Two groups of Indian colleagues each claimed $1 million in the latest Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draw held on Wednesday.
The first group, led by Ettiyanikkal Pailybabu, a 56-year-old Indian expat residing in Dubai, consists of 10 friends who have participated in the draw for four years. They alternated names on the ticket for each series, and fortune smiled when Pailybabu bought online ticket number 3068 on August 18.
The group will divide the $1 million (Dh3.67 million) prize. Pailybabu, from Kerala and a father of two, plans to “probably return to Kerala and start a small business” after receiving his prize share.
Stay updated with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Another fortunate UAE resident sharing the $1 million prize with three compatriots is Gopi Devarajan, a 46-year-old Indian national living in Sharjah, who won in series 514 with ticket number 1978, purchased online on August 14.
Devarajan, from Chennai, is a father of two and works as a hospital manager. He stated: “I will definitely save it for my children’s education. I may also buy a house and start a small business.”
Pailybabu and Devarajan are the 257th and 258th Indian nationals, respectively, to win $1 million in the Millennium Millionaire promotion since its inception in 1999. According to DDF, Indians are the largest purchasers of raffle tickets.
