UAE: Expats from Pakistan, Portugal win in Big Ticket draw

Abu Dhabi: Pakistani and Portuguese expats based in the UAE have won Dh250,000 each in the Big Ticket’s weekly e-draw series held in Abu Dhabi.

Nadeem Afzal, a UAE resident hailing from Pakistan, is excited after winning. He purchased his lucky winning ticket, number 272-339880, online.

Meanwhile, the other winner is Edward Fernandes, a 58-year-old expat from Lisbon, who has been living in Dubai for the past 29 years. He has been trying his luck since 2004. For 20 years, he has purchased tickets, always holding onto hope.

“I don’t remember how I first heard about Big Ticket in 2004,” Edward said.

When he received the winning call, he had a feeling something special was happening.

“I thought something was there if Richard was calling,” he said, though the reality of winning still came as a complete surprise.

Edward plans to pay off some loans and, most importantly, support his son’s medical needs.

However, he is eagerly looking ahead to future draws.

“I am purchasing lots of tickets even for this month. I have three tickets for March 3. If I win the grand prize, I have so much hope and many dreams.”

Tickets are available online at www.bigticket.ae or at counters located in Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Airport.