Abu Dhabi Big Ticket: Bangladeshi expat, UAE resident for 33 years, finally becomes a winner

Abu Dhabi: An elderly construction painter, who has spent 33 years building his life in the UAE, became one of the four lucky winners to take home a combined prize value of Dh390,000 in The Big Win Contest of the latest Big Ticket raffle.

With big dreams to make it big in life, Shofiul Azam, 65, began purchasing Big Ticket three years ago. He consistently bought tickets each month along with his brother and close friends.

Finally, the Abu Dhabi resident became a winner of The Big Win Contest in the Series 273 which allowed him to play live in the latest draw held on April 3.

The contest offers each of the four winners a guaranteed cash prize ranging from Dh20,000 to Dh150,000.

Azam managed to win Dh80,000 after playing live. “I’m honestly so happy,” he said.

“When I first got the call, I thought it might be a scam—but when I went and played the game, it began to feel real.”

However, he said that the prize money will be divided among his brother and friends. Whatever remains, he plans to put toward completing the renovation of his family home.

“I’ll definitely continue buying Big Ticket entries,” he said, adding: “My message to others is simple: keep trying your luck. One day, it could be your turn.”