Dubai Duty Free started 2025 with a bang, unveiling two new millionaires and gifting six other winners with luxury vehicles during its Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draws.
Held at Concourse A of Dubai International Airport, the event showcased participants' global diversity, with winners hailing from seven different countries.
$1 million winners
Robert Korbijn, a 43-year-old Dutch national and Chief Financial Officer based in Dubai, claimed the year’s first US$1 million prize in Millennium Millionaire Series 485. His winning ticket, numbered 0309, was purchased on 7th December.
Korbijn, a Dubai resident since 2023, expressed his delight, saying: “Thank you, Dubai Duty Free, for this life-changing win! What a great way to start the New Year!” He is the fourth Dutch national to secure a win in this promotion since it began in 1999.
Indian national Arulraj Thavasimani joined the millionaire ranks, winning US$1 million in Series 486 with ticket number 0565. Thavasimani purchased his ticket on 20th December and is the 244th Indian to win in the Millennium Millionaire draws.
Currently unreachable, Thavasimani is expected to be thrilled when informed of his monumental win.
Luxury vehicles
The Finest Surprise draw added to the celebration, awarding high-end vehicles to six winners.
- BMW X6 M Competition (Black): Dominic Chaftari, a 34-year-old Canadian residing in Dubai, won with ticket number 0962. A resident for four years and an employee of Al Raya Contracting Company, Chaftari called his win “one of the best days of my life.”
- Mercedes Benz G 500: German national Martinpa Wasielewski won this luxury vehicle with ticket number 1060, purchased online on 20th December. He has yet to respond to the news.
- BMW X6 M Competition (Green): Filipino retail worker Ayleen Dorothy Umali won this premium car with ticket number 1181. A first-time buyer, Umali purchased her ticket en route to the Philippines and expressed heartfelt gratitude.
Motorbike prizes
- Aprilia Tuono V4 1100: Indian national Abhilash Pachampully Balakrishnan, a 45-year-old Dubai resident and long-time participant, won this motorbike with ticket number 0343. A father of two and money exchange bureau employee, Balakrishnan has entered the draw for 10 years.
- Indian 101 Scout: Russian national Andrei Kadashov, based in Estonia, claimed this stylish motorbike with ticket number 0911. He has yet to comment on his win.
- BMW R12 NineT: Palestinian national Maher Al Masri, a customer relations officer in Ajman, secured this bike with ticket number 0268. Al Masri called it his first win and vowed to keep participating.
The Dubai Duty Free draws continue to attract global participants, rewarding both first-timers and long-time ticket buyers with life-altering prizes. This year’s winners reflect the programme’s international appeal and its commitment to creating unforgettable moments.