Big Ticket: Five expats from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh win Dh150,000 each
Each plans to split prize money among close-knit group of friends
ABU DHABI: The latest Big Ticket Series 274 draw has brought unexpected joy to five lucky expatriates from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, who were each awarded a bonus prize of Dh150,000.
The winners, all long-time UAE and Bahrain residents, were announced as part of the draw’s bonus category, which selects five individuals for the substantial cash reward. For several of these winners, their luck stemmed from complimentary tickets.
These individuals, united by years of consistent participation in Big Ticket draws and unwavering optimism, are now celebrating their windfall – many for the first time. Their stories, steeped in patience, camaraderie, and shared goals, echo the hope that defines every Big Ticket participant.
Shared victory
Shohag Nurul Islam, 44, a Bangladeshi municipality worker and Sharjah resident for 18 years, secured his win through a free ticket. A regular Big Ticket participant for the past five years, he shares the journey with a group of 10 friends.
“I was overwhelmed with joy when I got the call,” he said. “We’ve always entered the draw together, and the prize will be equally shared.” Islam plans to continue trying his luck, bolstered by his first win and hopeful for more to come.
Kamalasanan Omana Riji, a 52-year-old driver from Kerala and fellow Sharjah resident of 18 years, also credits a group effort for his success. A consistent buyer since the early days of the Big Ticket draw, Riji was informed of his win by a friend after missing the official call.
“This is my first time winning,” he said. “It feels amazing. We’ll split the prize and keep participating.”
Patience rewarded
Sivanandan Ramabhadran, 68, a business owner living in Abu Dhabi since 1986, began buying Big Ticket entries two decades ago after spotting the promotion at Abu Dhabi Airport. His win also came through a free ticket.
“I usually don’t check the results,” he admitted. “But something told me to look—and I was shocked to see my name.” Ramabhadran plans to invest the prize wisely and encourages others to remain hopeful. “Never give up, no matter how long it takes.”
Imran Aftab, a 46-year-old warehouse manager from Pakistan, has called Dubai home for 16 years. He discovered Big Ticket through work and began with group entries six years ago, later expanding into individual purchases. Aftab’s prize also came via a complimentary ticket.
“When I received the message, I checked online right away. It was real!” he recalled. He plans to invest in a home and continue entering draws. “Now, more of my colleagues want to join too.”
Newfound motivation
Prasantha Thottethody Marappa, a 48-year-old mechanical fitter from Kerala and Bahrain resident for 15 years, rounds out the list of winners. A five-year Big Ticket participant alongside a group of close friends, he too won through a free ticket.
“This moment is incredibly special,” he said. “We’ll split the prize, and we’re more motivated than ever to aim for the grand prize.”
Bigger draws ahead
This May, Big Ticket is offering a colossal Dh20 million grand prize, to be announced on 3rd June 2025. In addition to this life-changing reward, five more bonus winners will each receive Dh150,000 on the same night.
Weekly e-draws are also underway, with five winners each bagging Dh50,000 every week—totalling 20 bonus winners throughout the month.
Running concurrently is The Big Win Contest. Customers purchasing two or more tickets in a single transaction between 1st and 25th May qualify for a chance to attend the live draw in person. Four selected individuals will win cash prizes ranging from Dh20,000 to Dh150,000.
The Dream Car promotion is also back. This month’s prize is a BMW M440i, with the draw taking place on 3rd June. Next month, a Nissan Patrol will be up for grabs.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.bigticket.ae or from outlets at Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Airport. Big Ticket fans are encouraged to stay tuned via the brand’s social media channels for all updates and announcements.
Upcoming weekly e-draw schedule:
- Week 2: 8th – 14th May | Draw Date: 15th May (Thursday)
- Week 3: 15th – 21st May | Draw Date: 22nd May (Thursday)
- Week 4: 22nd – 31st May | Draw Date: 1st June (Sunday)