From Classroom to Riches: Indian Expat Wins Dh25 Million Big Ticket Jackpot

A former maths teacher from India has struck gold, winning the Dh25 million grand prize in the latest Big Ticket draw. Meena Sareen, a resident of the UAE for nearly 18 years, was declared the winner during Tuesday's live event. Originally from Punjab, Sareen, a homemaker living in Dubai with her husband, expressed that the life-changing win is still sinking in. She has been participating in Big Ticket draws for approximately four years, purchasing tickets monthly for over a year and sharing the cost with two other individuals who will also share the winnings.

Recalling the moment she learned of her win, Ms Sareen described an overwhelming mix of excitement, shock, and disbelief. "I felt lightheaded and as though my feet were heavy on the ground at the same time. I am incredibly grateful and still trying to take it all in," she stated. While specific plans for the prize money are yet to be finalized, Ms Sareen confirmed that a significant portion will be dedicated to charitable causes and supporting needy family members.

Ms Sareen's substantial win was among several major prizes awarded. Kaja Thooliyath, another Indian expatriate residing in Al Ain, claimed a new Range Rover Velar in the Dream Car draw. In a separate heartwarming story, Inesh Mohan and his wife, from Sri Lanka and South Africa respectively, received an additional Dh90,000 through the Richard and Bouchra's Choice Award. The couple had previously won Dh10,000 as consolation prize winners in the fourth season of Dear Big Ticket. Their seven-year-old son, Zack, suffers from a severe neurological condition requiring constant care; he is deaf, blind, and bedridden. The couple's long-standing aspiration is to provide their son with a home, having invested in a property but subsequently facing difficulties with payments and potential legal action.

The family was invited to the Big Ticket office to collect their initial Dh10,000 prize when they were surprised with the news of the special award. Overwhelmed with happiness, they intend to use the funds to clear their outstanding property payments, expressing gratitude to Big Ticket and the award's benefactors for bringing them closer to their goal of securing a home for Zack. Big Ticket has also announced its November promotion, featuring another Dh25 million grand prize to be drawn on December 3, with five consolation prize winners each receiving Dh100,000.