Life-Changing Wins: Indians and Japanese Celebrate Big in Dubai

Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire

 In a thrilling turn of events at the latest Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draw, held at Dubai International Airport, two first-time ticket buyers found themselves joining the ranks of millionaires. Rupa Harish Dhawan, a 49-year-old Indian, and Nana Kakihara, a 30-year-old Japanese, each walked away with a staggering $1 million prize.

Rupa, a homemaker and mother of three, purchased her winning ticket (number 2869) on January 28 while returning to Mumbai from Dubai with her husband, who had suggested they take part in the Dubai Duty Free promotion. Reflecting on her unexpected windfall, Rupa expressed gratitude and disbelief, remarking, “It was a big thing for me, I never had luck or win such kind. I can’t believe that with my first ever ticket to Dubai Duty Free my life will change.”

Joining Rupa in the celebration is Nana Kakihara, a Japanese national based in Miyazaki, who purchased her winning ticket (number 4429) on February 13 en route to Male, Maldives for her honeymoon. Nana, who works for a chemical company, described her win as an “amazing chance,” expressing her excitement and early success with her first-ever ticket purchase. She shared her plans to buy a new car and travel the world with her family.

For Rupa and Nana, their wins mark significant milestones and highlight the diverse backgrounds of winners in the Dubai Duty Free promotions. Rupa is the 224th Indian to win $1 million since the Millennium Millionaire promotion began in 1999, with Indian nationals being among the most frequent participants. Similarly, Nana becomes the third Japanese national to claim the $1 million prize in the promotion, adding to the global appeal of Dubai Duty Free draws.

Following the Millennium Millionaire draw, the Finest Surprise draw offered more excitement as winners were announced for luxury cars and motorbikes. Among the lucky winners was Hameed Abdulla Yousuf, a 78-year-old Bahraini, who won a BMW X6 M60i xDrive. Hameed, a regular participant for a decade, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and the luxury car prize, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.

Michael Konrad Steinhoefel, a 51-year-old Swiss, also celebrated his win of a Mercedes Benz S500, expressing appreciation for Dubai Duty Free’s long-running promotion that gives people the chance to win. Rashmi R., an Indian based in the UAE, and Seamus Louis, an Indian resident in Dubai, were among the other winners who expressed gratitude for their unexpected wins and pledged to continue participating in future draws.

The draw also saw winners of motorbikes, including Seamus Louis, who won an Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory, and Neena Joseph, a Sharjah-based Indian nurse, who won a BMW R 1250 RS. Neena, who has been participating for two years, expressed her surprise and thankfulness for the win, highlighting the unexpected joy it brought.

Overall, the latest Dubai Duty Free draw showcased the excitement and life-changing moments that await participants, from first-time ticket buyers to long-time participants, reflecting the diverse and global nature of the promotion. As winners celebrate their newfound fortunes, the draw continues to offer hope and anticipation for future participants seeking their own life-changing wins.