Syrian expat wins $1 million in Dubai Duty Free draw after buying tickets for over 15 years

A Syrian expat living in Al Ain City has been announced as the new dollar millionaire at the latest Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draw, held on Wednesday at Concourse D of Dubai International Airport.

Ali Akram Arabo, a 67-year-old Syrian national based in Al Ain became a $1 million winner in Millennium Millionaire Series 476 with ticket number 3893 which purchased online on Sept.30.

A resident of Al Ain for more than 35 years, Arabo has been a regular participant in Dubai Duty Free’s promotion for more than 15 years now. Arabo is father of three children and works for a private contracting company in Al Ain.

“Finally, after many years, thank you Dubai Duty Free!” he said.

Arabo is the 10th Syrian national to win the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire promotion since its inception in 1999.

Wednesday's draw was conducted by Dubai Duty Free Deputy Managing Director, Salah Tahlak, Sinead El Sibai, SVP — Marketing, Michael Schmidt, SVP — Retail and Sharon Beecham, SVP – Purchasing.

Following the Millennium Millionaire draw, the Finest Surprise draw was conducted for two luxury cars and motorbikes. Joining in the draw were Yasa Tahir, VP — HR, Mohamad Al Khaja, VP — Retail Support, Salim Dahman, Senior Manager – Marketing, and Khalid Saleh, Senior Manager — Loss Prevention & Corporate Security.

Rajiv Lakhotia a 50-year-old Indian national based in Hyderabad, won a Mercedes Benz AMG GT 43 (Obsidian Black Metallic) car with ticket number 0826 in the Finest Surprise Series 1891 which he purchased on Sept.26 on his way to Hyderabad from Dubai.

A regular participant in Dubai Duty Free's promotion, Lakhotia is a father of two and runs a manufacturing business.

“Thank you so much for this wonderful surprise. I cannot believe this just happened,” he said.

Jothibhasu Madhavan, a 55-year-old Indian national based in Sharjah won a Mercedes Benz S500 (Obsidian Black Metallic) car with ticket number 1157 in the Finest Surprise Series 1893 which he purchased online on Sept.26.

A regular participant in Dubai Duty Free's promotion for 5 years now, Madhavan is a father of two and runs his own printing press in Sharjah.

“I can’t believe that I won, but I’m glad I did. I hope to win next time the $1 million,” he said.

Shihabudeen M., an Indian national based in Dubai won a BMW R 1250 RS (Triple Black) motorbike with ticket number 0352 in the Finest Surprise Series 596 which he purchased on Aug.31 on his way to Kozhikode from Dubai.

M. is currently uncontactable, but will no doubt be delighted to learn of his win.

Lastly, Saidu Mohamed, a 55-year-old Indian national based in Zarqa, Jordan, won a BMW S 1000 RR (Racing Red Metallic motorbike with ticket number 0836 in the Finest Surprise Series 598 which he purchased online on Sept.25.

A regular participant in Dubai Duty Free's promotion over the past six months, Mohamed is a father of three and works as a commercial manager for a garment manufacturing company in Dulayl.

“Thank you so much, Dubai Duty Free. I will continue to participate in your promotion in the hope of making it twice lucky,” he said.