Dubai gold raffle winner donates 50% to those who lost jobs due to Covid

Five UAE residents — who won 250 grams of gold as part of the Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group (DGJG) grand raffle — have shared their delight. The total giveaway of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) raffle is 25kg of gold.

ALSO READ: DSF 2020: Unemployed man in Dubai wins Dh50,000 worth of gold

Among the winners are an Emirati, three Indians and a Filipina.

‘I gave half the money to the needy’

Ben Samuels from India said he spent almost half the money giving back to friends and family who lost their jobs because of the Covid-19 crisis.

“My father always taught me to give more than you get, and to be optimistic. I was driving to work early in the morning when I got the call that I won. It was such a happy end to the year that I couldn’t believe my luck,” said Samuels.

‘I thought it was a prank’

Emirati Yusuf Ali Al Maadi said he thought it was a prank when he got the call that informed him about his win.

“It only started sinking in after we went and received the prize. I never imagined that I’d win when I dropped that coupon. I have exchanged the gold for money and started a savings account.”

‘Best news ever’

Christina A S from India said: “Hands down, this was the best news of 2020. It was such a relief to win this amazing prize at the end of an unpredictable year. I entered the raffle with my family and am so happy I was the one to win.”

‘First win for me’

Irfan Khan from India said this was his first win ever.

“Dubai is a very generous city that has always been hosting raffles and competitions. After being here for three years, I was in shock when I won and overwhelmed with gratitude.”

‘Great gift amid challenging times’

Imelda P Duron from the Philippines said: “I live here alone, and the second I knew I had won, I wanted to share it with all my family in the Philippines. It’s such a great gift from the Dubai Shopping Festival to end the year on a positive note. Times have been very challenging for everyone and this made me feel that 2021 is my year.”

You could be the next winner

The DGJG raffle, which runs until the end of DSF, is open to customers who purchase jewellery at any of the 180 participating DGJG outlets across Dubai, including in Deira Gold Souk, Meena Bazaar and shopping malls.

Customers who spend Dh500 on gold jewellery will receive one raffle coupon, while customers who purchase diamonds, pearls or watches worth Dh500 will receive two. Every other day during DSF, four winners will share 1kg of gold equally. On the final day of DSF, 3kgs of gold will be shared equally among 12 winners as part of a mega prize draw.

• Dubai
• Abu Dhabi