Indian expat misses Emirates Draw Dh100m Grand Prize by one digit, but is happy to receive second prize

Dubai: Indian expat Alex Xaveier Fernandes, who has been in the UAE for 27 years and currently works in the oil and gas industry, has won Dh250,000 in Emirates Draw’s latest MEGA7 Second Prize.

According to the organisers, he matched six out of seven numbers—just one number away from the Dh100 million Grand Prize.

Fernandes, who started buying Emirates Draw tickets a few months ago, has been playing MEGA7, EASY6 and FAST5 every week.

“I won very small amounts a few times, which I kept in credit and used to buy tickets for the next draw,” he said.

When choosing his preferred numbers, he said it was a wild guess.

He said he can never forget the day he received the intimation from Emirates Draw. He said the congratulatory e-mail from Emirates Draw took him by complete surprise. His first call was to his wife whom he referred to as “The Boss”.

Fernandes said he had plans for using his winnings, but the ultimate decision rests with his wife.

“The final call will be made by my wife, as she manages finances way better than me,” he noted.

He said he is also keen to give back to the city that has blessed him with multiple opportunities. He plans on doing this by contributing to charitable organisations, especially those who put smiles on the faces of less fortunate children.