Doha, QATAR – Qatar Duty Free, a subsidiary of Qatar Airways, has announced the winner of its latest US$1 million draw, creating its seventh instant millionaire since the raffle series began in 2006.

The draw was conducted within the Qatar Duty Free retail shopping area at Doha International Airport, with 46-year-old Doha resident Joseph Sangese from the United States emerging as the lucky winner.

An elated Mr Sangese said after hearing the news: “This has come as a real shock. I have never won so much money before. This is a wonderful gift for me and my family.”

Married with four daughters, he plans to return to the United States to spend more time with his family and invest in the university education of his eldest daughter.

A contractor with General Electric in Doha since February last year, Mr Sangese bought his lucky ticket in March before boarding a Qatar Airways flight to Bangkok.

Of the proud winner, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: “I offer my personal congratulations to Mr Sangese on buying the lucky ticket and becoming our seventh and newest Qatar Duty Free millionaire. To those who missed out, there’s always another chance to win next time.”

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 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.qatarardutyfree.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 US1 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 its customers 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.