Filipina who won Dubai’s Dh1m lottery will keep receptionist job

Nina Elmina Sanchez says she does not want to make ‘rushed decisions’

Nina Elmina Sanchez won Dh1 million from Dubai's Al Ansari Exchange raffle draw. Courtesy: Ms Sanchez

A single mother from the Philippines who scooped Dh1 million in a raffle draw in Dubai will continue working as a hotel receptionist despite her new-found fortune.

Nina Elmina Sanchez, 32, said she is still drawing up plans on “how to spend the money wisely” and will keep her job, from which she earns about Dh2,000 per month.

Last week, Ms Sanchez struck it lucky with a raffle draw by Al Ansari Exchange, after sending Dh186 to her father back home. Now she is Dh1 million richer.

I'm not materialistic and I don't plan on going shopping for myself. I'm determined to make my family's life better

The new millionaire moved to Dubai a year ago and uses much of her salary to support her 12-year-old son and parents, who live in the Philippines.

"Yes, I have won a big amount, but I'm still deciding how I will spend it. I don't want to waste it – I want to save for my family, especially my son and his education," Ms Sanchez told The National.

“I am still going to my work because I don’t want to rush my decisions. No job is big or small. There’s a pandemic going on, and I think I should take my time and properly plan what I will do next.”

When representatives from Al Ansari Exchange called her last week with the good news, she assumed it was a prank.

“I couldn’t believe the news for several days, but now it is my reality and I’m excited about what the future holds,” Ms Sanchez said.

Ms Sanchez was announced as the winner during a live stream last week. Courtesy: Al Ansari Exchange

“I’m not materialistic and I don’t plan on going shopping for myself. I’m determined to make my family’s life better.”

In Dubai, she lives in a one-bedroom flat with her sister and cousin, who have helped her during her difficult times.

“I have family and friends here who have supported me,” Ms Sanchez said. “I’m very grateful for that.”

Al Ansari Exchange’s reward programme allows customers who are sending money back home to enter a draw to win the jackpot, luxury cars and other prizes.

Winner of Abu Dhabi’s Dh20 million jackpot to share fortune with colleagues

Earlier in January, an Indian man in Oman struck lucky with a Dh20 million jackpot from Abu Dhabi's Big Ticket raffle.

He is splitting the prize with seven of his colleagues, with each receiving Dh2.5 million.

Abdussalam NV, 28, will use his slice of the big-money haul to support charity, save for his children’s education and expand his business.

The family man was in danger of missing out on his dream win when organisers were unable to contact him. Mr NV had provided two incorrect phone numbers when buying the raffle ticket.

Its organisers appealed for help and he was declared the winner on January 3 after colleagues spotted the plea.

The Big Ticket’s next draw is set to take place in February 3, with a grand prize of Dh15 million.

The draw will be streamed live.

Gallery: How would you spend Dh20m?

• 

  So how would you spend Dh100 million? To truly live life in the fast lane you need a luxury car in the garage. The limited edition Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ is for the most passionate of petrolheads, retailing at more than Dh14 million

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  Once you have your flashy new set of wheels, it makes sense to get a personalised number plate. The V12 plate sold for a tidy Dh7.2 million at a previous RTA auction in Dubai. Satish Kumar / The National

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  You are already feeling over the moon so why not fly to it? Commercial flights might be commonplace long in the future, but will be the preserve of the rich and famous in the short term at least as space entrepreneurs bid to corner the market

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  Travel in style on board Etihad's The Residence. VIP flights come with a host of perks, including a comfy bed.

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  When money is no object, why not splash out on a stay at a submarine hotel? This luxurious underwater establishment in St Lucia will set you back Dh1 million a night

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  A boost to the bank balance affords one the opportunity to travel the world. How about a trip to Paris once you need a break from lazing around the mansion?

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  For those looking to lay down roots in Dubai, there are plenty of spacious villas in Emirates Hills - dubbed the Beverly Hills of the UAE. One of the priciest properties in the area on the market is on sale for Dh14.5 million

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  Any self-respecting millionaire has to have a yacht. While a super yacht might be out of the reach of even someone with Dh20 million, you can still pick up a top-of-the-line vessel and still have some change. Pawan Singh / The National

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  Live the high life with a plush apartment in the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa. Lavish pads are available for under Dh5 million. Satish Kumar / The National