An Indian expatriate living in the UAE received an unforgettable early birthday surprise this week after winning $1 million in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw. Shaheen Sahila Basheer Mohammed, a 38-year-old senior estimation engineer based in Mussafah, had been trying his luck for over a decade before finally hitting the jackpot. As he prepares to turn 39 on October 16, he described the windfall as a life-changing gift that will allow him to secure his family's future. He plans to use the prize money to purchase a home in his hometown and set aside funds for his daughter's education.

The latest draw also brought good fortune to two other participants who walked away with luxury vehicles in the Finest Surprise category. Arya Mustafa, an Iraqi national, won a sleek BMW X6, while 65-year-old Seeyali Shamsudheen, a Dubai-based worker, secured an Aprilia Tuono V4 motorcycle. For winners like Shamsudheen, who has spent years working in the telephone accessories industry, the unexpected prize serves as a heart-warming reward for his continued participation in the long-running promotion.