First-time winner Sandeep Menon became the latest Indian national to win US$1 million in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire Promotion in Series 277, which was drawn today in Concourse B-Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport.

Mr Menon, holder of ticket no. 2095, bought his winning ticket online, and was stunned into silence upon learning of his great fortune. A regular participant in the Millennium Millionaire promotion, Mr Menon is based in Kuwait and the 132nd Indian national to win US$1 million since its inception in 1999.

On being notified of his recent win, Mr Menon commented: “I’ve never won anything in my life especially not something as huge as the Millennium Millionaire Promotion. I am extremely grateful to Dubai Duty Free for this great surprise.” 

Following the draw, a presentation was made to a previous Millennium Millionaire winner, Mr. George Lubbe, who won in Series 274 with ticket no. 2166.  Mr Lubbe, who was flown in from Johannesburg to collect his prize money, is the fourth South African national to become a dollar millionaire.

Excited to receive the US$1 million ceremonial cheque from Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Colm McLoughlin, Mr Lubbe said: “I am delighted to be here in Dubai Duty Free and be able to thank you in person. Winning a million dollars is such a wonderful surprise and I will surely remember this special moment for a long time.”

Two more winners, each winning a luxury vehicles, were also announced today in the Finest Surprise promotion.

Mr. Hossam Hussein Salman, a Dubai-based Egyptian national was so pleased to learn that he won a BMW 750Li Luxury Silver Metallic in Series 1691 and with ticket no. 0425. Mr Salman could not contain his delight upon hearing the news and believed that today is his lucky day and said:” Tomorrow (Wed.) is my birthday and I am so excited to be receiving this special gift from Dubai Duty Free. This is truly a surprise as it was also my first ever ticket in the Finest Surprise promotion that I bought along with one millennium millionaire when I travelled on 18th June.” Mr Salman, an engineer by profession, is looking forward to visiting Dubai Duty Free soon to collect his new car.

Another winner of the day is Ms. Santhi Bose, a Dubai-based Indian national who won a BMW R Nine T Scrambler. Ms. Bose bought her winning ticket number 0809 in Series 341 on 26th June.

The Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise Draw was conducted by Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO together with Sinead El Sibai, Senior Vice President – Marketing, Sean Staunton, Senior Vice President – Retail Sales, Michael Schmidt, Senior Vice President – Retail Support and Mona Al Ali, Vice President – HR Delivery.