Meet Branden Tekram - the South African expat who won Dh5 million in UAE Lottery
Routine email check leads to unexpected millionaire moment in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI – A routine morning email check has transformed into a life-changing milestone for 39-year-old South African expat Branden Tekram, who has become the latest Dh 5 million winner in The UAE Lottery’s Lucky Day draw in Abu Dhabi.
The win marks a notable moment for the draw, as it is the first time the second prize has been claimed on a Wednesday edition since its recent introduction.
What began as an ordinary day quickly shifted into disbelief, excitement, and reflection for the Abu Dhabi-based family. Branden initially expected a modest return, only to discover that he had secured one of the draw’s top-tier prizes, changing the course of his financial future in an instant.
Winning moment
Branden’s discovery came during what he described as a completely normal email check. Instead of a small win or routine notification, the message revealed a Dh 5 million prize, leaving him stunned and struggling to process the information. The expat recalled the moment as overwhelming and difficult to comprehend, particularly as the scale of the prize became clear.
The Wednesday Lucky Day draw, known for its structured prize tiers, had rarely seen such a result at this level since its recent expansion of formats. For Branden, the realisation unfolded gradually, turning confusion into certainty as the figures settled in. Despite the magnitude of the win, he maintained composure and proceeded with his workday as usual, opting for normalcy while the news slowly sank in.
Family reaction
The first reaction was shared within a quiet family moment at home. Branden approached his wife while she was preparing their son for school and asked her to review the email. The couple then sat together in disbelief as the message confirmed their new financial reality. The initial shock soon gave way to emotion, followed by a heartfelt embrace as the news fully registered. His wife responded with a sense of affirmation, suggesting that their mindset and outlook had played a role in attracting the outcome.
Despite the life-changing nature of the win, the family chose not to react impulsively. Instead, they continued with their day-to-day responsibilities, reflecting a grounded approach to the sudden change in circumstances. The moment remained personal and intimate rather than celebratory, reinforcing their focus on stability and measured decision-making.
Future plans
Branden and his family have already begun outlining a structured approach to their new financial position. Rather than immediate lifestyle changes, they are prioritising long-term goals and practical investments. His wife is currently working on a project that has recently passed the legal phase of a patent application, and the Dh 5 million win now provides the opportunity to fund development of a prototype and advance the idea further.
Housing plans are also part of their gradual outlook, with aspirations to eventually move into a villa that offers more space for their son’s upbringing. However, the family has emphasised a step-by-step approach, avoiding extravagant spending and focusing on sustainable progress.
A key part of the win is its impact on their son’s development. Branden highlighted the importance of improved educational and support opportunities, particularly as their son has a slight speech delay. Access to enhanced support systems and inclusive education options in the UAE is now more attainable, offering greater flexibility in choosing appropriate institutions.
Branden also reflected on his mindset leading up to the win, describing a consistent pattern of positive thinking and visualisation. He often spoke about future scenarios, including potential purchases and imagined conversations about winning larger sums, reinforcing a belief-driven approach to possibility.
UAE Lottery
The UAE Lottery continues to expand its presence, having awarded more than Dh 300 million in prizes to over 340,000 winners across its portfolio, which includes Lucky Day, Scratch Cards, and E-Instants. Lucky Day draws are held every Wednesday and Saturday, offering a Dh 30 million Grand Prize, a Dh 5 million Second Prize, and three guaranteed Dh 50,000 Lucky Chance prizes in each draw.
All games operate under regulation from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) and are operated by The Game LLC. Participation is open only to residents aged 18 and above, with tickets available via the official platform.