An Indian expatriate residing in Sharjah struck it big by winning $1 million in the latest Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw held at Concourse B of Dubai International Airport on Wednesday. Karnaiah Mandolla, a 45-year-old software engineer, clinched the jackpot in the Millennium Millionaire Series 437 with ticket number 4576, which he purchased online on October 5. Mandolla, who has been a UAE resident for 12 years and works as a software engineer for Emirates Airlines, has been a regular participant in Dubai Duty Free's promotions for eight years.
Upon learning of his newfound millionaire status, the father of two expressed his gratitude, stating, "Thank you, Dubai Duty Free! This will certainly help me clear my debts and secure my children's education, and I plan to share some with charity."
He also encouraged others to participate, saying, "Winning your promotion is a great opportunity that I encourage my friends and colleagues to participate in." Mandolla, originally from Andhra Pradesh, India, is the 217th Indian national to win $1 million in the Millennium Millionaire promotion since its inception in 1999, and Indian nationals are the most frequent purchasers of tickets.
Following the Millennium Millionaire presentation, the Finest Surprise draw took place, offering two luxury vehicles as prizes. Maed Hassan, a 62-year-old Syrian national based in Abu Dhabi, won a Mercedes Benz S500 (Black) with ticket number 0068 in the Finest Surprise Series 1853, which he purchased online on September 28. Hassan, a UAE resident for 32 years, works as a mechanical engineer for the Combined Group Contracting Company and has been a regular participant in Dubai Duty Free's promotions for five years.
Overjoyed with his win, he expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you very much, Dubai Duty Free! I hope in the future I'll be the winner of your $1 million promotion."
Lastly, Sainudheen Valiyana, an Indian national based in Dubai, won a BMW R 1250 GS (Gravity Blue, Trophy Edition) motorbike with ticket number 0879 in the Finest Surprise Series 552. He purchased the ticket upon arriving in Dubai from Kochi, India. Currently, Valiyana cannot be reached, but he is sure to be delighted upon learning of his win.