Meet DXB's one billionth passenger

When 9-year-old Arjun gets back to his school in Orlando he'll have quite a story to tell his classmates.

He'll tell them about how he and his family were treated to a host of spectacular Dubai experiences during their stay.

He'll tell them about how they were personally welcomed at the airport by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and how hundreds of people wanted a selfie with him.

That's because Arjun is the one billionth passenger at Dubai International Airport.

He arrived with his family at Terminal 3 on Thursday afternoon amidst much fanfare and shared his happiness with ARN News shortly after he landed.

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Arjun is in Dubai for the first time along with his mother Ramya, father Venkatesh and 13-year-old brother Varun.

Their arrival was hailed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who congratulated Arjun on his official Twitter handle.

I am proud and humbled by this achievement and thank the DXB team, led by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. We are committed to remaining the first choice in transporting people across borders, helping them fulfill dreams, meet loved ones, and discover the world’s wonders. pic.twitter.com/nhMj83ra1i

Arjun's father Venkatesh said he was thrilled with the grand welcome his family received.

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ARN also spoke to Dubai Airports' CEO Paul Griffiths. He said reaching one billion passengers is a big milestone for DXB.

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Griffiths explained how exactly they narrowed down on the billionth passenger.

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Reporting by Mohamed Suleman and Malcolm Taylor