Dubai: An Indian expatriate has a surprise in store when he returns to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from holiday shortly. For 31- year-old Abdu Sakkheer Thalakkalakath has won $ 1 million in a promotion by Dubai Duty Free.

Thalakkalakath, from Kerala, won the prize when his ticket was picked in the Millennium Millionaire promotional draw on July 29 at the Sheikh Rashid Terminal, reports 'Gulfnews'. He works for Khansaheb Civil Engineering in Abu Dhabi and bought his ticket for his trip to India on May 13.

The draw was conducted by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation and chairman of Emirates Group, along with Colm McLoughlin, managing director of Dubai Duty Free,Mohammed Ahli, director of operations, and Salah Tahlak, senior manager of promotions and advertising at Dubai Duty Free.

A draw was also held for the Finest Surprise competition in which a British national and a Pakistani won two luxury cars.

Sam Hollies, a 22-year-old based in the UK, won a sleek yellow Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe.

He decided to enter the promotion for the first time after seeing the car and bought two tickets.

His fellow winner is Mehbood Elahi from Lahore, who will now be driving in luxury after winning the Mercedes Benz S500.

Elahi, a businessman and owner of Mehbood Trading Company in Pakistan, is on a business trip to China.

As a frequent traveller, Elahi purchased a lot of tickets over the years and was delighted that his perseverance had finally paid off. He bought his winning ticket on July 16 while returning to Pakistan.

ANI