Dubai Resident Wins $1 Million After 24 Years of Trying

A 69-year-old Indian expatriate in Dubai has finally struck gold, winning $1 million in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire raffle. Madathil Mohandas, a purchasing manager at Al Jaber Gallery, became the 501st winner of the long-running draw after participating for 24 years without success.

Overwhelmed with joy, Mohandas expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you, Dubai Duty Free! I’m extremely happy.” He is now the 250th Indian national to win the million-dollar prize since the raffle began in 1999.

The event also celebrated the 500th winner of the Millennium Millionaire draw. Another Indian resident, Venugopal Mullachery, took home $1 million and shared his excitement: “It’s unbelievable to be here and meet the people who made this dream come true. Thank you, Dubai Duty Free!”

Following the main prize announcements, the Finest Surprise raffle awarded luxury cars and motorcycles to lucky participants. A 48-year-old German expat won a BMW 740i M Sport—his second big win after securing a Mercedes-Benz S500 in September 2023. “I’m so surprised and happy that I still can’t believe it,” he said.

An American living in the UAE also drove away with a Mercedes-Benz G 63, though he has yet to comment on his unexpected fortune. Meanwhile, an 18-year-old student from Sharjah won a BMW F 900 R motorcycle on her first-ever raffle ticket, purchased on April 22. “I never expected this. I’m so grateful—thank you, Dubai Duty Free!” she exclaimed.

Adding to the list of winners, a Saudi national residing in the UAE claimed an Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 motorcycle with a ticket bought on May 2. While his reaction remains unknown, the surprise surely brought a smile to his face.

The Dubai Duty Free raffles continue to turn dreams into reality, proving that persistence—and a bit of luck—can pay off in spectacular fashion.

Source: Khaleej Times