Abu Dhabi-based 29-year-old Indian expat bags UAE Lottery’s first-ever AED 100 million jackpot; plans to invest, donate, and celebrate with family
A 29-year-old Indian man living in Abu Dhabi, Anilkumar Bolla, has won the UAE Lottery’s first-ever AED 100 million (over ₹240 crore) jackpot, marking a life-changing moment for the young expat. He clinched the grand prize in the 23rd Lucky Day Draw held on October 18, becoming an overnight millionaire in one of the largest lottery wins in the UAE’s history, reported ndtv.com.
The UAE Lottery shared the winner’s interview video on X, captioned, “From anticipation to celebration, this is the reveal that changed everything! Anilkumar Bolla takes home AED 100 Million! A Lucky Day we’ll never forget.”
The video showed Anilkumar celebrating amid golden confetti, holding a giant cheque as he shared the emotional story behind his lucky numbers. “I haven’t done any magic or something; I just chose the Easy Pick… The last number is very special — it’s my mum’s birthday,” he revealed.
“I was in shock. I was sitting on the sofa, and I just felt that, yes, I won it,” Anilkumar said, describing the surreal moment he discovered his win.
- The Indian expat said he plans to use his newfound fortune wisely — investing, donating, and celebrating responsibly
- “I was just thinking about how I need to invest this amount, spend it in the right way. After winning this amount, I felt like I have money — now I need to work on my thoughts in the right way and do something big.”
He also shared his dreams of buying a supercar, celebrating in a seven-star resort, and most importantly, bringing his family to the UAE to spend quality time together. “I just want to take my family to the UAE, and I want to enjoy my whole life staying with them,” he said.
Anilkumar also plans to donate a portion of his winnings, emphasizing gratitude and positivity. “I believe everything happens for a reason. I suggest every player keep playing — one day, luck will come to you.”
He ended his message by thanking the UAE Lottery for giving him “a very big opportunity” and hoped it would continue spreading joy among others.
In a related instance, another Indian expat, Sandeep Kumar Prasad, a 30-year-old technician from Uttar Pradesh, won AED 15 million (₹35 crore) in the Abu Dhabi Big Ticket Series 278 draw in September — highlighting the growing number of Indian winners in the UAE’s popular lotteries.
