The Dubai Duty-Free Millennium Millionaire Promotion, launched in 1999, offers 5,000 ticket holders the chance to win $1 million. According to DDF organizers, Indian nationals are the largest group of buyers for these tickets
An Indian woman has joined the ranks of millionaires, thanks to the Dubai Duty-Free Millennium draw. Payal, a resident of Punjab, won the $1 million prize with ticket number 3337, which she purchased online on May 3rd. This ticket purchase was made possible by a gift from her husband, Harnek Singh, who gave her Dh1,000 for their 16th wedding anniversary on April 20th.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Payal shared, “The money I used to buy the winning ticket came from my husband, who gifted me Dh1,000 on our anniversary. I decided to buy a DDF ticket online and chose one with the most number 3s.”
For the past 12 years, Payal has been buying DDF tickets whenever she traveled, often alternating the names on the tickets with her husband’s and children’s names. “I usually bought DDF lottery tickets once or twice a year at the airport. This time, I made an exception by purchasing a ticket online for the first time. This cash gift from my husband has made us millionaires,” she said.
Payal is the 229th Indian to win the Millennium Millionaire promotion
The couple, who live in Punjab with their 14-year-old twin boys, received the life-changing news from DDF organizers. Payal recalled the moment: “When I got the call, I couldn’t believe it. I then called my husband to tell him the news, and tears of joy rolled down my cheeks. Our kids don’t know yet, but we will tell them once they come home from school this afternoon.”
As for her plans for the money, she stated, “It’s still early to decide, but our priority is to secure our children’s future and provide them with a great education. I also want to help my brother in Australia and support charitable work in our Punjabi community. Thank you, Dubai Duty-Free, for making my dream come true.”
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