Focus: Winning millions

This week we polled people on what they would do if they won a million or more dirhams - a secret dream that many nurture.

It was interesting to know that while some of them did like the idea of travelling around the world, most preferred investing the money in the financial market or use it to buy property, donate and build a fund for their children. If you agree or disagree with their views, do let us know at readers@gulfnews.com

I would quit my job and travel around the world.

Yes, I would quit and travel. Travelling is very educational. You learn about different cultures and people. This is why I am in Dubai in the first place. I would also help my family, maybe pay them back for what they have already paid for me! I think I would do charity work. But I don't think I would win millions. My luck is really bad when it comes to raffles.
– Jenan Hijazi
US

No, simply because I would spend the million in a month and then what would I do next? Basically I would invest the money because, you know, money breeds more money. I would invest most of it, but also buy my family and myself things with it, like clothes, electronics etc. I don't think I would travel. I like my country and I think it is beautiful.
– Chris Hosu
Romania

No, why should I travel around the world? There are other important things to do. I am a UAE national so I would want to keep the money for the good of my country. I won't start a charity, but I would build a mosque. Also, I would clear my debts, and definitely change my car. I would want to open my own photography studio. Unfortunately, I do not think I am lucky when it comes to winning things.
– Abdullah Al Hammadi
Dubai

No, because these millions would run out, if I travelled. I would want to start my business... a film studio maybe. I do not have anything particular on my mind now. Probably I would use the money in some business like filmmaking or photography. And yes, I would get married; maybe start charity work. Why not? Still, I don't think I would ever win any money. The only thing I ever won was a soft drink. I have tried my luck many times and have never won.
– Mohammad Essa
Dubai

I would buy a home and start a fund for my children.

Of course! I would buy a home and start a fund for my children. Maybe I would invest the money first, you know, to make more money. But if I have enough money I would travel around the world also. But I would definitely consider my family first when it comes to spending the money. Maybe I would try and help other people do some charity work.
– Myla Garcia
Philippines

Well, how many millions are we talking about? What currency? Is it pounds or dollars? A million or two will not be life changing. It has to be about eight or more. Probably I would stop working and buy a house. Also I would do all sorts of things, like go out, have fun, travel... I have won in raffles before but nothing outrageous, really. I do not go out and buy coupons or even take part in the lottery.
– Rupert Clarke
UK

How much are we talking about? Ten million pounds would be good. I do not think I would start a fund for my children. I am not even married yet! But I would want to build my own house, buy a fancy car and travel to Europe. But the most important thing for me is to start my own software company here. I am really interested in this field, so the money would be great to start the business.
– Ahmad Al Nuaimi
Dubai

The first thing I would do with the money is buy real estate. I live the real estate business. I would build my own house. When I have children I would start individual funds for them, but also I would want my children to work and learn to appreciate money. Also with the money I can allocate a budget to build mosques and dig water wells in other, poor Islamic countries.
– Saud Al Tawila
Dubai

I would invest the money in the financial market.

If I win millions I would definitely invest the money. Also I would put some in a bank and not touch it. I do not think I would go to the financial market or even work with stocks. Not at the moment anyway. I know I would spend a big part of it on shopping. Buying an apartment is not a bad idea also, but I don't think I would get it in Dubai. Probably I would buy an apartment back home so I can stop worrying about the rent.
– Evelyne Leferenk
Belgium

Well, even before winning any millions I am already in the financial market. I have a background and I know when to buy and sell. If things looked good in the market and I had the millions, I would probably invest there. But if the market were down I would go into the real estate business. But other than that I really don't know what to do with the money. I would have to think it over.
– Nawaf Al Abduli
Dubai

Yes I would put some in the financial market, why not? Probably I would open a charity fund or give money to some charity organisation that cares for children. The financial market is a good idea... it would help me invest for the future... maybe invest in property.
– Troy Patterson
Qatar

No... no I won't go into the financial market. You know, stocks are going up and down and some people are getting heart attacks because of the market flip-flop. Probably, I would invest the money in things that I understand. Like, for example, I would use the money to improve my career. I am an interior designer, so I would probably open showrooms to exhibit my designs and work. Also, I would buy a custom-made car.
– Sari Knoush
Egypt

I would buy a lot more raffle coupons.

If I were to buy more raffle coupons, maybe then I would win again and get more money. I would invest part of the money maybe in life insurance. Also, I would open a fund for my child. And I would want to do some charity work for old people and those who have aged and need help.
– Sadhana Sharma
Dubai

Yes. Maybe I would buy more coupons to make more money, but I would want to buy my own house and start my own business or get into a partnership. I like it here in the UAE. I have been here for 27 years, but I would want to do something back home also. My wife, children and family are there.
– Musthafa Muhideen
Dubai

No, of course not! If I win it is going to happen only once. It's not going to happen again. If I win the money, I would stop working, take all my friends and travel around the world, buy my parents new cars, probably go for a nose job. I hate my nose! I would also get a personal trainer. Not much money would be left after that, would there now? I think my father would tell me to invest part of the money somewhere.
– Pippa Daniels
Dubai

No, I won't. My luck runs out fast. Winning once is good enough for me. I think if I win millions I would go back home to India, build a house there and travel around the world. I would invest the money in some companies. I would also get a restraining order against some of my friends because then they would be poor and come after me for money!
– Ashfna Hameed
Dubai