56-year-old becomes a millionaire overnight

dubai — A 56-year-old mother of three, who is a UAE resident for the past 39 years, became the first ever Palestinian national to win $1 million in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire promotion.

Faten Mohamad Al Bitm, an accountant at a private firm in Ajman, is a participant of the promotion for seven years. She bought the winning ticket before flying to Lebanon for a holiday in October.

Dubai Duty Free announced the winner at a draw held on Tuesday at the Dubai Airshow site in Dubai World Centre.

When asked about her immediate plans, Al Bitm said: “I will buy a house in the US and save for the education of my children who are studying there. Thank you so much Dubai Duty Free.”

Dubai Duty Free conducted its Finest Surprise draw directly after the Millennium Millionaire and announced two lucky winners of luxury vehicles.

Muhammed Iqbal Pasha, a 37-year-old Pakistani national who works for Belhasa Travel and Tours, was excited to hear the news that he won a Porsche Panamera 4 (Carrera White Metallic). A resident of Dubai for six years, Pasha was delighted that his second entry made him a winner.

“What a big surprise and I can’t believe my luck that I won a Porsche car,” he said.

A BMW R 1200 GS Rally Special Edition (Blue) was won by Leena Mascarenhas, a 53-yearold Indian national living in Dubai for 26 years.

Present at the draw at the Dubai Airshow site was Ramesh Cidambi, Dubai Duty Free chief operating officer; Salah Tahlak, executive vice-president – corporate services; and Nic Bruwer, executive vice-president – Commercial.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com

I will buy a house in the us and save for the education of my children who are studying there. Thank you so much dubai duty Free.” Faten Mohamad Al Bitm, mother of three