‘My first win, it feels surreal’: Indian, Filipino expats win Big Ticket Abu Dhabi draw

Abu Dhabi: Indian and Filipino expatriates are among the winners of this week’s Big Ticket e-draw. These lucky individuals – all long-time UAE residents – have each won Dh50,000.

Arturo Rodriguez, a 59-year-old technical superintendent from the Philippines, who has called Dubai home for the past 32 years, has finally won after trying his luck with Big Ticket for a decade.

Living in the UAE with his family, he has been purchasing tickets every month with a close group of eight friends, never giving up hope.
When he got the call from Richard, Rodriguez immediately recognised his voice and was really surprised.
“This is my first win it feels surreal, you know.”

Although he doesn’t yet have specific plans for the prize money, Rodriguez is staying hopeful and looking forward to receiving another call during the live draw on June 3. Asked if he plans to continue purchasing Big Ticket, his reply was clear and simple: “Oh yeah, we never stop buying Big Ticket.”

For those trying their luck with Big Ticket, Rodriguez said: “Don’t lose hope, keep trying.” Reflecting on his experience with Big Ticket, he added, “Big Ticket is really great and helping a lot of people.”

Nawar Najem, a 42-year-old deputy marine manager from Syria, who has been living in the UAE since the end of 2009, has won Big Ticket for the first time after years of participating. He was first introduced to Big Ticket at the airport and purchased his first ticket in-store back in 2010. Since then, he has continued to buy tickets on his own, never giving up hope.

Now living in the UAE with his family, who joined him seven years ago, Najem was overjoyed when he received the winning call, and he was particularly excited to celebrate his first win with Big Ticket.

With plans to enjoy a well-earned vacation with his family, he is excited to continue purchasing Big Ticket and encourages participants who are still trying to never give up. And to the Big Ticket team, he sends a heartfelt note of gratitude.

Asaraf Ali Valiya Parambil, a 40-year-old salesman from Kerala, India, who has lived in the UAE for the past 16 years, has finally experienced his Big Ticket moment. Currently based in the UAE while his family remains in India, Parambil has been buying tickets every month for years alongside a close friend.

The two of them have made it a monthly tradition to visit Al Ain Airport to purchase their ticket, and it has become an experience they genuinely look forward to. Although the winning call came as a surprise, he had a quiet sense that something good was on the way.

With his winnings, Parambil’s first priority is to donate and give back, while also planning to share and enjoy the rest with his friends. Even after this big win, he has no intention of stopping and will continue buying Big Ticket. He encourages everyone still trying to stay hopeful and urges those considering it to take a chance and test their luck.

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.