The first draw of the new year conducted within the Qatar Duty Free retail shopping area at Doha International Airport, saw Mr. Gopalan Nair Babugopal become the lucky winner of US$1 million.
“This is the first time that I have ever won anything. I always buy raffle tickets because I believe in taking chances – looks like it finally paid off!” said the elated Mr. Nair.  

The 44 year-old Safety Officer from Trivandrum, India currently works on a project basis. After 20 years of working in Dubai, he had been transferred to Qatar on a 1 year stint for a new project, and it was during this time that he bought the lucky winning raffle ticket. 

His wife Rupa Kurup, was thrilled with the news and couldn’t contain her excitement, “This is due to the luck of our children and will help secure their futures.”

Mr. Nair is currently residing in India with his wife, 13 year-old daughter, Vaishnavi and 12 year-old son, Vaishnav before he returns to Qatar to start work on another project in March.

The excitement continued when Qatar Duty Free drew the name of Mr. Shibin Sasidharan, making him the proud owner of a brand new Lexus LX 570.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker congratulated the winners: “I would like to extend a big congratulations to both Mr. Nair and Mr. Sasidharan on starting 2013 in such an exciting way.  Qatar Duty Free has a long history of creating exciting moments for passengers entering the millionaire and luxury car draws.”

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 the 5,000 tickets are sold.

Departing and transiting passengers at Doha International Airport have the option to purchase raffle tickets on site or online at Qatar Duty Free’s website www.qatarardutyfree.com.qa, providing them with more flexibility. The raffle is open to anyone worldwide who wishes to try their luck. 

Tickets for the highly successful US 1 million cash raffle can be purchased for USD 263 or QAR 950 each, and luxury car draw tickets can also be purchased from Qatar Duty Free. 

Qatar Duty Free operates within the Departures, Arrivals, VIP and the Premium Terminal of Doha International Airport. It also operates an outlet at the Oryx Rotana Hotel in Doha and the 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 Middle East.

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.

With the New Doha International Airport set to open in 2013, 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.