Kazakhstan Tourist Wins Dubai Apartment After Dismissing Winning Call as Scam

Dubai: Shynggyskhan Rysbek, a 34-year-old professional videographer from Kazakhstan, experienced a life-altering moment during his recent holiday in Dubai. A shopping receipt totaling Dh5,599 led him to participate in the “Win Your Home in Dubai” campaign, ultimately resulting in his unexpected victory of a studio apartment in the city.

Rysbek, who resides in Almaty, Kazakhstan, was on vacation in Dubai when he entered the initiative, a collaborative effort by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and Dubai Chambers. The campaign encourages residents and tourists to spend Dh500 at over 1,000 participating brands, granting them a chance to win a studio apartment in weekly draws, with a two-bedroom apartment as the grand prize in the final draw.

On June 22, while working, Rysbek received a message announcing his win. Initially, he dismissed it as a scam. He stated that after receiving a second message from a different number, he remained skeptical. The second call was from a DFRE representative, who confirmed his win. Despite this, Rysbek requested proof, expressing doubt even after receiving verification. He believed that winning an apartment was simply too good to be true.

During the vacation, Rysbek’s family, which included his wife and two children, had traveled with friends. He quickly reached out to his friend to inquire if they had received a similar notification. When his friend reported no such call, Rysbek conducted further research into the “Win Your Home in Dubai” promotion and discovered he was the second winner of a studio apartment.

Once the reality of his win sank in, Rysbek described feeling “overwhelmed with happiness,” noting that his heart raced and his hands shook. He immediately shared the news with his wife, marking a moment they would both cherish.

The Winning Receipt

Rysbek’s trip to Dubai from June 7 to 17 was not his first. He has visited the city multiple times with his family, expressing their fondness for its cleanliness, modernity, safety, and opportunities. He remarked on the welcoming nature of the people and the high level of service.

Throughout their vacation, Rysbek noticed advertisements for the “Win Your Home in Dubai” campaign but had previously ignored them. On the final day of their trip, he decided to upload a single receipt for Dh5,599, thinking little of it afterward. Upon returning to Kazakhstan, he forgot about the entry, only to later realize that this small decision had dramatically altered their lives.

New Home, New Possibilities

Rysbek already owns a two-bedroom apartment in Almaty, which he cherishes as a family home filled with happy memories. However, he never envisioned owning property in Dubai. He described the win as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that could open new avenues for his family’s future.

For Rysbek, the apartment in Dubai represents more than just real estate; it is an investment in his family’s future. As a husband and father, he is constantly considering the long-term well-being of his family. The idea of living and working in Dubai has now become a possibility he had never previously entertained.

He expressed a desire to explore professional opportunities in Dubai as a videographer, stating that the win has sparked new aspirations.

Since the announcement of his win, Rysbek has received numerous inquiries from friends and family about Dubai and the initiative. He has long recommended the city for its cleanliness, safety, and modern amenities. Following his win, interest in visiting Dubai among his acquaintances has surged.

Rysbek returned to the UAE recently to officially collect his prize and become a homeowner in Dubai. He reflected on the unforgettable nature of his holiday, stating that winning the apartment made it a truly remarkable experience. He believes in the possibility of miracles and looks forward to future adventures and memories.

Source: www.emirates247.com

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Published on 2026-07-04 08:56:00 • By the Editorial Desk