Wife of Dh12m Abu Dhabi raffle winner thought it was a prank

Abu Dhabi - This is the biggest prize money ever offered by the Big Ticket raffle draw.

Nisha Hari was about to play a prank on her husband by telling him he has won Dh12 million in Big Ticket Draw on Sunday morning.
But luck outdid Nisha, as her husband Harikrishnan V. Nair, 42, actually turned the winner in Big Ticket raffle draw held in Abu Dhabi on January 7.
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"I still cannot believe it. Is it me? Is it really me?" an excited Nair, from Kerala, India, told Khaleej Times over the phone.
He won Dh12 million - the biggest-ever raffle prize money by the Big Ticket - for his ticket number 086828.
So, what is he going to do with all the money? "I have always wanted to travel the world with my family. I think 2018 is the year for that. I will plan a world tour soon," said Nair who has a seven-year old son, Karan. Nair is working as a business development manager for a firm in Dubai, and has been living in the UAE with his family since 2002.
His wife Nisha, a logistics support staff, still could not believe the news. "I was dump-founded when I got the call from my husband. First I thought he was playing the same prank I had planned on him."
"Even yesterday he was casually telling me he may win the ticket. I laughed it away saying he thought the same the previous month too when he bought the ticket."
"Now that he has won the jackpot, I will let him figure out what he wants to do with it. He is after all a business development manager and would know better how to manage his funds," said Nisha with a laugh.
However, she would like to buy her husband a Harley Davidson bike or a Cheverolet Camaro car. "Hari is a fun-loving person, and he has always fancied a sports car," said Nisha.
"As for myself, Hari has always fulfilled all my wishes. So I am happy with what we have."
Nair on his part said it was the third time he was buying the Big Ticket, but never expected to win. "I cannot wait to see my son's excitement when I tell him I have won the Big Ticket. Before leaving for school today, he had asked me about the draw."
"I do not have any special plans as such. I have to sit down with a cool head and plan my life ahead. One thing I am sure. I do not want to leave the UAE. This is the place where dreams come true. Also, I won't leave my job either because I am very happy with my boss."
"I would like to plan for my son's education and buy another house in India. I want to take good care of my mother and my wife's mother too, who are in India."
Charity is also on top of Nair's agenda. "I have always wanted to help people in need, and by God's grace I can do it now. That is something I will really do."
Also read: Indian expat wins Dh5 million in Abu Dhabi raffle

• Abu Dhabi