Govidan Nair, a 62‑year‑old Indian businessman based in Dubai, has won the $1 million top prize in Dubai Duty Free’s Millennium Millionaire Series 562, ending a quarter‑century of regular ticket purchases.
The ticket, number 3159, was bought online on 20 October and the win makes Nair the 286th Indian national to claim the million‑dollar prize since the promotion began in 1999. Nair, originally from Kerala, has lived in the emirate for three decades and runs a textile and garment factory in Bur Dubai.
“Thank you Dubai Duty Free for this great news! I can’t believe I’ve finally won!” Nair said, adding that the winnings will be directed back into his business.
Other Indian winners at the event
In the same promotional period, another Indian resident in the UAE, Abhilash Padmanabhan, secured a Harley‑Davidson Sportster S through the Finest Surprise draw, his ticket being number 1024 in Series 684.
Padmanabhan was unavailable for comment at the time of reporting.
Celebration and demographics
The draws were part of a Diwali celebration held on 4 November 2026 at Concourse B of Dubai International Airport, attended by India’s consul general, Emmadi Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, and Dubai Duty Free managing director Ramesh Cidambi.
During the ceremony, electric diyas were lit, an Indian dance troupe performed, and a cake was cut. Cidambi noted that Dubai Duty Free employs nearly 1,000 Indian nationals and that Indian passengers contribute roughly 13‑14 percent of its business.
Rami Mohammed Amer Alkhatib, a 36‑year‑old Jordanian living in Sharjah, also won a BMW S 1000 R motorbike, ticket 1191 in Series 683, purchased online on 8 October.
The event highlighted the strong participation of Indian travelers in Dubai Duty Free’s lottery promotions.
