An Indian has won $1mn the grand prize offered by Qatar Duty Free, a Qatar Airways subsidiary, in its latest raffle.
The first draw of the new year conducted within the Qatar Duty Free retail shopping area at Doha International Airport, saw Gopalan Nair Babugopal become the lucky winner of $1mn.
“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!” Nair said.   
The 44 year-old Safety Officer from Thiruvananathapuram, India, currently works on a project basis. After 20 years of working in Dubai, he had been transferred to Qatar on a one 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.”
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.
Also, Qatar Duty Free named Shibin Sasidharan as 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 big congratulations to both Nair and 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 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 $1mn cash raffle can be purchased for $263 or QR950 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 Qatar by sea.


BELOW: QDF officials at the draw for the Lexus LX 570.