Dubai Duty Frees draws continues to create millionaires

Dubai Duty Free's (DDF) Finest Surprise draw has become a distinctive emblem of the Dubai International Airport, as the attractive draw approaches thirty-fifth anniversary.

“It was first suggested to have a private plane as a prize, until the logistical aspects were examined and it was decided that a luxury car would be much easier and the price point for the tickets would be affordable,” DDF chairman and CEO Colm McLoughlin told Gulf News.

The draw was not meant to endure but the huge demand encourages the organisers to continue, the top official revealed, noting that the Finest Surprise draw began in 1989, coinciding with a major DDF expansion to mark the event and have a major impact.

Later, the Millennium Millionaire draw was added, offering 5,000 ticket holders the chance to win $1 million (AED 3.67 million), McLoughlin went on.

The draw has created many millionaires, along with a host of luxury car and motorbike owners.

“We also have one person who won $1 million twice in the same year (2013). He won his first million in February and then again in December,” McLoughlin commented.

The price of Finest Surprise ticket cost AED 500 and limited to 1,300-2,300 tickets depending on the price of the prized car, while Millennium Millionaire tickets cost AED 1,000 and are limited to 5,000 tickets.

Those tickets are offered to all passengers arriving, departing or in transit across Dubai International and Al Maktoum Airports, and are available in other outlets as well including in Craft Shop at Irish Village, Sport shop of The Aviation Club, and Jumeirah Beach Hotel.