Big Ticket: Pakistani, Portuguese expats win Dh250,000 each in Abu Dhabi draw
The next draw features a Dh20 million grand prize
ABU DHABI: Two UAE-based expatriates, one from Pakistan and the other from Portugal, have each won Dh250,000 in the latest Big Ticket weekly e-draw, held in Abu Dhabi.
Nadeem Afzal, a Pakistani expat, was thrilled to receive the life-changing news. His winning ticket, number 272-339880, was purchased online. Nadeem, like thousands of others, had taken a chance on the popular draw, and luck was finally on his side.
The second winner, Edward Fernandes, a 58-year-old Portuguese expat, has been living in Dubai for 29 years. His journey with Big Ticket began in 2004, when he started regularly purchasing tickets, hoping for his moment to arrive.
"I don’t even remember how I first heard about Big Ticket, but I have been buying tickets for 20 years," Edward shared.
When he received a call from Big Ticket’s Richard, he sensed something extraordinary. "I thought something was there if Richard was calling," he said, describing the moment of realisation.
Edward plans to pay off loans and support his son’s medical needs with his winnings. Despite finally securing a prize after two decades, he remains optimistic about future draws.
"I am still buying tickets. I have three tickets for the upcoming draw on March 3. If I win the grand prize, I have many dreams to fulfil," he said.
Next draw: Dh20 million
Big Ticket’s Series 272 draw is set to take place on March 3, 2025, with a staggering Dh20 million grand prize up for grabs. Tickets can be purchased online at www.bigticket.ae or at designated counters in Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Airport.
Promotions such as "Buy 2, Get 1 Free" are currently available, giving participants more chances to win.