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Sat, Jan 24, 2026 | Shaban 5, 1447 | Fajr 05:44 | DXB 
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'Luck finally struck': Indian, Pakistani, Filipino expats bag Dh395,000 in Big Ticket
In July, Big Ticket's grand prize is Dh20 million, with the winning ticket set to be revealed during a live draw in Abu Dhabi on August 3
Luck has finally smiled on four expatriates from India, Pakistan, and the Philippines, who collectively won Dh395,000 in Big Ticket’s “The Big Win” contest.
Among those there was Sajeev G.R., a 43-year-old designer who won Dh130,000. Originally from Kerala, India, G.R. has been living in Bahrain for the past 18 years and has been purchasing Big Ticket entries every month for the last four years with a group of 13 friends.
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“This win belongs to all of us and our families. We’ve decided to divide the prize equally among ourselves. My advice to others is to give Big Ticket a try, it might just be your turn next,” he said.
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Another Kearlite called Abooty Thaya Kandoth bagged Dh80,000 in the draw. The 54-year-old sales supervisor has been living in Dubai with his family for the past 33 years, and began purchasing Big Ticket entries nearly a decade ago.
“After 10 years of trying, luck finally struck, and I still can’t believe it. I plan to use the prize money to take my family on a well-deserved vacation. I’m already preparing to purchase another ticket before the end of the month to make the most of the bundle offer." he said.
The third winner, Sarfaraz Sheikh, a Pakistani expat who has been living in Dubai with his wife for over 20 years, said it was an incredible feeling that he felt upon receiving the news of winning Dh75,000.
"Not knowing the exact prize amount right away only added to the thrill," added the business man in his 60s. Asked what he would do with the money, Sheikh said that he plans use part of the prize to enjoy a vacation with his wife, while also setting aside a portion for a meaningful cause.
Another longtime resident of Dubai was among the four lucky winners. Noriel Bonifacio, a 50-year-old plant attendant from the Philippines, bagged Dh110,000 for a ticket he bought with a group of 10 friends.
"I’ve been trying my luck for the past 10 years, and the day has finally come," he said.
In July, Big Ticket's grand prize is the Dh20 million, with the winning ticket set to be revealed during the live draw in Abu Dhabi on August 3. On the same night, six additional winners will each walk away with Dh50,000 in cash.
Every Thursday leading up to the live draw, Big Ticket will hold its weekly e-draws, awarding Dh50,000 to four winners.
Here are the weekly e-draw dates:
Week 2: 10th – 16th July & Draw Date – July 17 (Thursday)
Week 3: 17th – 23rd July & Draw Date- July 24 (Thursday)
Week 4: 24th – 31st July & Draw Date- August 1(Friday)
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