Abu Dhabi-based Indian expat wins Big Ticket on second try after six-year gap

Abu Dhabi: How about being second time lucky? That’s exactly what happened to Imran Hussain Jamaludeen – an Indian engineer from Tamil Nadu, based in Abu Dhabi – who struck gold with Big Ticket on just his second attempt.

Imran was sceptical when show host Richard broke the news that he had won Dh50,000 in the weekly e-draw.

“Really? Yes, I bought a ticket last week. I don’t believe… I won Dh50K,” Imran told Richard. The hosts then directed him to the live draw broadcast on the Big Ticket YouTube channel.

32-year-old bought winning ticket alone

It was only after spotting his name on the screen and Richard waving at him that reality finally sank in. His winning ticket number: 331658.

“Yes, now I believe you. I am happy,” said the 32-year-old civil engineer, who also confirmed he was the sole buyer of the ticket.
“Yes, I bought this one on my own,” noted Imran, who has been living in Abu Dhabi with his family for the past six years.

Imran first tried his luck back in 2019

Imran first heard about Big Ticket in 2019 and decided to give it a shot.

“I bought a ticket once in 2019. So, this is my second time.”

So, what made him buy again, after six years?

“There was no plan to buy a ticket. I saw an ad and bought a ticket. I decided to give it a try. So, I purchased my second ticket, and, to my surprise, I won.”

The lucky winner now plans to clear his debts and keep chasing the bigger dream.

“With the prize money, I plan to clear some pending loans. I will continue trying my luck with Big Ticket,” Imran added.