Winning Dh1 million in UAE raffle an unreal moment: Arab mother

"For the first time ever, my husband is now a big fan of shopping." These were the words of Jordanian expatriate, Riham Jarrar, who was crowned the lucky shopper to bag Dh1 million as part of the #SayYas prize draw at Yas Island.
"Most men aren't fans of shopping but after our win, my husband has changed his mind," Jarrar told Khaleej Times not 24 hours after bagging the big prize.
Following a whirlwind day of bespoke VIP experiences for both Jarrar and her family on Saturday, the cherry on the top came during a sunset viewing on a boat.
"After a full on day of unforgettable experiences including a breakfast at the Viceroy, a trip to Yas Waterworld and fun at Ferrari world, we ended the day on a boat. My hosts said 'we want to give you a memory from your day'. I was expecting a shopping voucher or something, but then they presented me with the cheque for Dh1 million. It was an unreal moment," Jarrar said.
The mother-of-two's lucky break came after several trips to Yas Mall before the summer vacation. After shopping non-stop for seven days to load up on gifts for her family back in Jordan, Jarrar said she decided to submit her receipts at the mall's reception desk as part of the #SayYas Dh1 million grand prize draw.
"I only took my receipts to the reception to try my luck. I don't consider myself a lucky person so I never thought I would win. But I guess my luck changed on Saturday."
Months after fist submitting those receipts, it was a phone call last week which began the process which she said changed her life.
"They called me and said I was one of the winners to get a VIP tour of Yas island. They didn't mention anything about the Dh1 million and when I asked they said someone had already won it. But my family and I were still so happy with the tour we won," she said.
But little did Jarrar know, everyone was in on the fact that she was the winner - except her and her family.
"When they revealed the cheque I was stunned. I'm so happy right now, and it will help so much with my children's education." She said.
- kelly@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Abu Dhabi

A Staff Reporter

Got an interesting story to tell in the UAE? We want to hear all about it. Write to the nation's best reporting team, as we cover the emirates like no one else.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com