An Indian immigrant residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Rajeev Arikkatt, won an astounding 15 million dirhams (approximately Rs 33 Crore) in the Big Ticket Abu Dhabi weekly draw. The unexpected win came after he received a free ticket that featured the birthdays of Rajeev’s two children. Rajeev, who is currently employed by an architectural company, resides in Al Ain with his wife and two young children, aged five and eight. Despite participating and purchasing the Big Ticket draws for the past three years, he now won the grand prize with ticket number 037130 during raffle draw number 260.
Rajeev, still in shock from the unexpected victory, has yet to decide on how to use such a massive amount. Interestingly, he plans to share his winnings equally with 19 others, making his good fortune a shared celebration.
After winning the mount, Rajeev told Khaleej Times, “I have been residing in Al Ain for more than 10 years. I have been purchasing tickets for the past 3 years. This is the first time I have won a lottery. This time, my wife and I selected tickets with numbers 7 and 13, which are the birth dates of our children. Two months back, I missed Dh 1 million by a whisker with the same combination but this time I was fortunate.”
“I got a special offer from Big Ticket whereas I got four tickets for free when I purchased two. While I have always been hoping to win, this time the expectations were high with six tickets in the draw,” Rajeev Arikkatt added.
Recalling the moment when the show hosts, Richard and Bouchra, contacted him, the winner claimed he was speechless. The overwhelming mix of emotions made it challenging for him to express his feelings. Rajeev has listened to Richard’s voice over the years and he was familiar with the calls made to winners but had never expected that he’ll receive the first prize himself.
Meanwhile, Rajeev Arikkatt plans to distribute the prize money evenly among 19 others. The groups collectively purchased two tickets and received an additional four tickets for free through a special offer. Since the winning ticket was obtained for free, Rajeev claimed that the winnings would be shared equally among the group members, considering it a blessing. As per him, the group involves individuals from simple backgrounds, including office assistants and workers with monthly salaries ranging from Dh 1,000 to Dh 1,500 (approximately Rs 22,000-33,000). The unexpected has come at the right time for everyone.
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