UAE. Dubai Duty Free (DDF) has launched its Chinese New Year celebrations in generous form at Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3.
DDF Executive Vice Chairman and CEO Colm McLoughlin attended events in Concourses B and C with Chief Operating Officer Ramesh Cidambi and Executive Vice President Corporate Services Salah Tahlak. They were joined by representatives from the local Chinese consulate including Acting Consul General Tan Li and Vice Consul Wang Chen.
The Sindy Zou dance group performed Silk Road, a traditional Chinese dance, in Concourse B. Tan Li then joined the draw for the DDF Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise promotions.
Neil H, a British national who has lived in Dubai for the past 12 years while working for an oil and gas company, won US$1 million. He thanked the UAE and DDF for “kick-starting my 2019”.
The second prize was won by Abhishek Kathel, an Indian citizen who works as cabin crew for Air Arabia. He said: “Thank God for this wonderful news. I cannot believe that I [have won] this big with my first-ever ticket for the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire.”
A 27-year-old Indian national, Leepika Ahluwalie, won an Audi R8 RWS V10. She bought her winning ticket on her way to Baku, Azerbaijan, with her new husband on their honeymoon. She called the car “an amazing wedding gift”.
Farhan Jawed Khan, a 14-year-old Indian national, won a BMW R 1200 GS Rallye Edition motorbike. His father said he bought the winning ticket in his son’s name after the family returned to India after living in Dubai for 24 years.
Colm McLoughlin said: “We are privileged to be joined by the Chinese Acting Consul General Tan Li and other representatives of the Chinese consulate, as well as some members of the Chinese media, to celebrate Chinese New Year.
“Dubai Duty Free employs 814 Chinese nationals and Chinese passengers account for 17% of our business, so it is appropriate that we mark this most popular festival.”
Tan Li thanked McLoughlin for the invitation, stating: “This occasion remains one of the most important for the Chinese, and Dubai Duty Free acknowledges the significance of this holiday to its customers through traditional festivities and [by] offering special initiatives.”
Also present at the celebration were SVP Marketing Sinead El Sibai, SVP Purchasing Saba Tahir, SVP Retail Support Michael Schmidt, VP Purchasing Sharon Beecham, VP-HR Service Delivery from DDF Mona Al Ali, as well as Commercial Counsellor Jin Lei and Consular Attache Hao Miao.
