Dubai: A mother in Sharjah who has been living in the UAE for nearly four decades had her dreams come true on Tuesday when she won the jackpot in a millionaire draw in Dubai.
Faten Mohamad Al Bitm, 56, became the first ever Palestinian national to win US$1 million (Dh3.6 million) in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire promotion.
She was declared a millionaire during the draw at Dubai World Central, the venue for the ongoing Dubai Airshow. The mother of three children works as an accountant for a company in Ajman and has been buying raffle tickets for the past seven years.
Gulf News tried, but could not connect with the winner for an interview. The Palestinian national did not want to be quizzed by the media or show up for the prize presentation, although she told organisers on the phone what she wanted to do with the new-found fortune.
"I will buy a house in the US and save for the education of my children who are also studying there," she said.
Two other expats also won luxury vehicles in the Finest Surprise draw.
Muhammed Iqbal Pasha, a 37-year-old Pakistani national who works for a travel agency, was excited to hear the news that he won a Porsche Panamera 4.
“What a big surprise and I can’t believe my luck that I won a Porsche car”, commented Pasha.
The other prize, a BMW R 1200 GS Rally special edition, was won by Leena Mascarenhas, a 53-year-old Indian national who has been living in Dubai for 26 years.
