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Just a Day After Buying the Ticket
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Murthuja Ali Mahammed struck gold after eight years of trying his luck; his solo ticket brought home the win
After nearly a decade of persistence, Indian expat Murthuja Ali Mahammed has finally hit the jackpot. The Dubai-based facilities service executive won Dh150,000 in the Big Ticket Abu Dhabi weekly e-draw (Series 276) — and the win came just a day after he bought the ticket, reported gulfnews.com.
The emotional moment unfolded during a call from draw host Richard, who surprised Mahammed with the life-changing news. “Wow, great. Thank you for calling me Mr. Richard… I’m very happy,” Mahammed said, stunned and thrilled. He revealed that he bought the winning ticket immediately after his salary was credited.
“I waited for my salary, and once it got credited, I bought the ticket immediately,” he added.
A regular participant in the Big Ticket draw for eight years, Mahammed described the win as surreal. “Oh God, is this real? I am so glad… I couldn’t even realise whether it was really happening – true or false,” he shared.
Murthuja Ali Mahammed bought the winning Big Ticket entry (No. 219148) right after receiving his salary — ending his 8-year wait with a Dh150,000 prize
As for what’s next, Mahammed has no fixed plans for the winnings yet but promises: “I will use this money for good.” The first person he plans to share the news with? “I will call my mom,” he said, brimming with joy.
Asked whether he would split the prize with others, Mahammed was clear: “No, I am not sharing. It’s only for me.” Since he purchased the ticket solo, he gets to keep the full amount.
The Big Ticket weekly draws continue to build excitement, with one more draw before the much-anticipated Dh25 million grand prize giveaway on July 3. On the same day, three additional winners will each receive Dh75,000. Tickets can be purchased online at www.bigticket.ae or at Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Airport.
