The Lebanese businessman, who won a million dollars for the second time in the Dubai Duty Free draw, stated his intention to keep and invest his latest winnings in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after losing the funds from his first jackpot.
Winning History and Plans
Antoine Labaki, a 53-year-old construction business owner from Beirut, is only the twelfth person to win twice in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire promotion. His ticket number 3360 in the Millennium Millionaire series 551 was selected during a draw held at Dubai International Airport on Wednesday and was purchased by him online on July 17.
Previously, Labaki received a million-dollar prize in August 2018. Additionally, in August 2004, he won a BMW 745Li car as part of the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise promotion, which made it his third major prize.
Problems with the First Win
Speaking to Khaleej Times from his home in Beirut, Labaki reported that he received the winning notification while having coffee with his sister. He immediately realized he had won because he recognized the person calling him from Dubai Duty Free, noting that it was the same person as last time.
However, Labaki admitted that his first million-dollar win was transferred to Beirut, but he could not use the money as planned and ultimately lost it. This experience changed his approach to managing subsequent winnings.
Investments in Dubai
This time, Labaki intends to keep the money in Dubai, invest it in the city, and possibly use some of the funds to purchase property. He also plans to start a business there, considering Dubai the safest urban environment. Labaki, who runs a construction business in Lebanon, had considered starting a similar venture in the UAE. Moving to Dubai was already in his plans before receiving the latest jackpot, and the new prize has made these plans more realistic for him and his family.
Affection for Dubai Duty Free
Labaki's connection with Dubai Duty Free spans over two decades. In 2004, he bought a ticket while passing through Dubai International Airport without thinking about the purchase due to haste. The day after arriving in Beirut, he was called and informed of his BMW win. After the launch of the million-dollar promotion, Labaki continued to participate, although he usually buys tickets only two or three times a year, as he trusts Dubai and Dubai Duty Free.
Now, having become a three-time winner, he plans to participate more frequently, possibly buying tickets monthly. Labaki expressed his love for Dubai, calling it the best place in the world and absolutely safe. He plans a trip to the UAE with his family to celebrate the victory and start a new chapter in the country, describing the moment of returning to Dubai after the latest win as the most emotional, stating: 'Dubai Duty Free gave me the world.'
