticket number 3255 in Series 458 online on 15th April.

The father of two, who works as an administration officer in Chennai petroleum company, was thrilled to learn of his new-found wealth and commented: “It couldn’t have been a better day to hear the news of my win as today (1st May), we’re celebrating a Labour Day in India! I’m especially delighted as it is only my second ticket in the Millennium Millionaire promotion”.

Mr. Kannan is the 228th Indian national to win the Millennium Millionaire promotion since its inception in 1999.

Joining Mr. Kannan as a fellow US dollar millionaire is Mr. Murat Shakhabayev, a 44-year-old Kazakhstani national living in Astana, Kazakhstan, who purchased his winning ticket number 3206 in Millennium Millionaire Series 459 on 24 April when travelling back to his home country.

Speaking to Dubai Duty Free over the phone, Mr. Shakhabayev commented: “I visit Dubai every 2-3 months as my favourite holiday destination and I also own a small car rental business in Dubai for a few years now. I love shopping at Dubai Duty Free and have recently started participating in the Millennium Millionaire promotion. I’ve heard a lot of amazing stories about the winners but could not have imagined to become one of them one day!”

Mr. Shakhabayev is the 6th Kazakhstani national to win the Millennium Millionaire promotion.

Today’s draws were conducted by Dubai Duty Free’s Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, Colm McLoughlin, Salah Tahlak, JCOO, Sinead El Sibai, SVP – Marketing, Michael Schmidt, SVP – Retail, Sharon Beecham, SVP – Purchasing and Zayed Al Shebli, SVP – Loss, Prevention & Corporate Security.

Following the Millennium Millionaire, the Finest Surprise draw was conducted for a car and two motorbikes.

Mr. Ahmed Al Neyadi, 51-year-old UAE national from Al Ain won a BMW X6 M Competition (Mineral White Metallic) car, with ticket number 0873 in Finest Surprise Series 1876, which he purchased online on 5th April.

A regular participant in the Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise promotions, Mr. Al Neyadi commented: “I’m excited to have finally won after participating for a long time and I look forward to visiting Dubai Duty Free to receive my brand-new car!”

Another winner who will be equally delighted with the prize is Mr. Ali Raeis Saadi, an Iranian national based in Dubai. Mr. Saadi won an Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory 1100 (Time Attack) motorbike in Finest Surprise series 578 with ticket no. 1057, he is not available for immediate comment and the surprise still awaits him.

Meanwhile, Mr. Aftab Alam, a 58-year-old Pakistani national living in Dubai won a BMW S 1000 RR (M Package) motorbike, with ticket number 1126 in Finest Surprise Series 579, which he purchased online on 23rd April.

Mr. Alam, who works in a Dubai-based logistics company, was overjoyed to receive a surprise call from Dubai Duty Free and commented: “Winning a motorbike is an amazing experience and I still can’t believe it is real. I am sure this is not my last win and will continue to buy Finest Surprise tickets in the hope of making it second time lucky.”