New York-based John Gellert emerged as the lucky winner when his name was chosen in the highly popular draw at Doha International Airport ahead of the festive season.

Upon hearing the news, an elated Mr Gellert said the timing could not have been better as he was soon to become a father for the first time. 

“I was pleasantly surprised by the news as I have been buying the Qatar Duty Free tickets for many years when travelling from Qatar and never thought that I would win,” said Mr Gellert, who bought his winning ticket during a rushed trip back to New York from Dubai to celebrate his father’s 80th birthday.

“The money will help us build our new home and fund the education of our child and I am very grateful to Qatar Duty Free for helping me win this exciting promotion.”

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker offered his congratulations to Mr Gellert, saying this was the second American to win the instant dollar millionaire prize this year.

“On behalf of Qatar Duty Free, congratulations go out to Mr Gellert for his wonderful win coming at a time of joy and celebration for him and his family.

“The draw has been an exciting attraction for duty free shoppers at Doha International Airport ever since its introduction five years ago.”

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.