(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

An Indian banker based in Dubai has become the latest dollar millionaire in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw after winning $1 million with ticket number 2242 in Series 522 .

For Atul Rao, who has been living between the UAE and Oman since 1998, the win still feels surreal.“When I got the call, I thought someone was playing a prank on me. We get so many spam emails and messages these days that it was hard to believe,” said Rao, who works for a bank.“It only sank in when I checked the Dubai Duty Free website myself.”

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The Mumbai-born banker bought his lucky ticket on his birthday, about two and a half weeks before the draw, while transiting through Dubai International Airport. He was flying to Bali for a friend's wedding when he decided to try his luck once again, something he's been doing faithfully for more than a decade.

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“I have been buying Dubai Duty Free tickets since 2012,” he said.“Every time I travel, I buy at least three tickets, one each for the bike, car, and millionaire draws. I always tell myself, maybe this will be the one. This time, it finally was.”

Over the years, he estimates spending nearly Dh50,000 on tickets.“I remember the very first ticket I bought in 2012, I was convinced I would win that time,” he said.“But I never lost hope. I always waited for my next travel to buy another one.”

The moment he learned he was the lucky winner, he was overwhelmed with gratitude.“It was not a normal day, and then it turned out to be a busy one after realising my win,” said Rao.“I am thankful and blessed.”

Rao said he plans to use part of the winnings for charity and wise investments , as well as to consider buying property again.“I had owned property in Dubai before, but sold it a while ago. Now, I might look at investing in one again,” he said.“But I'll make sure to use the money smartly, and a portion will definitely go to good causes.”

Celebrations are already underway at home.“The mood in the house is just pure joy,” said Rao.“My wife, who is a special educator, was thrilled. My daughter works here, and my son is studying in Canada. We are all planning to take a family holiday soon.”

Despite becoming a millionaire, Rao said he has no plans to stop participating in the draw.“I'll definitely keep buying tickets,” he said.“There's also a bike draw which I have purchased the ticket for, who knows, maybe I'll win that next. I was even joking with a friend about it before this draw.”

“Dubai Duty Free has changed my life,” he added.“This win is proof that patience really pays off.”

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