Sharjah: Sharjah-based Indian national won $1 million in the latest Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire promotion when the draw was held on Wednesday at Concourse B of Dubai International Airport.

Karnaiah Mandolla, a 45-year-old software engineer, hits the jackpot in Millennium Millionaire Series 437, with ticket number 4576, which he purchased online on October 5. A UAE resident for 12 years, Mandolla works as a software engineer for Emirates Airlines, and has been a regular participant in Dubai Duty Free's promotion for 8 years now.

The father of two was over the moon to learn that he was now a millionaire and commented, “Thank you, Dubai Duty Free! This will definitely help me clear my debts and secure my children’s education, while I will share some with charity.

"Winning your promotion is a great opportunity that I encourage my friends and colleagues to participate in,” he added.

Mandolla who hails from Andhra Pradesh, India is the 217th Indian national to have won $1 million in the Millennium Millionaire promotion since in 1999 and Indian nationals are the biggest buyers of tickets.