
Pakistani and Indian nationals win $1 million in Dubai Duty Free draw
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
A Pakistani national and an Indian national have been announced as the new dollar millionaires at the latest Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draw, held today at Concourse D of Dubai International Airport.
Muhammad Gumman, a Pakistani national based in Saudi Arabia became a $1 million winner, in Millennium Millionaire Series 498 with ticket number 2990 which he purchased online on April 12.
Gumman who is the 26th Pakistani national to have won the Millennium Millionaire promotion since 1999 is currently uncontactable, but will no doubt be delighted to learn of his newfound fortune.
Joining Gumman as a fellow US dollar millionaire is Biju Therool, a 49-year-old Indian national based in Dubai who won in Millennium Millionaire Series 499 with ticket number 0437 which he purchased on April 19 in Terminal 2 Departure on his way to Kerala for a vacation.
A resident of Dubai for 20 years, Therool, who has been participating in the Dubai Duty Free promotion for 5 years now, is a father of two and works for a retail chain in Dubai.
'Thank you very much Dubai Duty Free. I'm so happy with this win!' he said.
Therool who hails from Kerala is the 248th Indian national to have won $1 million in the Millennium Millionaire promotion since 1999, with Indian nationals being by far the biggest purchasers of tickets.
Following the Millennium Millionaire draw, the Finest Surprise draw was conducted for two luxury cars and one motorbike.
Joining in the draw line-up was Thankachan Varghese, Senior Manager - Retail Support.
Albert Walraven, a Dutch national based in the UAE won a Range Rover SE P360 (Batumi Gold) car with ticket number 1171 in the Finest Surprise Series 1919 which he purchased online on April 5.
Walraven is currently uncontactable, but will no doubt be delighted to learn of his win as a second-time car winner as he previously won a Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe, with ticket number 0139 in the Finest Surprise Series 1470 in January 2012.
Meanwhile, Saadullah Malik, a 39-year-old Pakistani national based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, won a Land Rover Defender 110 V8 525 Edition (Santorini Black) car with ticket number 1066 in the Finest Surprise Series 1921 which he purchased in Concourse D on April 18 on his way back to Riyadh from Dubai.
A regular participant in Dubai Duty Free's promotion since 2018, Malik is a father of three and works for a telecom company.
'Thank you Dubai Duty Free for this opportunity. I can't wait to see my winning car, 'he said.
Lastly, Soma Nagaraj, an Indian national based in the UAE won an Indian 101 Scout (Sunset Red Metallic) motorbike with ticket number 0409 in the Finest Surprise Series 621 which he purchased online on April 8.
Nagaraj was also not available for immediate comment.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Hi Dubai
6 hours ago
- Hi Dubai
Mohammed bin Rashid Launches Dubai Metro Blue Line to Transform Urban Mobility
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has officially laid the foundation stone for the Dubai Metro Blue Line, marking a major leap forward in the emirate's transportation infrastructure. Spanning 30 kilometres with 14 new stations, the Blue Line is set to connect nine key districts and serve over one million residents by 2040. Expanding Dubai's Rail Network The Blue Line will link the existing Green and Red Lines through interchange stations at Al Jaddaf, Al Rashidiya, and International City 1. It will stretch from Creek Station to Centrepoint Station, covering strategic areas including Mirdif, Al Warqa, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Academic City. The project also features the first-ever metro viaduct crossing Dubai Creek and the largest underground interchange station in the network. Once complete, Dubai's rail system will extend to 131 kilometres, with 78 stations and 168 trains, cementing the metro's role as the backbone of the city's mass transit system. A Record-Breaking Iconic Station Among the Blue Line's standout features is the Emaar Properties Station in Dubai Creek Harbour. Designed by global architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the 74-metre-tall structure will be the world's highest metro station. Covering 11,000 square metres, it will accommodate up to 160,000 passengers daily and is expected to see 70,000 daily users by 2040. The station's design merges luxury and function, featuring materials like Jura limestone, bronze panels, and granite flooring. Natural light, elegant spatial design, and sustainable architecture embody Dubai's vision of future-ready infrastructure. Driving Sustainability and Economic Growth The Blue Line supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, reinforcing goals such as reduced traffic congestion, increased land value near stations, and enhanced public mobility. According to RTA projections, the line will generate over AED 56.5 billion in total economic, environmental, and social benefits by 2040, with a benefit-cost ratio of 2.60. It will also help reduce traffic congestion by 20% in areas it serves and support Dubai's "20-minute city" vision, ensuring that essential services are within a short commute for residents. The Blue Line is designed to serve rapidly growing communities and economic hubs. It will provide direct metro access to Dubai International Airport and nine major areas, including Dubai Festival City, International City, and Academic City—which is projected to accommodate over 50,000 university students by 2029. The project also ensures seamless multimodal connectivity with dedicated bus bays, bike and e-scooter parking, and facilities for people of determination. A New Era in Public Transport Since its inauguration in 2009, the Dubai Metro has transported over 2.5 billion passengers and currently averages 900,000 daily riders. With the addition of the Blue Line, the network's capacity will exceed 850,000 passengers per day. Daily ridership on the Blue Line alone is expected to hit 200,000 by 2030 and 320,000 by 2040. The Blue Line is the fifth strategic addition to Dubai's transit system, following the Red and Green Lines, the Dubai Tram, and Route 2020. It represents a critical step toward making Dubai the world's best city to live in—an ambition firmly rooted in sustainable development and smart urban planning. News Source: Dubai Media Office


Arabian Post
9 hours ago
- Arabian Post
Apparel Group Unveils Go Colors' First Global Store
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Apparel Group has marked a significant milestone by launching Go Colors' inaugural international store at Dubai's Silicon Central Mall, signalling the brand's entry into the global retail market. This expansion represents a strategic step for Go Colors, which has established a strong presence in India with its vibrant and affordable fashion offerings. The move aims to capitalise on Dubai's status as a retail hub, known for its diverse, fashion-conscious clientele and high footfall of international shoppers. Go Colors is part of the Apparel Group, a leading retail conglomerate that manages over 75 global brands across the Middle East, India, and beyond. The launch in Dubai is designed to leverage the city's cosmopolitan market, introducing Go Colors' distinct range of colourful apparel, accessories, and lifestyle products to a broader audience. The brand's identity revolves around youthful, trendy designs and a commitment to affordable pricing, which has resonated well with the domestic market and is now poised to attract the diverse demographics of Dubai's shoppers. ADVERTISEMENT Dubai's Silicon Central Mall, a recently developed retail complex situated in the heart of Dubai Silicon Oasis, was chosen for its strategic location and modern infrastructure. The mall is rapidly emerging as a key destination for technology and lifestyle retail, combining innovation with shopping experiences. This aligns with Go Colors' dynamic brand ethos and the Apparel Group's ambition to expand its footprint in premium retail locations. The new store covers approximately 2,000 square feet and features a wide array of products tailored to appeal to men, women, and children, maintaining the brand's core focus on versatility and style. The decision to launch Go Colors internationally reflects broader trends in the retail sector, where Indian-origin brands are increasingly seeking growth beyond domestic boundaries. This expansion is facilitated by Dubai's robust economic framework, ease of doing business, and a strong retail infrastructure that attracts international brands looking to establish a presence in the Middle East. Industry experts note that the Middle East retail market continues to grow steadily, driven by a young population, rising disposable incomes, and a blend of traditional and contemporary shopping preferences. Go Colors' entry into the Dubai market comes amid intensifying competition among apparel brands vying for consumer attention in the region. The brand's strategy focuses on differentiating itself through vibrant colour palettes, frequent new collections, and price accessibility. This approach is expected to attract not only the local UAE residents but also expatriates and tourists, who constitute a significant share of Dubai's retail consumers. By emphasising a youthful and energetic brand image, Go Colors aims to fill a niche that balances trendy fashion with everyday affordability. The Apparel Group's leadership expressed confidence in the growth potential of the new store. The group's CEO highlighted that the launch represents a blend of innovation, market understanding, and the ability to connect with diverse consumer groups. He underlined the importance of Dubai as a gateway for international expansion and pointed to the group's extensive experience in managing multiple global brands as a key asset in navigating new markets. The leadership's vision for Go Colors involves not only store expansion within the UAE but also potential future openings in other strategic locations worldwide. Operationally, the new store employs a mix of local staff trained in customer engagement and product knowledge, ensuring a high standard of service that aligns with the brand's values. The layout of the store is designed to offer a seamless shopping experience, combining colourful, eye-catching displays with intuitive product categorisation. This allows customers to easily navigate through seasonal collections, casual wear, and accessories. Additionally, the store integrates digital elements such as QR codes for product information and promotions, reflecting a growing trend towards blending physical and digital retail experiences. ADVERTISEMENT Market analysts observe that the Apparel Group's expansion strategy is well-timed, considering the growing appetite for fast fashion and lifestyle brands in the Middle East. The region's retail sector is adapting rapidly to shifts in consumer behaviour, with increased demand for value-oriented yet stylish apparel. Go Colors' proposition fits into this paradigm by offering fresh designs frequently, thus catering to consumers seeking variety without compromising affordability. This trend is underscored by data indicating increased spending on casual and lifestyle clothing across GCC countries, driven by younger demographics and evolving fashion sensibilities. While the launch signals optimism, challenges remain for Go Colors as it enters a competitive and sophisticated market. Established international brands and regional players alike have entrenched customer bases, and consumer expectations for quality, trendiness, and service are high. Success will depend on how effectively Go Colors can localise its product offerings, adapt to cultural preferences, and sustain a compelling value proposition. The Apparel Group's experience in the Middle East retail sector, including managing franchises and original brands, is expected to play a crucial role in mitigating these challenges. The store opening is also part of a wider retail resurgence in Dubai, as the city continues to attract global investors and shoppers post-pandemic. Retail experts point to increased foot traffic in malls and rising consumer confidence as indicators of a robust recovery. Government initiatives promoting tourism, retail innovation, and business-friendly policies have contributed to this positive environment. For Go Colors, entering this market now could provide early mover advantages as consumer habits stabilise and purchasing power strengthens.


Gulf Today
a day ago
- Gulf Today
Hundreds look for jobs at career fair in Dubai
More than 400 candidates wishing to seek new jobs or exploring better employment opportunities participated in the first phase of the career fair organised by the Pakistan Consulate in Dubai. The first phase of the 2-day Career Fair 2025 was organised in collaboration with Transguard Group. The officials conducted the initial interviews of job seekers who visited the consulate from across the UAE. More than 20 job categories were offered by Transguard Group, providing an opportunity for employment in diverse sectors. About 400 candidates participated in the initial phase of the recruitment drive. The final selection of candidates will be announced upon the completion of assessment and verification processes in accordance with the specific requirements of each role. Hussain Muhammad, Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai, visited the venue and observed the recruitment process. He emphasised the importance of such initiatives in employment opportunities for Pakistanis residing in the UAE. He lauded the collaboration as an important step towards generating job opportunities for the Pakistani community. 'The Consulate remains committed to supporting and facilitating such partnerships to further broaden the scope of employment opportunities for our community,' he said. Community Welfare Attachés Imran Shahid and Junaid Murtaza also expressed their satisfaction with the response and affirmed that plans are underway to organise recruitment drives in collaboration with leading UAE-based employment agencies. The second phase of Career Fair 2025 is scheduled to take place on June 18 and 19 at the Consulate premises.