Afghan Man Makes History with Dubai Duty Free $1M Win
In a remarkable turn of events, Mohammad Khan Barakzai has become the first Afghan national to win the Dubai Duty Free’s $1 million jackpot. The 44-year-old, who has lived in the UAE for over a decade, expressed disbelief and gratitude after receiving the life-changing news while at work. His journey to this moment is filled with perseverance and hope, reflecting the dreams of many expatriates in the region.
The Winning Moment
Barakzai’s winning ticket, number 1700 from Series 519, was purchased on September 23, after a long hiatus from participating in the draw. “I had an inexplicable feeling that I should try again,” he shared. This intuition proved to be pivotal as he received the call from Dubai Duty Free while busy with paperwork at his office in Business Bay.
Upon seeing the caller ID, Barakzai felt a surge of anticipation. “I knew this was the moment,” he recalled. As the representative began verifying his identity, he could hardly contain his excitement, asking, “Can you please tell me first what is going on?” When he learned he was the winner, disbelief set in. “I asked, ‘Come on, this is not a joke, right?'”
To confirm the news, he was directed to a Facebook video announcing the winners. “That made me believe 100 percent I’m the winner,” he said, overwhelmed with joy.
Sharing the Joy
Barakzai’s first instinct was to share his good fortune with his employees. “I went to them and said, ‘Guys, I don’t know if you’ll believe this or not, but I won the lottery,'” he recounted. Their initial skepticism quickly turned to congratulations and hugs.
However, when he called home, his son expressed caution, warning him about potential scams. “He was like, ‘Daddy, maybe it’s a scam as there are many such scams,'” Barakzai explained. He reassured his son that the win was real.
A Moment of Gratitude
Immediately after receiving the news, Barakzai felt compelled to express his gratitude. “The first thing I did was to go to the mosque in our office building. I prayed and thanked Allah,” he said. Despite his excitement, he struggled to concentrate on work afterward. His staff encouraged him to take a break, but even at home, he found it hard to relax.
Barakzai has participated in the Dubai Duty Free’s Millennium Millionaire promotion for four years, believing it offered him better chances of winning. “I felt like there were fewer people participating, and I saw a variety of nationalities winning. That gave me hope and confidence,” he explained.
A Life-Changing Win
For Barakzai, this win represents not just financial gain but a culmination of years of hard work since arriving in Dubai in 2014. Originally from Helmand Province, he transitioned from a construction background in Afghanistan to running his own interior decoration business in the UAE. “I never imagined winning a lottery like this. How many people get such a lucky chance? I feel overwhelmed,” he said.
The significance of being the first Afghan national to win the jackpot is profound for him. “As the first Afghan, it’s kind of history,” he remarked, sharing the news with his family.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Barakzai intends to invest his winnings wisely. “Definitely, I will spend on my family and my business,” he stated, emphasizing his happiness rather than specific plans. His journey has not been without challenges; he has faced the struggles common to many expatriates in the UAE.
Reflecting on his life, Barakzai shared that he began working at 19 and has always been self-sufficient. “I started working and doing my own things. I never took any money from my father,” he said. His experiences have shaped his outlook, and he encourages others to persevere through difficulties. “My message is…never give up. There’s a certain time when you think ‘enough, I cannot do any more,’ but you need to kick that thought out and go ahead.”
Gratitude for the UAE
Barakzai expressed deep appreciation for his adopted home. “The UAE is a big blessing for us Afghans. The respect you get and the opportunities available here are really appreciated. If you are a hard worker, this country gives you back,” he said. His gratitude reflects the sentiments of many expatriates who have found success in the UAE.
FAQs
How did Mohammad Khan Barakzai win the Dubai Duty Free raffle?
Barakzai won the raffle by purchasing a ticket for Series 519, number 1700, after feeling an inexplicable urge to participate again after a long break.
What was Barakzai’s reaction upon winning?
Initially in disbelief, Barakzai confirmed his win through a Facebook video and shared the joyous news with his employees and family, who were both excited and cautious.
What are Barakzai’s plans for his winnings?
He plans to invest the money wisely, focusing on his family and business, while also expressing gratitude for the opportunities he has received in the UAE.
Conclusion
Mohammad Khan Barakzai’s historic win as the first Afghan national in the Dubai Duty Free raffle highlights the dreams and aspirations of many expatriates in the UAE. His story is one of perseverance, gratitude, and hope, serving as an inspiration for others facing challenges. As he looks to the future, Barakzai aims to use his newfound wealth to benefit his family and business while cherishing the opportunities that life in the UAE has provided him.
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Afghan Wins $1 Million in Dubai Duty Free Raffle
