In a stroke of remarkable fortune, an 18-year-old Indian expat student based in Dubai has instantly become a millionaire after winning USD1million (Rs8.75crore) in the latest Dubai Duty-Free Millennium Millionaire draw. This festive turn of events unfolded just before the young winner left for the United States to pursue higher education, capturing attention across the globe on August 10, 2025.
Key Highlights
An 18-year-old Indian-origin student, Wayne Nash D’Souza, clinched the USD1million prize in Millennium Millionaire Series 510 with ticket number 4463, purchased at Dubai International Airport’s Concourse A on July 26 while departing for Los Angeles.
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Wayne is now set to begin a degree in aerospace engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
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His family, with roots in Mumbai, regularly participates in the Dubai Duty-Free raffles, buying tickets at least three to four times a year.
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Wayne is the 255th Indian national to win the million-dollar prize since the promotion began in 1999, making Indians the top group of winners.
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The student plans to utilize the windfall to pay for his and his sister’s education, with remaining funds to be invested in property or other ventures in Dubai.
Profile of the Young Winner
Wayne Nash D’Souza, born and raised in Dubai to parents originally from Mumbai, embodies the aspirations of countless Indian expat families in the UAE. He purchased the winning ticket just as he turned 18, using his father’s account since he had not yet set up his own, indicating both family tradition and a ‘gut feeling’ that he was due for luck.
Wayne’s immediate reaction was disbelief and joy, only learning of his win while in Los Angeles with his family.
His parents are seasoned raffle participants, maintaining a streak of ticket purchases over three decades.
The Dubai Duty-Free Millennium Millionaire draw has notably favored Indian ticket buyers, with Wayne’s win the latest in a long line of substantial payouts to this community.
Plans for the Prize
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Wayne has stated his intention to use the funds for educational expenses for himself and his sister.
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Some portion of the prize will be set aside for investment, possibly in Dubai property, ensuring the win has long-term impact for his family.
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The new millionaire’s US-bound journey for college now begins with the financial assurance and broader opportunities that come with this windfall.
Dubai Duty-Free Millennium Millionaire: A Brief Overview
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Launched in 1999, the Dubai Duty-Free Millennium Millionaire draw is one of the world’s most recognized lotteries.
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Each draw distributes only 5,000 tickets, contributing to more favorable odds.
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Alongside cash prizes, the draw has also awarded luxury cars and motorcycles.
Indian expatriates have gained significant wins over the years, reinforcing the popularity of the draw within the community.
Other Recent Winners
Wayne wasn’t alone in his luck. The draw also rewarded Mansour Al Hashemi, a 55-year-old Emirati from Al Ain, who won another USD1million in Millennium Millionaire Series 511, proving the draw’s wide reach and inclusivity.
Final Take
Today’s announcement marks an exciting chapter in the young student’s life, underscoring how Dubai’s global hub continues to blend opportunity and fortune. As Wayne Nash D’Souza heads off to college, he does so as a newly minted millionaire, symbolizing hope not only for himself but for expat families who dare to dream, participate, and perhaps, win.
Source: Siasat.com, Khaleej Times, Gulf News, News18.
