UAE: Came empty-handed 40 years ago, Indian expat to return home a millionaire after Dh25 million Big Ticket win

Dubai: After working for 40 years in Saudi Arabia, Indian expat Thajudeen Aliyar Kunju has won the Dh25 million Big Ticket jackpot just before his return to his native Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala.

Over the decades, Kunju weathered many ups and downs but never gave up. Now, at 61, he has struck the grand prize in the latest Abu Dhabi draw –  and on only his fifth attempt.

Reflecting on his journey during a phone call from Hail city in Saudi Arabia, the father of three daughters said God has been kind to him.
“I was my mother’s only child. There was no one to help or guide me. With a fire in my belly to work and earn a living, I landed in Saudi Arabia in 1985. Like everyone else, I came to the Gulf with big dreams,” Kunju told Gulf News.

Asked how much money he had when he arrived in Saudi Arabia, he paused and recalled: “I somehow managed the journey via Bombay (now Mumbai). I don’t even remember having any money in hand.”
He added that Hail was nothing but sand and desert back then.
“My first job was at a farm,” said Kunju, who now runs a waterproofing and transport business.

Shared among 16 families

Kunju only recently learned about the Big Ticket raffle, and formed a group of 16 people, pooling money to try their luck over the past five months.

“I created this group so that even those who couldn’t afford a ticket on their own would get a chance to win. With 16 members, each person’s contribution was less than SAR100 (equal to Dh100). It was manageable for everyone.”

The group includes 15 expats from Kerala and one from Tamil Nadu.
“We have people from Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kannur, and Kollam. I’m the only one from Thiruvananthapuram.”

Kunju pointed out that all group members have faced financial hardships.
“We’ve all started from zero, and even after decades here, some of us are still struggling. Many lost savings to failed businesses. Some don’t even own a home back in Kerala. This win secures the future of 16 families.”

A portion for charity

Though 16 people contributed, they will divide the prize into 17 shares, with one part reserved for charity. “When I formed the group, I made it clear that anyone joining must agree to donate one portion to help the needy if we won,” Kunju said.

Why an Indian number?

When hosts Richard and Bouchra announced the winner, they described Kunju as living in Kerala because he had listed his Indian phone number.
“I didn’t give my Saudi number since I’ll be returning home soon. The call first went to my wife in Kerala, who hung up after hearing unfamiliar voices.”

Later, his relative in Dubai contacted him after seeing the show and asked if he had purchased a ticket.
“At first, I thought he was joking. But when we checked the number, it matched.”
Organisers eventually reached Kunju on Monday.

Looking ahead

Now, Kunju is looking forward to spending time with his wife and children in Kerala. He plans to start a business and hopes to create jobs for others.
“If it works out, great. If not, I may return. I’m not getting younger, but after spending 40 years here, it’s hard to say a final goodbye,” he said with a chuckle.

He also plans to keep participating in Big Ticket raffles as well.
“Even from Kerala, I’ll continue playing. The group will carry on.”

Currently, Kunju is busy fielding phone calls and queries from people asking how to play Big Ticket.
“My days are filled explaining how to buy tickets from the official website,” he said noting that some of the group members are now excited about visiting the UAE, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, to attend the June draw.