Two Lives, Two Dreams: Indian Expat Student & Emirati Father Each Win $1 Million in Dubai Duty Free Raffle

Dubai, UAE – For some, a raffle ticket is just a travel ritual. For others, it’s a leap of faith. This week, two men from very different walks of life found themselves on the same extraordinary path—each winning $1 million in the famous Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire Draw.

Wayne’s New Beginning

At just 18 years old, Wayne Nash D’Souza, an Indian expat born and raised in Dubai, already has big dreams. Days before flying to Los Angeles with his family, Wayne purchased his raffle ticket at Concourse A. It turned out to be the best decision of his young life.

Now preparing to begin his aerospace engineering degree at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Wayne says the win will help secure not just his future—but his sister’s too.

“It will go toward me and my sister’s education. Some of it we’ll invest in property in Dubai. I want to use it wisely.”

For Wayne, it’s not just about money—it’s about possibility. At 18, he’s stepping into adulthood with the kind of security most people only dream of.

Mansour’s Gratitude 🙏

On the very next day, in Concourse B, 55-year-old Mansour Al Hashemi, a father of four from Al Ain, bought his ticket before travelling to Bahrain. Like Wayne, he’s no stranger to the Dubai Duty Free raffle—having participated faithfully for over a decade.

This time, loyalty paid off. Mansour became the 17th Emirati to win the coveted million-dollar prize.

“Thank you, Dubai Duty Free! I’m very happy to have won in your amazing promotion.”

For Mansour, the win is more than money—it’s a blessing for his family, a chance to secure their future, and a reward for his quiet perseverance.

A Shared Moment of Fortune

Wayne and Mansour couldn’t be more different—an 18-year-old student chasing his dreams abroad, and a 55-year-old father supporting a family at home. Yet, in this moment, their stories align.

Both men prove that sometimes, one ticket can rewrite life’s story—whether you’re just beginning your journey or deep into it.