UAE: These workers hit Dh25 million jackpot after months of pooling in money for raffles

UAE raffle draws have helped many fulfil their dreams and uplift their living standards. Many have won individually, while many pool in money to participate in the raffles. However, the majority of winners dream of lifting their families' prospects and securing their futures for a better tomorrow.

One such man is Haridasan Moothattil Vasunni, who hit the Dh25-million jackpot at the Big Ticket draw this month.

Haridasan pooled in money to buy tickets to the draw along with his group of 14 Indian friends, most of them earning between Dh3,000 to Dh4,000. The group includes drivers, supervisors, engineers, foremen, draftsmen, technicians and the like.

The winning ticket number 232976 was bought by Haridasan Moothattil Vasunni, a supervisor and driver, in his name.

"I haven't been regularly buying tickets. For the past two months, I bought them using my name. Usually, we would buy it online, but this time I went to the airport and purchased it," the Mussafah resident said.

He said that all his friends lived under financial stress, and the jackpot was a "blessing".

"We would try to pool Dh1,000 per month. Those who can will contribute money ranging from Dh50 to Dh100. Each person has been wading through challenges and hardships. Now our lives have reached the shore of financial security. We all have low incomes. We have families to look after. God has blessed us now. It's our responsibility to use it wisely and for good deeds."

Ansar Ebrahim, a 43-year-old draftsman from Al Ain, is planning to return to his home state of Kerala.

"I have been trying my luck for the last two years and always hoped that one day I would get one of the prizes. But I never anticipated hitting the jackpot."

Ebrahim said the prize money had secured their future, especially in the uncertain times of the pandemic.

"I hope to return home and start something there. I have a wife and three kids. Two of them are going to school and the junior-most is a baby. Now, I can provide them a better future. This windfall will help all of us to plan our lives in a better way. Everyone has debts, loans, financial issues and difficulties."

Sumith Sasidharan, a 33-year-old mechanical engineer, is looking forward to seeing his parents live in their own home.

"We never had our own home. Since my childhood, it was a dream to someday have my parents live in their own home. I never expected lady luck to smile at me like this," he said.

"I thank God for this. My brother, too, wants to have his own home. So, both of us can now fulfil our dreams. I can finally have my parents sleep in their own home. But I will be careful about spending this money. We should not be extravagant."

Emirates Draw winners

It was the happiest end to 2021 for cancer diagnosed patient Melroy Fernandes. He is a resident of Fujairah who has worked for Fujairah National Quarries since 1987.

Melroy was fearful of the future and what that would mean for his wife and son should the worst happen and didn't think he would win.

Despite his misgivings, he continued to participate every weekend. He won Dh77,777 at the Emirates Draw on December 22, 2021.

With only one son and deep ties to his community back home, Melroy hopes to use his winnings to ensure his son receives the education he deserves.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com