In an inspiring turn of events, Dubai Duty Free has named its latest dollar millionaire — and it’s a win that was 20 years in the making. Prasad Sivadasan, an Indian expat who has called Dubai home for the past two decades, was recently announced as the lucky winner of the $1 million prize in the Millennium Millionaire Series 492 draw.
The winning moment didn’t come by accident or sudden luck. For almost as long as he’s lived in Dubai, Sivadasan has been regularly participating in the Dubai Duty Free raffle — each ticket a symbol of quiet hope and determination. His perseverance finally paid off when ticket number 3793, purchased online in February, was drawn as the winner.
What makes this victory even more special is that Sivadasan didn’t do it alone. He has been buying tickets with a group of nine colleagues for the past eight years, sharing both the cost and the dream of one day hitting the jackpot. The group would rotate whose name went on each ticket — and this time, it was Prasad’s turn. Now, all ten will share in the life-changing prize.
“I’m just so grateful,” said Sivadasan. “We’ve been doing this together for years, always hoping that one day it would be us. And now, it finally is.”
The news sent waves of excitement through the group, who are not only celebrating the money but the shared journey that led to this moment. For many, it’s a lesson in patience, partnership, and belief in good fortune.
Sivadasan, a systems engineer, has worked in the same Dubai-based company for years and is well-known among his peers for his calm demeanor and strong work ethic. Friends and colleagues describe him as humble and committed — someone who never gave up on his dream.
This win highlights the international appeal of Dubai Duty Free’s famous raffle draws, which have been running since 1999. The Millennium Millionaire promotion offers ticket buyers a 1-in-5,000 chance of winning a million dollars. Over the years, it has created hundreds of millionaires, with Indian nationals frequently among the lucky few.
The draw was held at Dubai International Airport’s Concourse A, a location that has hosted numerous such life-changing moments over the years. With each winner, the promotion continues to capture imaginations around the world — and this latest story adds a deeply human touch to the numbers and odds.
As Sivadasan and his friends look ahead, they plan to use the money wisely — with a mix of financial planning, family support, and perhaps a well-deserved vacation or two. For them, the win is not just about wealth but the journey it represents.
In a city known for dreams coming true, this story of patience and partnership proves that sometimes, holding onto hope is the smartest investment of all.
