After eight years of dedication and continuous participation, Shiju Muthathian Veettil, a 39-year-old Indian bartender from Kerala, has finally hit the jackpot in Dubai’s Big Ticket draw. Shiju’s story is one of perseverance and community spirit, highlighting how steady effort and collective support can lead to unexpected rewards. Living in Dubai for the past 13 years, Shiju has been a regular participant in the Big Ticket draws, often pooling resources with a group of 11 colleagues to afford entries, showing that sometimes, shared hopes can strengthen the journey toward success.
In the latest weekly e-draw held in Abu Dhabi, as part of Big Ticket’s September series, Shiju’s ticket number 062978 was drawn in the 279th draw, winning him a cash prize of Dirham 50,000 (approximately ₹12.07 lakh). For Shiju, this win is more than just a financial boost; it’s a personal milestone that marks years of resilience. He attributes part of his success to the unwavering support of his group, whom he plans to share the winnings with as a gesture of gratitude and solidarity. “I plan to share the prize money with my group, and we’ll continue buying tickets,” he revealed, emphasizing the communal aspect of his journey.
Shiju was not alone in his big win during the same draw. Three other lucky winners each took home Dirham 50,000, each with their own inspiring backstories that enrich the narrative of chance and hope tied to the Big Ticket draw. Connie Tabalujan, a 53-year-old travel agent from Abu Dhabi, won with a ticket bought by her husband. The couple intends to invest in a new laptop and share their winnings with colleagues, all while planning to keep trying their luck. Similarly, Prajin Malath, a 40-year-old automotive salesman from Bangalore now living in Qatar, was a newcomer to the draw, having started buying tickets just four months ago with a friend. His surprise win has prompted him to consider investing in a venture in India and urging others to take a chance. Lastly, Farhana Akter MD Harun, a 43-year-old restaurant owner from Bangladesh residing in Al Ain, bought a winning ticket in his wife’s name. With a grounded and generous mindset, he plans to put his winnings back into the restaurant business, give back to the community, and continue his participation in the draw.
The excitement around the Big Ticket draws is building as the September promotion enters its final week, culminating in a grand prize draw scheduled for October 3 in Abu Dhabi. Participants have already witnessed the conclusion of three weekly e-draws in September, and the Big Win Contest—exclusive to those who purchased two or more tickets between September 1 and 24—has closed, with four finalists set to be announced on October 1. Each finalist is guaranteed a prize ranging from Dh 50,000 to Dh 150,000, adding another layer of anticipation to the event. Notably, the Dream Car prize for this month features a luxurious Range Rover Velar, with the draw also happening on October 3. Looking ahead, the Dream Car prize for November promises to be equally enticing, featuring the popular Nissan Patrol.
For those inspired by these incredible stories and eager to participate, purchasing Big Ticket entries is easy and accessible. Tickets can be bought online through the official Big Ticket website, ensuring convenience for participants wherever they are. Additionally, physical counters are available for ticket purchases at key locations, including Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Airport in the UAE. This accessibility facilitates broader participation, allowing more people the chance to turn their dreams into reality through the Big Ticket draws.
