Abu Dhabi mum wins Dh150,000 Big Ticket prize, plans dream trip for kids

Abu Dhabi: For Abu Dhabi resident Dawuti Bumailiysmu, a mother of three, the dream of treating her children to a holiday had long been on hold, postponed year after year due to financial constraints. But everything changed this week.

The 39-year-old homemaker, who has been living in the UAE capital with her husband and three children since 2008, won Dh150,000 in the weekly e-draw of Big Ticket Series 276, with ticket number 277124.

Overwhelmed and emotional during the winner’s call with show host Richard, Dawuti exclaimed: “No way, oh my gosh. I can’t believe it. Tell me what’s my luck today?”

She first discovered Big Ticket while travelling through the airport and has been participating for the past four years, never missing a single month. Thanks to a ticket bundle offer, Dawuti received four free tickets after purchasing two and one of those free tickets won her the prize.

“Yes, I bought twice this month. In the beginning, I got four tickets, and last week, I bought six. So altogether, I had 10 tickets.”

A dreamer, Dawuti always believed her moment would come.
“There are months when I can only afford one ticket, but whenever there’s a bundle offer, I make sure to take part. I am always a dreamer. I believed one day I would win. I kept going, and now it is coming true.”

Still in disbelief, she said: “Oh my God. I’m so excited. I want to cry now.”

Her biggest motivation? Her three children.

“My kids will be very happy. I can finally take them on their dream vacation.”

For years, Thailand topped their wish list but the trip remained a dream due to a tight budget.

“I used to tell them, ‘Not this year, maybe next year.’ I was a little depressed as I couldn’t take them anywhere. But now I can.”

Looking forward to turning a long-held wish into reality, Dawuti expressed gratitude to Big Ticket and host Richard. All 10 of her tickets are now in the drum for the Dh25 million grand prize draw on July 3 as well.

And she’s not giving up hope. “I am fingers crossed.”