In a life-changing moment for four foreign workers in the UAE, the Big Ticket Abu Dhabi’s February 2026 second weekly e-draw has awarded Dh200,000 collectively to expatriates from South Asian nations. Each winner received Dh50,000 as part of the popular raffle draw that has become a cultural phenomenon among the UAE’s expat community.
The diverse group of winners represents a cross-section of the Gulf region’s migrant workforce. Riasat Khan from Pakistan finally achieved success after a decade of persistent participation, while Indian national Nibin K. Mathew found fortune after merely five months of trying. The other winners include Shiva Prasad Rijal from Nepal and Gregory Shomir Gomes, who currently resides in Qatar.
Their winning journeys reflect distinct patterns of participation. Khan participated through two different groups over ten years, experiencing all series of draws from cash prizes to Dream Car competitions. Meanwhile, Mathew, a 36-year-old engineer from Kerala living in Abu Dhabi, joined a 20-member group just five months ago upon a friend’s recommendation.
Group participation emerged as a common theme among winners. Rijal, a 39-year-old Dubai resident for 18 years, won as part of a 25-member company group that has been purchasing tickets collectively for four to five years. Gomes, heading a Project Support Office in Qatar, participated with 14 colleagues through monthly ticket purchases for four years.
The winners expressed overwhelming joy and disbelief upon notification. Gomes nearly missed the life-changing call but discovered the win through email, prompting his group to verify the results officially before celebrating. Mathew described the moment as ‘overwhelming happiness’ for his first significant lottery win.
All winners confirmed they would distribute the prize money among their respective groups while continuing to participate in future draws. Their plans for the winnings range from family support and shopping to reinforcing trust in the Big Ticket system. The February campaign continues with a Dh15 million grand prize scheduled for March 3, along with five consolation prizes of Dh100,000 each, maintaining the draw’s reputation as one of the region’s most rewarding monthly events.