A 62-year-old Indian businessman living in Dubai, who had participated in Dubai Duty Free draws for more than two decades, has finally won the $1 million prize. The Kerala native, who has lived in Dubai for about 30 years, said he plans to invest the winnings in his business.

Govindan Nair, who owns a textile and garment factory in Bur Dubai, won $1 million, equivalent to about Dh3.67 million, in the 562nd Millennium Millionaire draw.

The draw was held on Friday, October 30, during Diwali celebrations at Dubai International Airport. Nair had purchased his winning ticket, number 3159, online on October 20.

The Indian businessman, a father of two, has regularly participated in Dubai Duty Free draws for years. Reacting to the news, he said: “Thank you, Dubai Duty Free, for this wonderful news. I can’t believe I have finally won!”

Nair said he plans to invest the $1 million prize in expanding his business operations.

According to Dubai Duty Free, he is the 286th Indian national to win the $1 million prize since the Millennium Millionaire draw was launched in 1999. Indian nationals continue to account for the largest share of ticket buyers in the draw.


Two Other Winners Take Home Luxury Motorcycles

Alongside the Millennium Millionaire draw, two winners were also announced in Dubai Duty Free’s Finest Surprise promotion, with each receiving a luxury motorcycle.

Rami Mohammed Amer Al Khatib, a 36-year-old Jordanian national who has lived in Sharjah for 12 years, won a BMW S 1000 R motorcycle in the 683rd draw.

Al Khatib, a father of one who works as a brand manager at a currency exchange company in the UAE, had purchased his winning ticket, number 1191, online on October 8.

He has participated in Dubai Duty Free draws since 2019 and bought four tickets for this draw.

In the 684th Finest Surprise draw, Abhilash Padmanabhan, an Indian national living in the UAE, won a Harley-Davidson Sportster S motorcycle.

He had purchased his winning ticket, number 1024, online on October 21.


Draw Results Announced During Diwali Celebrations

The draw was held during Diwali, known in Indian culture as the Festival of Lights, at Concourse B of Dubai International Airport.

The ceremony was attended by Dr A. M. D. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, Consul General of India in Dubai, as well as Dubai Duty Free executives and employees.

The celebrations included the lighting of traditional Diwali lamps, an Indian dance performance, a cake-cutting ceremony and commemorative photographs.

Speaking at the event, Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, highlighted the diverse nationalities represented among the company’s employees and customers, saying cultural celebrations form part of its efforts to recognise and appreciate different cultures.

He said nearly 1,000 Indian nationals work at Dubai Duty Free, while Indian travellers account for about 13 to 14 per cent of its business.

🌐 Dubai Duty Free website