After 30 years of trying, Indian expat finally bags Abu Dhabi Big Ticket: ‘First time I’ve ever won anything’

Abu Dhabi: Indian expats who are long-time residents of the UAE got lucky in the latest Big Ticket weekly e-draw with each winning a cash prize of Dh50,000.
Prasanth Raghavan, a 57-year-old engineer from Kerala who has called Abu Dhabi home since 1995, is celebrating his very first Big Ticket win after nearly three decades of trying. Having heard about Big Ticket since its launch, he has been a regular participant, purchasing tickets almost every month.
“Initially, I used to buy tickets with a group of friends,” he recalled.

“These days, I purchase them with my brother. When I received the winning call, it felt absolutely incredible – truly a moment I’ll never forget. This is the first time I’ve ever won anything like this, and I feel truly grateful.”

He plans to share the prize with his brother and save the rest, but his journey with Big Ticket is far from over. “I’ll definitely keep participating. My ultimate goal is to win the grand prize one day. To others, I would just say: keep trying. You never know when your luck will shine.”

Win with free ticket
Banarji Narayanan, 62-year-old expat from Kerala, has been a long-time resident of Fujairah, where he has lived with his family for the past 19 years. He first came across Big Ticket online in 2013 and has been purchasing tickets regularly ever since, teaming up with a group of friends each month in hopes of winning. It was the free ticket he received this time that led to his win.
“I’m so happy right now. I truly have no words to describe this feeling. I don’t have any specific plans just yet, but one thing is certain: I will keep buying Big Ticket entries.”

Encouraging others to join in, he said: “Everyone should take part in Big Ticket. It really is helping dreams come true.”

Two more Indians – Muhammed Attoora Valappil (ticket number 275-050776) and Sundaran Thachapully (ticket number 275-158707) – were also among the winners. Both were overjoyed. For Thachapully, it was a free ticket that led to his win.

How to win?

This May, Big Ticket is offering Dh20 million in grand prize draw to be held on June 3. There are several other cash prizes to be won through the weekly draws, Big Win contest, Dream Car promotion, and more rewards. Tickets can be bought online through the official website, or at counters located in Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Airport.