Two Kerala-born Dubai expats have been added to the ever-growing list of Indian winners after being announced as the latest US$1 million winners in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draw, held today at Concourse B of Dubai International Airport.

Mr. Kabir Poovathingal, a 48-year-old Indian national based in Dubai became a US$1 million winner in Millennium Millionaire Series 547 with ticket number 3471 which he purchased online on 13th June.

A Dubai resident for 22 years, Mr. Poovathingal has been a regular participant in Dubai Duty Free’s promotion for more than 12 years. A father of five, he works as an aviation operator in Abu Dhabi.

“Thank you for this opportunity, Dubai Duty Free. It’s a wonderful and life changing experience. I encourage everyone to take this opportunity and try their luck.”

Joining Mr. Poovathingal as a fellow US dollar millionaire is Mr. Mohammed Shibil Thayyil, a 30-year-old Indian national based in Dubai who won in Millennium Millionaire Series 548 with ticket number 4832, which he purchased online on 18th June.

Mr. Thayyil arrived in Dubai in October 2025 and works in sales at Sharjah Airport International Free Zone.

Having married just last month, he could hardly believe his luck after winning US$1 million with just his second ticket in the Dubai Duty Free promotion. Overjoyed by the news, he said, “You have changed my life! This is the greatest news ever! Thank you so much Dubai Duty Free.”

Both winners, who hail from Kerala, are the 278th and 279th Indian nationals to win US$1 million in the Millennium Millionaire promotion since its inception in 1999. Indian nationals continue to be the biggest purchasers of tickets in the promotion.

Today’s draw was conducted by Dr. Bernard Creed, SVP – Finance, Zayed Al Shebli, SVP – Asset Protection, Mohamad Al Khaja, VP – Retail Support, Yasa Tahir, VP – Human Resources, Salim Dahman, Senior Manager – Marketing, Fatema Al Fardan, Senior Manager- Purchasing, along with two Dubai Airport police.

Following the Millennium Millionaire draw, the Finest Surprise draw was conducted for two luxury vehicles.