A car wash supervisor who saved up tips from customers to take part in the UAE's Big Ticket draw has told of his joy over his life-changing Dh30 million jackpot win.
Kathar Hussain, from Sharjah, earns Dh1,500 per month, and said he could never have dreamt of earning so much money.
He was on holiday in his native India when he struck lucky, with organisers initially unable to reach him during the live draw announcement on Saturday.
He will split the winnings with his friend Devaraj, with whom he gathered tips to buy the precious ticket.
The huge prize was the biggest in the competition's 30-year history.
“I earn Dh1,500 every month. For however many years I worked, I would not be able to make so much money in my lifetime,” said Mr Hussain.
“I was watching the show and was in India at my friend’s home when I realised I was the winner.
“I was shocked. I just thanked Allah. I never thought I would see such a day.
“My life will change completely In sha'Allah [God willing]. I am still so excited.
“I never thought I would get so much money. I want to stay here in the UAE and bring my family here from India.”
Win will change family fortunes
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UAE residents who struck lucky with Abu Dhabi's Big Ticket draw attended a gala dinner. Organisers of the draw celebrated the winners' good luck at the Alexandra Dhow Cruise in Dubai Marina. All photos by Leslie Pableo / The National -
Richard Isaac and Bouchra Yamani, the two presenters who pick out the raffle tickets and call the winners, interacted with the winners. Some of attendees had won jackpots of between Dh1 million to Dh15 million, while others won Dh90,000 -
'The National' spoke to winners about how they have spent their grand prize. Shivamurthy Gali Krishnappa won Dh12 million last month. He said he wants to save for his children's future. For now, he is still working as a mechanical engineer for a stainless steel production company -
Shahed Ahmed Moulvifaiz, a Bangladeshi car garage owner in Al Ain, won Dh10 million less than a week ago. He wants to bring his family to the UAE, expand his business and spend on his youngest son's education -
Jayaprakash Mariyan Philip had won the Dh1 million prize with nine other people. The funds were split equally, leaving him with Dh100,000. He said he has paid off part of his bank loans -
Zaheenn Kausar was visiting her husband in Abu Dhabi from Pakistan, when he bought a ticket under her name. She proved lucky for her family after winning Dh90,000. She wants to pay for her daughter's university tuition and buy a car for herself -
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, more than 5,000 people would gather during a live event in Abu Dhabi to watch the draw take place. Since 2020, the draw streams live on social media channels, bringing in even larger crowds -
Many people buy multiple tickets together and then split the prize equally. There are also those who win after buying a ticket alone, allowing them to keep the entire jackpot -
The Abu Dhabi Big Draw has been changing lives since 1992 -
The ticket for the grand prize costs Dh500
Mr Hussain's family are in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, from where he hails, and he hopes to build a family home.
“My family are very happy. I live in a rented house and am hoping to build a house for myself and my parents,” he said.
Mr Hussain has worked in the UAE for more than five years.
He plans to leave his day job behind and start his own business venture.
It is a wonderful end to the year for Mr Hussain and his friend, and there are set to be more celebrations in 2023 for Big Ticket players.
The next draw, which will take place on January 3, will have the largest jackpot in the competition’s history.
There will be a first prize of Dh35 million up for grabs, with tickets costing Dh500 each.
