Abu Dhabi draw turns an expatriate Indian millionaire into a grand prize of 20 million dirhams / Photo: File
An Indian expatriate residing in Oman won the grand prize of AED 20 million in the recent grand draw held in Abu Dhabi, marking one of the biggest wins of the month.Shanthanu Shettigar, a Karnataka native working in the retail sector in Muscat, bagged the jackpot in the Series 283 draw with ticket number 305810, which he bought on January 20.
The organizers announced the win during the live draw by contacting him directly to share the news.The mega draw, which is held regularly in Abu Dhabi, continues to attract participants from all over the UAE and neighboring countries with its prizes worth millions of dirhams.
The winner almost ignores the call that changes his life
The 33-year-old said the moment was surreal and overwhelming.He said after receiving the call during the live broadcast: “I was speechless… I never imagined that I would win.”He revealed that he was initially hesitant to answer, thinking it might be an unwanted call while he was at work. Like many hopeful participants, he had been trying his luck for nearly five years before finally winning.The timing of the win is especially significant for him personally, as it comes shortly after he became a father, adding emotional weight to the moment that changed his life. Shetigar confirmed that he bought the ticket with a friend, which means they will share the prize amounting to 20 million dirhams.
This is a common practice among Big Ticket participants to increase their chances of winning.For now, he says he plans to take some time before making any big financial decisions. He also encouraged others to keep trying, noting that perseverance and group participation often improve their chances.
five Winners of one million dirhams Announce
The latest draw was not limited to one winner, as many participants also received big rewards.
Along with the grand prize of AED 20 million, organizers announced that five individuals won AED 1 million each, cementing the raffle’s reputation for creating multiple millionaires in one event.In addition to the cash prizes, a luxury BMW X5 was awarded as part of the Dream Car Series, adding another layer of excitement. These bonus prizes have become a hallmark of the Big Ticket format, ensuring that even those who miss out on the big prize still have a chance at life-changing rewards.
This multi-winner structure continues to attract a broad participant base, especially among expatriates across the Gulf.
Big ticket details
Launched in 1992, Big Ticket has evolved into one of the most popular and reliable draw programs in the UAE, known for its transparency and large prize pool. Tickets are priced at AED 500 and are widely accessible, and buyers can purchase them either online or from offices located at Abu Dhabi International Airport.Participants often purchase tickets individually, although group purchases are equally popular, allowing friends or colleagues to pool resources and increase their chances of winning. Every month, the draw offers a grand prize worth millions of dirhams, supported by a range of additional prizes including cash rewards and luxury cars. This combination of ease of access and high-value incentives has helped it maintain its popularity over the decades.
Next draw, prizes to watch
Looking forward, the organizers confirmed that the next edition of the draw will once again include a grand prize of 20 million dirhams, maintaining the high-risk appeal that has characterized recent months. It is also expected that the upcoming draw will include several prizes worth one million dirhams, which constitutes a continuation of the trend of rewarding many participants in each round.Luxury cars will still be part of the offer through the Dream Car promotion, while additional incentives such as early bird prizes are likely to be offered to encourage ticket purchases throughout the month.
