Indian national wins $1 million in Dubai Duty Free draw for second time
Two others to drive away luxury vehicle
A Pakistani and a second-time Indian nationals have been announced as winners of $1 million each in the latest Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draw, held on Wednesday at Concourse B of Dubai International Airport.
Kiran Batool, a Pakistani national based in Saudi Arabia became a $1 million winner, in Millennium Millionaire Series 502 with ticket number 2252 which he purchased online on May 5.
Batool, who is the 27th 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 Batool as a fellow US dollar millionaire is Paul Jose Mavely, a 60-year-old Indian national based in Dubai who became the 11th person to win the Millennium Millionaire twice with his winning ticket number 3532 in Millennium Millionaire Series 503, which he purchased online on May 19.
A resident of Dubai for 38 years now, Mavely shared the cost of the ticket with his 17 friends, who have been participating in the Dubai Duty Free promotion since 1999, alternating the name on the ticket for each series whenever they purchase.
In November 2016, he previously won $1 million in Millennium Millionaire Series 228 with ticket number 0972, when he shared the ticket cost with his nine friends.
Mavely is a father of two and works as a site supervisor for a small contracting company. 'I'm very thankful to Dubai Duty Free for this second win in your amazing promotion,' he said.
Mavely who hails from Kerala is the 251st 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.
Wednesday's draw was conducted by Dubai Duty Free Deputy Managing Director, Salah Tahlak, Sinead El Sibai, SVP - Marketing, Michael Schmidt, SVP - Retail, Sharon Beecham, SVP - Purchasing, Mohamad Al Khaja, VP - Retail Support, Thankachan Varghese, Senior Manager- Retail Support, Nasser Al Jasmi, Senior Manager - Exchange Bureau, Salim Dahman, Senior Manager – Marketing, and Khalid Saleh, Senior Manager - Loss Prevention & Corporate Security.
Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise draw for a luxury car and motorbike.
Following the Millennium Millionaire draw, the Finest Surprise draw was conducted for a luxury car and motorbike.
Martin Rettich, a 30-year-old German national based in Bingen, Germany won a BMW 740i M Sport (Black Sapphire Metallic) car with ticket number 0939 in the Finest Surprise Series 1923, which he purchased at Concourse A on May 13.
A first-time ticket buyer, Rettich works for a chimney sweeping company in Germany.
'It's overwhelming! I'm very happy and lucky to have won with my first ever ticket to your promotion,' he said.
Lastly, Fathollah Mostafa Mokhtar, a 42-year-old Iranian national based in Dubai won a BMW F 900 XR (Light White/ Blue/ Red) motorbike, with ticket number 0043 in the Finest Surprise Series 624 which he purchased online on May 4.
Mokhtar, a resident of Dubai for 20 years, has been a regular participant in Dubai Duty Free's promotion for the past 3 years, inspired by his brother's win of a BMW 750Li car in the Finest Surprise Series 1359 back in 2008.
Mokhtar is a father of two and works in a car upholstery shop. "Thank you Dubai Duty Free! I can't wait to see m winning bike!" he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
an hour ago
- Al Etihad
Kotak Mahindra gets SCA licence to launch fund management activities in UAE
18 Aug 2025 20:26 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Kotak Mahindra (International) Limited (KMIL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited, has secured a licence from the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) to conduct Investment Fund Management and Portfolio Management this approval, KMIL has become the first Indian firm to receive such a licence from the SCA, a press release announcing the decision said. It marks a significant milestone in cross-border financial services and sets the stage for the launch of UAE-domiciled funds for retail investors.'We are honoured to receive this licence from the UAE regulator. It is a testament to our enduring commitment to the UAE and our vision of fostering globally integrated, transparent capital markets,' said Shyam Kumar, President and Head of Kotak International. 'India's economic momentum continues to attract global interest, and through this licence, we are excited to offer UAE retail investors access to our India-focused investment strategies – enabling them to participate in one of the world's dynamic and resilient markets. We will offer India-centric investment options to help investors diversify their portfolios.'The company said it plans to leverage the licence by launching retail-focused solutions in the UAE aligned with its successful UCITS (Luxembourg-domiciled) and India-domiciled strategies. Subscriptions for these funds are expected to open by the final quarter of approval underscores Kotak Group's approach of working with regulators worldwide to expand access to capital markets. Alongside India, the group holds regulatory approvals in the USA, UK, Singapore, Mauritius and now the UAE. Kotak International, the global business arm of the Kotak Group, connects investors with India's growth story through a range of asset management, advisory and investment offerings. With more than three decades of experience and $6.08 billion assets under management, the firm operates across key financial hubs including Singapore, London, New York, Dubai and Mauritius.
Arabian Post
4 hours ago
- Arabian Post
Kotak Mahindra International Secures UAE Investment License
Kotak Mahindra International Limited, a subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra Bank, has made a significant stride in expanding its footprint in the UAE's financial sector. The firm has officially received a licence from the Securities and Commodities Authority, granting it the ability to manage investments and portfolios within the emirate's capital markets. This makes KMIL the first Indian financial institution to obtain such a licence, opening the door to a wider range of investment opportunities in the region. The SCA's approval allows KMIL to operate in a competitive, high-growth financial market that is rapidly evolving. As a result, the firm is now positioned to offer both retail and institutional clients a broader spectrum of services, ranging from portfolio management to investment advisory. This move is expected to enhance the firm's existing capabilities and leverage the UAE's status as a global financial hub. KMIL's entry into the UAE market signifies a strategic effort to tap into the growing demand for professional investment services in the region, especially as the Middle East continues to be a lucrative market for global financial players. The UAE's business environment is becoming more conducive to foreign investments, with its forward-thinking regulatory framework and attractive tax incentives drawing a significant number of international financial institutions. ADVERTISEMENT The SCA's move to issue such licences aligns with the UAE's broader economic diversification strategy. By encouraging international firms to set up operations in the country, the UAE government aims to fortify its capital markets and establish itself as a leading financial centre in the region. The decision also underlines the country's commitment to maintaining a stable and robust regulatory environment for financial services. Kotak Mahindra's strategic expansion comes at a time when global interest in the UAE's financial markets is surging. The country's strategic location, tax-friendly policies, and world-class infrastructure have led to an influx of capital from around the world, positioning it as an ideal base for firms like Kotak Mahindra International to service clients in both the Gulf Cooperation Council region and beyond. The company's move also reflects a growing trend of Indian financial institutions seeking to diversify their portfolios and expand internationally. With this licence, Kotak Mahindra International joins a select group of global players that have made the UAE their home for managing investments and portfolios. This development underscores the increasing prominence of the UAE as a financial epicentre. KMIL's parent company, Kotak Mahindra Bank, has long been a key player in India's banking and financial services landscape. With its new licence, the bank's international arm can now offer its expertise to a new set of clientele while taking advantage of the burgeoning investment opportunities in the Middle East. The UAE's progressive economic policies and its positioning as a global financial hub make it an attractive destination for firms looking to serve the broader Middle Eastern, African, and Southeast Asian markets. Industry experts note that the SCA's licence is a vital step in enhancing the overall appeal of the UAE's financial services sector. The SCA, tasked with overseeing the functioning of capital markets, is committed to fostering a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. By offering such licences to international firms, the authority is sending a strong signal about its readiness to support the financial community and encourage further investments into the UAE economy.
Arabian Post
13 hours ago
- Arabian Post
Samsung Shifts Laptop Production to India
Samsung has commenced local production of laptops in India, marking a significant shift in its manufacturing strategy. The move follows growing trends in the global tech industry, where companies are increasingly decentralising their manufacturing to cater to regional markets and mitigate supply chain risks. The tech giant's decision to set up its laptop assembly line in India comes as part of a broader push to diversify its production capabilities and tap into the country's emerging manufacturing ecosystem. The new facility, which is located in Noida, is expected to meet rising demand for Samsung laptops in India and other parts of Asia. The plant will focus on assembling a range of models, from entry-level to premium devices, with an emphasis on enhancing the supply of high-performance laptops. By doing so, Samsung aims to capitalise on the Indian government's incentive schemes aimed at boosting local manufacturing and creating jobs in the sector. India has become an increasingly attractive destination for global manufacturers due to its robust infrastructure, competitive labour costs, and a growing pool of skilled engineers and technicians. Samsung's decision to invest in local laptop production highlights the country's status as a strategic hub for tech companies looking to scale operations. The move also aligns with the Indian government's vision of becoming a global manufacturing leader under the 'Make in India' initiative, which encourages foreign companies to establish production bases in the country. ADVERTISEMENT The South Korean company has been investing heavily in India over the past few years, with a significant focus on expanding its footprint in consumer electronics, particularly smartphones. The expansion of laptop production further strengthens its position in the Indian market, where the demand for personal computing devices has been steadily increasing. India, with its young population and rapid digitalisation, presents a lucrative market for tech companies. By establishing local manufacturing units, Samsung can not only meet this demand more effectively but also potentially lower the cost of its devices by reducing import duties and other logistical expenses. Samsung's Noida plant will be equipped with advanced manufacturing technology, allowing the company to ensure that its laptops meet international quality standards. The facility is expected to produce several million units annually, with an eye on both the domestic and export markets. This localisation strategy is expected to significantly cut down on shipping costs and delivery times, giving Samsung a competitive edge over other international brands that continue to import their devices into the country. The move comes at a time when India is becoming increasingly attractive to global technology firms. Companies like Apple, Dell, and HP have already ramped up their manufacturing presence in India in recent years. India's well-established electronics sector, supported by the government's push to improve infrastructure and streamline regulatory processes, has led to a surge in foreign direct investment in the country's tech manufacturing ecosystem. Samsung's expansion into laptop production also reflects the growing importance of India in the global supply chain. The country's status as a low-cost production base, combined with its large consumer market, makes it an attractive location for companies looking to avoid the risks associated with heavy dependence on single countries, such as China. By shifting some of its manufacturing operations to India, Samsung can reduce its exposure to potential disruptions in China, which has long been the dominant player in global electronics manufacturing. This shift is also likely to have broader implications for the Indian tech industry. With global giants like Samsung setting up local production lines, it is expected that the country will see an increase in the number of skilled jobs in the tech sector. Additionally, the growing demand for locally manufactured devices may spur innovation in the country's tech ecosystem, encouraging the development of homegrown talent and technologies. This would not only strengthen India's position as a manufacturing hub but also lay the foundation for the growth of its own tech startups.
