69-year-old man finally hits jackpot of ₹8.5 crore after 24 years of buying lottery tickets
For many, the lottery is a chance to change their life. For 69-year-old Madathil Mohandas, it was the result of 24 years of playing patiently. Living in Dubai as an Indian expatriate, Mohandas recently won ₹8.5 crore (1 million dollars) in the
Dubai Duty-Free Millennium Millionaire
lottery.
24 years of hope, one big win
Mohandas, originally from Kerala and working as a manager at Al Jaber Gallery, never gave up on his dream of winning the lottery, even after buying tickets for more than 20 years. His lucky day came on May 14, 2025, when the ticket he bought on April 28 from Terminal 3 Arrivals Shop was drawn as the winner, Arab media reports suggest. The prize amount– ₹8,53,98,263– changed his life.
As mentioned in a report by Nav Bharat Times, upon hearing the news, Mohandas expressed his gratitude: 'Dubai Duty Free, thank you very much.
I am feeling very happy with this win.' His victory isn't just about the prize, but about the 24 years of unwavering faith he had in the lottery.
The role of Indian expatriates in the Dubai lottery
Mohandas' win is an important moment for the Dubai Duty-Free Millennium Millionaire lottery. As per the report, he is the 250th Indian to win the top prize since the lottery started in 1999. Indian expatriates have been the biggest group of players, many hoping to win big.
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Mohandas' victory adds to the long list of Indians who have found luck in this popular Dubai lottery.
Mohandas wasn't the only winner in the May 14 draw.
Tasneem Aslam Sheikh
, an 18-year-old Indian girl from Sharjah, also won a prize– a BMW F 900 R motorcycle. Sheikh bought her ticket on April 22, and it was her first time playing the lottery. As per the NBT report, she shared her excitement, saying, 'I did not expect this to happen. I am very grateful for this win - thanks to
Dubai Duty Free
.'
Although it was her first time buying a ticket herself, Sheikh said her parents often bought tickets in her name. Still, her win is an important moment in her life and adds to the growing number of young winners in Dubai's lottery.
Luck and patience combined
The stories of Mohandas and Sheikh show how luck can be unpredictable and patience can pay off. Mohandas waited 24 years for his win, while Sheikh won on her first try. Their experiences show that some people win quickly, while others have to wait a long time for their chance.
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