Big Ticket Abu Dhabi: Dubai-based Indian was cooking when he won the Dh12m jackpot

Abu Dhabi - The prize will be shared between 11 people.

A Dubai-based Indian expat won Dh12 million in the Big Ticket Abu Dhabi raffle draw held on Monday.

Dipankar Dey exclaimed in joy when draw organiser Richard called him. Dey was aware about the August 3 draw date and time for raffle No. 218, but was busy cooking.

"I am now alone as my wife Sathi Dey and little daughter Tanishtha are stuck in West Bengal due to travel restrictions. Today is my off day and I was cooking while thinking about the draw. I was going to check the results once I was free. But when the organisers called me, I instantly recognised both their voices. I used to see other draws. So I knew the good news was coming. I am yet to see the live video to hear my reactions," said the 37-year-old, who has been living in Dubai for the past nine years.
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Dey, an optometrist, will be sharing the prize money with his friends and colleagues. He noted that the jackpot has come at the right time for everyone, turning them into millionaires.

"We have been buying tickets since August of 2018. Since we can't afford to buy it alone, we all contribute. There are a total of 11 people now. Everyone is facing some financial issues. Due to lockdown, everyone is in a tight situation. This is a big reprieve for us. Our lives are secured now."

'Never lose hope'

Dey had bought the ticket no. 041486 online on July 14.

"We always knew that one day we would win. We continued to buy tickets. This time one of my colleagues joined for the first time. He has bought his luck," Dey said.

"I have not made any immediate plans. Everyone will be having some individual plans. We will meet and plan our immediate celebrations and future."

Now, the promotion of next month's draw has started. For the first-time ever there will be a grand prize of Dh10 million followed by a second prize of Dh1 million.

Tickets can be purchased online from www.bigticket.ae till August 31 and the draw date is September 3.

• Abu Dhabi