‘I’m shaking right now,’ says Abu Dhabi resident Mohammed Naser Balal
Abu Dhabi: Mohammed Naser Balal, a 43-year-old electrician from Bangladesh, is in shock and utter disbelief after winning the Dh25 million grand prize in the Series 276 Big Ticket draw held in Abu Dhabi.
“I’m shaking right now. I still can’t believe this is happening,” said Balal, who has taken home one of the biggest jackpot prizes ever awarded by the popular raffle promotion. The Abu Dhabi resident won with ticket number 061080, which he purchased on June 24.
Following the draw, when hosts Richard and Bouchra tried to contact him to share the news, he was unreachable despite several attempts. However, the Big Ticket team eventually managed to get through to him.
Balal has been living in the UAE for the past 14 years, while his family remains in Bangladesh. He first learned about Big Ticket 12 years ago and has since been a loyal participant, purchasing tickets every month with a close group of friends.
“I’ve been buying tickets every single month from the last 12 years, always dreaming that one day I would win.”
Last month, the group bought a ticket from the Abu Dhabi International Airport counter – the one that turned out to be the winner.
“Today my dream came true.”
Balal already has plans for his unexpected windfall.
“I plan to split the prize with my five friends, and with my share, I’ll start by building a home for my family back in Bangladesh.”
And the rest?
“As for the rest, I’ll take some time to think it through.”
Despite the life-changing win, Balal has no plans to stop trying his luck.
“I definitely plan to keep buying tickets. Big Ticket has given me something truly unbelievable. I feel incredibly blessed. Thank you to the Big Ticket team for helping dreams come true.”
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