From free tickets to Dh150K: Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi expats win in Big Ticket Abu Dhabi draw

Abu Dhabi: Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi expats have each won Dh150,000 during the Big Ticket Series 274 draw held in Abu Dhabi. Interestingly, most of the winners got lucky with their free tickets, bagging the cash prize.

Kamalasanan Omana Riji, a 52-year-old driver from India’s Kerala has been living in Sharjah for the past 18 years. He has been purchasing Big Ticket entries every month since the early days of the draw, always as part of a group of 10 close friends.

“I was on my way to work and missed the winning call,” he said. “But then my friend called me, and when I checked my email – I couldn’t believe it. He was right – I had won! It’s my first time winning, and the feeling was truly wonderful. Our plan is to divide the prize among our group and, of course, continue buying more tickets together.”'

'A special moment'

Shohag Nurul Islam, a 44-year-old municipality worker from Bangladesh, is a resident of Sharjah for the past 18 years. He has been purchasing Big Ticket entries every month for the last five years with a group of 10 close friends. It was a free ticket he received that led to this win.

“When I received the winning call, I was overwhelmed with joy. It was truly a special moment,” he said. “My first priority is to divide the prize equally among my group members, as we’ve been in this journey together. With the remaining amount, I plan to continue trying my luck and purchase more tickets. I’ll definitely keep participating in Big Ticket draws and encourage others to do the same – you never know when your turn might come.”

‘Incredibly happy’

Imran Aftab, a 46-year-old warehouse manager from Pakistan has been living in Dubai for the past 16 years. He first learned about Big Ticket through his company and began purchasing entries with a group of 10 colleagues six years ago. Over time, his enthusiasm grew. He joined two to three additional groups and, in the last six months, began buying individual tickets as well. It was a free ticket he received that led to his recent win.

“I didn’t receive the winning call, but I got a text message,” he said.

“At first, I wasn’t sure what to make of it, so I checked online – and it was true. I’m incredibly happy, especially because this is my first time winning, and it was an individual ticket that brought me this prize.”

With plans to invest his winnings in a home, he remains committed to trying his luck again.
“I’ll definitely continue participating in Big Ticket draws,” he said.

“In fact, many of my colleagues now want to join me for the next one. My advice to everyone is simple – keep going, one day your luck will shine.”

‘Truly excited’

Prasantha Thottethody Marappa, a 48-year-old mechanical fitter from Kerala has been residing in Bahrain for the past 15 years. For the last five years, he has been consistently purchasing Big Ticket entries each month as part of a group of 10 close friends. It was a free ticket he received that led to this win.

“I am extremely happy and truly excited – this is a moment I will always treasure,” he said. “Our plan is to divide the winning cash prize among our group, as we’ve been in this together. And yes, we’re absolutely going to continue buying more tickets. This win has only strengthened our motivation and brought us one step closer to our ultimate goal: winning the grand prize.”

How to get lucky?
Big Ticket is turning up the heat this month with a massive Dh20 million grand prize up for grabs. Apart from the jackpot to be drawn on June 3, there are other cash prizes as well. And if that’s not enough, there are weekly draws, with 20 individuals getting lucky this month.
Also running this month are ‘The Big Win’ contest and the Dream Car promotion. Tickets are available through the official website or at counters located in Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Airport.