Dubai: Abdullah Al Arafat Mohammed Mohsin, 30, from Bangladesh sent Dh261 to his home country and ended up winning Dh1 million.
His name was picked during the grand draw, as part of the annual “Al Ansari Exchange Rewards Summer" promotion, held at the Metropolitan Hotel in Dubai. Mohsin told Gulf News in a telephone interview that he never expected to win big in the UAE.
Al Ansari Exchange, the UAE-based foreign exchange and money transfer firm, said that this year’s grand prize winner qualified for the promotion after transferring Dh261 to his home country through a branch in Naief in Dubai.
The 30-year-old Bangladeshi expat from Dubai first came to work in the UAE in 2010, and is celebrating nine years in the country this month.
Mohsin said half the money will go towards building his dream house in his hometown, Chittagong. The rest will be invested into his new business which deals in mobile phones and various accessories.
He said he owes a lot to the UAE as he grew in stature and wealth in this country.
“Nine years ago I came to Dubai work as an accountant for a private company. Two years later I set up my first office dealing in textile cum tailoring business. I had made plans to set up my second office and I cannot believe lady luck has blessed me with this win,” the soon-to-be father said.
"My baby is due to be born next month and is my lucky mascot," Mohsin added.
Mohsin's wife currently lives in his family home in Chittagong district. “I will build a big house. It will be the best in town,” he said.
Other winners included Khaldun Homidan from Jordan, who won a brand-new BMW X1 2019; Abdul Hakeem and Seevayi Mustafa, both from India, who a kilo of gold each. Eight other lucky winners took home a cash prize of Dh10,000 each.
According to a press statement, Abdullah said, “I am extremely thrilled and overjoyed to be the promotion’s sixth millionaire. The cash prize would definitely allow me to help my family back home have a better life and achieve our long-time dreams and aspirations. It would not have been possible without this opportunity. I would like to extend my deep gratitude and appreciation to Al Ansari Exchange for this life-changing experience.”
Mohammad Bitar, Deputy General Manager of Al Ansari Exchange, added: “Replicating the remarkable success and popularity achieved by the previous five editions, this year’s edition of the Al Ansari Exchange Rewards Summer promotion’ witnessed an even bigger participation. This kind of response motivates us to come up with more innovative offers and exciting rewards for our customers, in recognition of their continued loyalty and support. I congratulate Abdullah, as well as all of our lucky winners this year.”
