$2 Million Double Win: Two Indian Expats Hit the Dubai Duty Free Jackpot
A life-changing moment unfolded on Wednesday as two Indian expatriates living in the United Arab Emirates secured the top prize in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw. Both winners were awarded a staggering $1 million each, turning their long-held dreams into a sudden reality.
A Business Owner’s Long-Awaited Victory
Bhanu Sobhani, a 40-year-old textile and garment factory owner based in Bur Dubai, has been a resident of the UAE for ten years. His winning moment arrived via ticket number 0489, which he purchased at Concourse B on September 2 while traveling to Poland for business.
Having participated in the draws since 2021, Sobhani viewed this massive windfall as a timely early birthday gift. He expressed his profound relief and joy, stating:
"I never lost hope that I will win one day, and today my hope has finally become a reality."
With his new fortune, Sobhani intends to focus on property investment and dedicated charitable endeavors.
From Storekeeper to Millionaire
The second grand prize winner, 36-year-old Daravanan (Saravanan) Malairaj, experienced a rapid ascent to wealth. A storekeeper at a construction firm in Abu Dhabi, Malairaj originally hails from Chennai and has lived in the UAE for 17 years. Unlike Sobhani, Malairaj had only been playing the draw for six months when he purchased his winning ticket (4905, Series 558) online on September 1.
A father of four-year-old twins, Malairaj’s journey has been defined by sacrifice; he previously sold family land to fund his sister's marriage before relocating to the Emirates. His ultimate ambition is to own a mall in Tamil Nadu.
"With this win, Dubai Duty Free has finally helped make that dream a reality!"
The Growing Indian Success Story
The success of these two men highlights a significant trend within the Millennium Millionaire promotion. Sobhani and Malairaj represent the 283rd and 284th Indian nationals to claim the $1 million prize since the promotion's inception in 1999.
The draw also featured other notable winners:
- Shailesh Kumar: A 47-year-old insurance manager based in Dubai, who won a Range Rover.
- Anonymous Winner: An Indian expatriate living in Riyadh, who received a BMW motorcycle.
Indian nationals continue to constitute the largest group of ticket buyers for this promotion. For