Dh500,000 raffle winner grateful to UAE, wants to spend rest of life in country

Dubai - The next draw will be held on Saturday, January 16 at 9pm.

By James Jose

Published: Thu 14 Jan 2021, 12:11 PM

Mahzooz winner British expat Mimi feels “very patriotic and grateful” to be living in the UAE, which she has called home for over 16 years, and said that she would love to spend the rest of her life in the country.

The 42-year-old Londoner was one of the two winners to claim a share of the second-tier Dh1 million (m) prize purse in the hugely popular Mahzooz draw. Mimi won Dh500,000.

Last Saturday’s draw numbers were 3, 11, 23, 25, 34, 44 and Mimi got five of the six numbers right. Participants who match all six numbers get to win a cool Dh50 million. No one has yet won the big prize.

Mimi said that she would use the prize money towards securing her long-term future in the country.

“I am extremely lucky and it’s a fantastic feeling. I’m just so thankful,” said Mimi.

“I may be from London, but I consider the UAE my home and I want to stay here for the rest of my life. I feel very patriotic and grateful to live in such a wonderful country,” she added.

Mimi, who works as a duty manager in a private company, has taken part in the weekly draw since its inception last November. And although she has got richer by Dh 500,000, it hasn’t changed her perspective towards life.

“Money doesn’t buy happiness, but I would say that money can bring comfort and some element of security to a person’s life. That is what it’s going to do for me and my family,” revealed Mimi.

The only material thing she might splurge on herself with, she said, would be a pair of “Prada Adidas Limited Edition trainers!”

Mahzooz is the Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) only weekly live draw that offers the opportunity to win big every week, while also giving back to the community.

Entrants can participate in Mahzooz by registering via mahzooz.ae and purchasing Al Emarat bottles of water. Each bottle of water purchased for Dh 35 provides eligibility for one line in the draw and the donation is channelled through Mahzooz’s partners to hydrate those in need.

The next draw will be held on Saturday (January 16) at 9 pm.