Qatari Man wins QAR1 Million (US$275,000) Jackpot In Raffle Draw

Qatar Duty Free has given one lucky traveller a New Year to celebrate when a Qatari man became the latest millionaire in the company’s exclusive prize draw.

Mr Mohammed Abdulla Mubarak Bo Ghonaim, from Qatar, who had bought his raffle ticket enroute to Dubai, emerged as the winner of the cash jackpot.

Qatar Duty Free and Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker drew the money-spinning winning ticket for a cash prize of QAR1 million, (US$275,000) during a special ceremony held in the duty free area at Doha International Airport in Qatar.

It was the fifth successful millionaire draw organised by Qatar Duty Free, which sold 3,000 tickets for QR450 (US$125) each since the last draw in July 2005.

Al Baker was joined by Qatar Duty Free Assistant General Manager Krishna Kumari, together with airport officials and local media, for the raffle draw.

“Qatar Duty Free is delighted to have given yet another lucky person the chance to become an instant millionaire,” said Al Baker, who immediately contacted Mr Ghnaim and congratulated him over the telephone for winning the exclusive prize.

“Mr Ghnaim has become our fifth millionaire in a draw that has grown from strength to strength over the past two years and we look forward to welcoming many more instant millionaires over the next few months and years to come.

“We strive to offer great value and a great shopping experience for our valued customers at Qatar Duty Free. The fact that we could offer such a large and exciting cash promotion reflects this determination,” added Al Baker.

More than US$1million has been invested by Qatar Duty Free in refurbishing the existing shopping facilities in the departures area, which was completed late last year.

Qatar Duty Free, a subsidiary of Qatar Airways has been experiencing continued and significant growth over the past few years.

“Currently, with 1,200 sq m of retail area, we have achieved over 70% increase in turnover compared to last year’s levels and have ramped up our presence in the departures and arrivals area of Doha International Airport,” said Qatar Duty Free Assistant General Manager Krishna Kumari.

“In addition to the wide collection of over 22,000 products, we have recently added an exciting range of new products, including Bvlgari, Folli Follie and La Prairie to name a few.

“The new-look Qatar Duty Free offers passengers a wider choice of products at extremely competitive prices. In addition to the Millionaire Draw, the Luxury Car draws are extremely popular with passengers,” added Kumari.

Last year, Doha International Airport saw the second phase of its expansion project take off with a refurbished arrivals area. Improvements at the airport are aimed at increasing passenger capacity from 3.5m to 6m passengers a year.

Work has already begun on the new $5.5 billion Doha International Airport, a state-of-the-art facility that will be built on reclaimed land and opened in phases beginning in 2009. Initial capacity will be 12 million, increasing four-fold to around 50 million by the time the airport is fully operational in 2015.

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