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Dubai-based expat wins $1 million in Dubai Duty Free draw

Dubai - He's the first of his nationality to win the raffle.

One of the two lucky winners of $1 million Dubai Duty Free (DDF) Millennium Millionaire raffle draw said he would donate the money to charities dedicated to fighting cancer and survivors of the disease. 
Kasim Talib, a 43 year old Iraqi national, won the $1 million prize in the draw held on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of Dubai Duty Free.
It conducted two draws of $1 million and four draws for winners in the Finest Surprise promotion on Thursday.
Al Otaibi Ali Traheeb, a Saudi Arabian national, is the other winner of $1 million draw. Traheeb is the eighth Saudi national winner who was not available for immediate comment.
Talib, a manager for government relations of Eros Group, is a regular online buyer of Millennium Millionaire and was delighted to hear about the good news 45 minutes before his flight to Iraq.
Speaking on the phone from Terminal 2, Talib said when asked about his plan with his win. "My mom and sister both died of cancer. This money will definitely go to charities and organisations that are dedicated to the causes of fighting this disease and those who are coping with or who have survived its effects. Thank you so much Dubai Duty Free for this very timely surprise and happy 35th anniversary," he said.
Talib is the first Iraqi national to win the promotion since its inception in 1999.
The draw was conducted by Colm McLoughlin, executive vice-chairman and CEO; Salah Tahlak, EVP - corporate services; Sean Staunton, SVP - retail sales; Mona Al Ali, VP - HR service delivery; and Zayed Al Shebli, VP - loss prevention and corporate security.
Following the Millennium Millionaire, four luxury vehicle winners were also unveiled at Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise draw.
It also marked its 35th anniversary in style by welcoming passengers travelling through Dubai with a special 25 per cent discount on a wide range of merchandise over three days which began at midnight on December 18.
Commenting on the success of 35th anniversary, Colm McLoughlin said: "The anniversary celebrations spread over three days were fantastic. We are glad to see such positive sales results across all the concourses. Extending a 25 per cent discount to our customers is our way of saying thank you for their support throughout the year." 
reporters@khaleejtimes.com