In a life-changing turn of events, four expatriates residing in the United Arab Emirates have emerged as winners in Big Ticket’s second e-weekly January draw, each securing Dh50,000 in prize money. The diverse group of winners includes two Indian nationals, one Bangladeshi citizen, and one Pakistani resident, highlighting the multicultural fabric of the UAE’s expat community.
Among the fortunate winners is Shafik Paika Mohammed, a 36-year-old sales professional from Mangalore who has spent 15 years living separately from his family in Dubai. After a decade of persistent participation, Mohammed finally achieved victory with a ticket purchased jointly with a friend. The long-awaited win has inspired him to facilitate more frequent family visits to the UAE, strengthening familial bonds that distance had strained.
“This victory arrived as a tremendous surprise at precisely the right moment,” Mohammed expressed. “I intend to divide the prize equally with my friend and look forward to hosting my family more regularly in the Emirates, creating cherished memories together.”
Similarly jubilant is Pakistani national Irshad Gull, a desert safari tourism employee with 23 years of UAE residency. Gull celebrated his win alongside seven group members with whom he collectively purchased tickets for nearly ten years before achieving success. “Receiving that winning notification generated incredible happiness,” Gull remarked. “After consistent participation for almost a decade, this achievement feels particularly meaningful.”
The remaining winners, Bangladeshi national Rafiqul Islam and Indian expatriate Mohammed Ali Riyas, both secured their prizes through online ticket purchases, demonstrating the accessibility of the digital drawing system.
January’s Big Ticket offerings continue with an unprecedented Dh20 million grand prize, potentially creating an instant multi-millionaire, complemented by five secondary prizes of Dh1 million each. The promotion additionally features incentive opportunities for multi-ticket purchases between January 1-24, including eligibility for live draw events on February 3 with guaranteed cash prizes ranging from Dh50,000 to Dh150,000. Luxury vehicle giveaways, including a BMW X5 and Range Rover Velar, further enhance the month’s premium offerings.
Prospective participants may acquire tickets digitally through official platforms or physically at designated counters in Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Airport, with live draws streamed weekly on official YouTube channels and websites.