Dubai Duty Free officially launched its Chinese New Year celebration today in Terminal 3 - Concourse B and Concourse C (Control Tower) of Dubai International Airport. The morning festivities were well attended by Dubai Duty Free management and staff headed by the Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, Colm McLoughlin, Chief Operating Officer – Ramesh Cidambi and Executive Vice President Corp. Services - Salah Tahlak, along with representatives from the Chinese Consulate in Dubai including (Acting) Consul General Ms. Tan Li and Vice Consul, Wang Chen and some Chinese media. 

To kickstart the festive spirit of the Chinese New Year in Concourse B, the Sindy Zou dance group welcomed the officials, guests and passengers by performing a traditional Chinese dance “Silk Road”. Following the special number, Ms. Li was invited to join the draw for Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise promotions.

Mr. Neil H., a 49 year old British national based in Dubai won US$1 million in Series 291 with ticket number 1927. Mr. H., a resident of Dubai for 12 years, works for an international oil and gas company.

A long-time participant in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise promotions, Mr. H. was shocked to learn that he finally won the US$1 million prize and commented, “Huge thanks to UAE and Dubai Duty Free for kick starting my 2019!”

The second millionaire was Mr. Abhishek Kathel who won in Series 292 with ticket number 2582. Mr. Kathel, an Indian national based in Sharjah, works as cabin crew for Air Arabia and bought his first ever ticket from The Craft Shop in The Irish Village.

“Thank God for this wonderful news! I cannot believe that I will win this big with my first ever ticket for the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire. Thank you so much Dubai Duty Free!”

Meanwhile, two Indian winners were announced in the Finest Surprise draw.

Mrs. Leepika Ahluwalie, a 27 year old Indian national based in Dubai won an Audi R8 RWS V10 Coupe (Tango Red Metallic) in Series 1708 with ticket number 0380. Mrs. Ahluwalie who recently joined her husband in Dubai just 2 months back after getting married, bought her winning ticket on their way to Baku, Azerbaijan where they went for their honeymoon.

“Thank you Dubai Duty Free for this amazing wedding gift to us. My husband has been planning to get a new car and now here it is!”

Finally, Mr. Farhan Jawed Khan, a 14 year old Indian national from Ranchi won a BMW R 1200 GS Rallye Edition motorbike (Lupin Blue Metallic) in Series 356 with ticket number 0323. His father, Mr. Mohmaad Jawed Khan explained that he bought the winning ticket and put it in his son’s name on their way back to India for good after living in Dubai for 24 years.  

A regular participant in the Dubai Duty Free promotions since 2005, Mr Khan was no stranger to winning as he had won a Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe in 2008 in Series 1347 with ticket number 0759.

“We are grateful to Dubai Duty Free for our second win and we’ll continue to patronize your promotions by buying tickets online.”

After the draw, the Dubai Duty Free group and Chinese officials were led by Dubai Duty Free Chinese staff in traditional dress to Concourse C (Control Tower) for the ceremonial cake cutting and traditional drum dance, much to the delight of passengers.

Commenting on the Chinese New Year initiative, Colm McLoughlin said, “We are privileged to be joined by the Chinese (Acting) Consul General, Ms. Tan Li and other representatives of the Chinese consulate as well as some member of the Chinese media to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Dubai Duty Free employs 814 Chinese nationals and Chinese passengers account for 17% of our business,  so it is appropriate that we mark this most popular Festival which is celebrated all over the world.”

(Acting) Consul General Ms. Tan Li said, “Thank you Mr. McLoughlin for inviting us here every year to join Dubai Duty Free in celebrating the Chinese New Year. This occasion remains one of the most important occasion for the Chinese and Dubai Duty Free acknowledges the significance of this holiday to its customers through traditional festivities and offering special initiatives.”  

As part of the promotional activities over the coming weeks, Dubai Duty Free rolled out a Chinese New Year themed-concept with plenty of attractive promotions across all Concourses in Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International. The concept will no doubt entice passengers to buy at themed retail areas across all the terminals which includes offers of a 20% discount promotion for its top selling Chinese cigarettes brands such as Chunghwa and Panda and other regular promotions in various categories including liquor, skin care and luxury watches.