Stories like these continue to attract thousands of participants each month, keeping the dream of instant fortune alive across the Emirates
PRAVASISAMWAD.COM
A Sharjah-based expatriate has become the latest millionaire in the United Arab Emirates after winning Dh15 million in the popular Big Ticket Abu Dhabi raffle draw.
The lucky winner, Vibeesh Palliyali, purchased ticket number 394150 on 28 February. His number was announced as the grand prize winner during the Series 284 live draw held in Abu Dhabi.
Big Ticket is one of the Gulf region’s most popular monthly raffle competitions. Participants buy tickets online or at authorised outlets, including counters at Abu Dhabi International Airport, for a chance to win large cash prizes.
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The draw usually features several prize categories, with the main jackpot often worth tens of millions of dirhams
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Over the years, many expatriates living in the UAE have won life-changing sums through the raffle
Palliyali’s victory has generated excitement among residents, particularly within the Indian expatriate community in Sharjah and nearby cities. Many participants regularly buy tickets in the hope that a small investment could bring a major reward.
In some cases, groups of friends or colleagues purchase tickets together to improve their chances of winning. Several past jackpots have been shared among groups who decided to split the cost.
Recent Big Ticket draws have produced several high-profile winners. In previous series, jackpots of Dh20 million and Dh25 million were awarded to participants from different nationalities.
Although Palliyali has not yet publicly revealed how he plans to use his winnings, past winners have often used the money to buy homes, start businesses, support family members or clear debts.
