In a heartwarming display of international community spirit, five expatriate workers from India and Bangladesh have been declared joint winners of Dh250,000 in the latest Big Ticket lottery series. The Series 282 draw awarded Dh50,000 to each recipient, all of whom represent the diverse workforce that forms the backbone of the United Arab Emirates.
The winning cohort includes four Indian nationals hailing from Kerala and one Bangladeshi resident, each with unique stories of persistence and generosity. Sony K Thompson, a 28-year-old maintenance engineer from Kerala residing in Sharjah, achieved his first victory after merely four months of participation. ‘I purchase tickets monthly with ten friends, making this triumph particularly encouraging early in my Big Ticket journey,’ Thompson revealed, adding that he intends to distribute his winnings among his playing group.
Demonstrating remarkable dedication, 65-year-old general technician Ressa Maramthottathil Shah has maintained his lottery participation for fifteen years. The three-decade Dubai resident, who buys tickets with a consortium of twenty friends, expressed overwhelming joy upon learning of his win while vowing to continue his longstanding tradition.
The technological sector contributed another winner in Rexi Abraham Chacko, a 50-year-old IT specialist who has independently purchased tickets for five years. The Dubai-based professional described his win as unexpected and announced plans to allocate portions of his prize to philanthropic causes, stating: ‘I aspire to provide regular charitable support and share these blessings with others.’
Completing the Indian contingent is Saju Anatt Subramanyan Mohanan Anatt Mohanan, a 45-year-old Abu Dhabi-based engineer with four years of lottery participation. The Bangladeshi representation comes from Mohammed Baktier MD Abdul Fazl, a 45-year assistant quality control manager who secured his maiden victory on only his second attempt. A Dubai resident since 2008, Fazl intends to utilize his winnings for property acquisition in his homeland while supporting underprivileged families and orphanages in Bangladesh.
Lottery organizers simultaneously unveiled details of their January campaign, featuring a monumental Dh20 million grand prize alongside five secondary prizes of Dh1 million each. The month-long event will include weekly electronic draws awarding Dh50,000, complemented by luxury vehicle prizes including a BMW X5 and Range Rover Velar. Tickets remain available through digital platforms and physical counters at Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Airport, with the grand draw scheduled for February 3.