Dubai-based South African wins Dh5 million in UAE Lottery’s first Wednesday prize draw
Winner says long-held dream will now become reality
DUBAI – A Dubai-based South African expatriate has secured a Dh5 million prize in the UAE Lottery’s Lucky Day draw, marking the first time the second prize has been claimed in a Wednesday draw.
The win represents a significant milestone for the lottery, which has recently expanded its schedule to include midweek opportunities. It also marks the second Dh5 million prize awarded within just two months, underlining a series of high-value wins across the country.
The winner, 39-year-old Branden Tekram, described the moment as surreal, recounting how disbelief quickly gave way to acceptance. “We were in shock, but I told my wife, ‘This is real,’” he said, adding that he had long believed such a moment would come.
Winning moment
Tekram said the win was something he had consistently envisioned. “All the time I would tell her, ‘We are going to win it,’ and I have manifested it into my life,” he explained. Despite the scale of the prize, he indicated that his family’s broader plans remain unchanged.
We have an AED 5 Million winner from last night’s Lucky Day draw ????. Our very first from a Wednesday draw! ????
— The UAE Lottery (@theuaelottery) April 30, 2026
The excitement is real, and the full story is on its way. This is one you’ll want to hear. ????????
Stay tuned to our official channels for all the details!#LuckyDay… pic.twitter.com/3c5IF83IqM
According to Tekram, the funds will instead support a long-standing personal goal. His wife is currently engaged in a project, which the couple now intends to bring to fruition with the help of the winnings. “For us, the plans don’t change. My wife is busy with a project, and this is actually going to help us realise that project, that dream of ours,” he said.
More chances
The Lucky Day draw offers participants multiple opportunities to secure substantial prizes. Each draw includes a Dh30 million grand prize, a Dh5 million second prize, and three guaranteed Dh50,000 Lucky Chance prizes. With the introduction of Wednesday draws alongside existing schedules, players now have increased chances to win throughout the week.
The UAE Lottery noted that the addition of midweek draws has contributed to growing participation and anticipation, as more residents engage with the platform for potential high-value rewards.
All games are regulated by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, ensuring that the lottery operates within a structured and transparent framework. The organisers have reiterated their commitment to responsible gaming, highlighting measures designed to maintain a safe and regulated environment for participants.
Tickets for upcoming Lucky Day draws continue to be made available through the UAE Lottery’s official platform, as interest builds around the expanding schedule and repeated prize payouts.