For Usha Alex, a Sharjah-based expat who recently wrapped up a dedicated 33-year career, the news of winning a brand-new Lynk & Co. car felt like the perfect parting gift. The Indian national, who has been a loyal reader of Khaleej Times since arriving in the UAE as a bride in 1991, admitted that she was initially suspicious when she received a congratulatory call from the publication’s CEO, Charles Yardley. Her husband even asked for verification, fearing it might be a scam, but once the reality set in, the couple was overjoyed to celebrate the win alongside their two sons at the newspaper’s headquarters.

The ceremony also honored other long-term subscribers, including Rajesh Jayaraman and Mannan Kapasi, who were both awarded diamond necklaces. Like Usha, both men have been avid readers of the paper for decades, noting that while they were aware of the subscription raffle, they never truly expected to be winners. The event highlighted the deep connection between the publication and its community, as these longtime readers were rewarded for their loyalty through a subscription program that offers various partner vouchers and perks alongside regular entries into these high-value draws.