Indian national Sugumaran Rajan’s name was drawn at Doha International Airport, where the 37-year-old had bought tickets on four previous occasions without luck.

“It was fifth time lucky,” said an ecstatic Sugumaran, who becomes the ninth overall winner of Qatar Duty Free’s highly popular US$1 million draw, introduced by Qatar Airways’ Duty Free subsidiary in 2006.

“What a nice surprise for me and my family,” he said.

“I have bought Qatar Duty Free tickets four times earlier but my perseverance paid off this time.

“The money will be invested to secure the future of my two young children and I thank Qatar Duty Free for making this happen,” added Sugumaran, who has a daughter, aged seven, and four-year-old son.

“The promotion of the Millionaire draw is done so well at Doha International Airport. I was very impressed with Qatar Duty Free staff who explained everything patiently, prompting me to buy the winning ticket.”

Sugumaran, who is a buyer with UAE-based Emke Group explained he bought the ticket when on a work assignment in Qatar. “Next time I will buy tickets online at the Qatar Duty Free website as it is a convenient option,” he said.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said he was delighted with the popularity of the millionaire dollar draw, and offered his congratulations to the winner.

“I would like to personally congratulate Sugumaran on being the lucky winner of the latest draw, and to those that missed out this time, there’s always another chance to win next time.

“The raffle has proved to be a huge attraction for passengers flying from, and transiting through, Doha International Airport, giving them the opportunity to become instant millionaires.

The US Dollar Millionaire raffle was launched in May 2006 giving passengers a great opportunity to win the bumper prize as each draw is made after 5,000 tickets are sold.

Departing and transiting passengers at Doha International Airport are able to purchase raffle tickets for USD 263 or QAR 950 each. Tickets can also be bought online by anyone from Qatar Duty Free’s website at www.qatardutyfree.com.qa

Qatar Duty Free operates within the Departures, Arrivals, VIP and the Premium Terminal of Doha International Airport. It also operates an outlet at Doha Port for a growing number of passengers arriving and departing the State of Qatar by sea.

The award-winning Duty Free operator has enjoyed consistent double digit growth year on year and is now the second largest Duty Free operator in the region.

In addition to the highly successful US$1 million cash raffle, the company also holds popular luxury car draws, tickets for which can also be purchased online at www.qatardutyfree.com.qa

Qatar Duty Free offers a wide assortment of Duty Free products across various categories. A key part of its strategy is to offer something for every passenger profile and to make Duty Free shopping a memorable experience.

In its newly-developed promotional area on the first floor of Doha International Airport, Qatar Duty Free offers passengers exciting promotions, gifts with purchases and personal attentive services.

With the New Doha International Airport set to open in 2012, the Qatar Duty Free team is already working on creating over 25,000sqm of world class retail space, which will include exclusive branded boutiques and products to cater to passengers from all walks of life.