Five lucky expatriates in the UAE are celebrating a windfall after each securing a Dh100,000 consolation prize in the latest Big Ticket Series 289 draw. For these winners—hailing from Bangladesh and India—the victory was a long-awaited milestone. Some had been pooling resources with friends for years, while others relied on a stroke of pure luck. Whether the ticket was chosen by a loved one or picked at random, the news brought a wave of relief and excitement, with many winners already planning to use the funds to support their families, boost their savings, or manage daily living expenses.

The stories behind the wins are as diverse as the winners themselves. Sarath Sasidharan, a 33-year-old technician, credits his mother and daughters for picking the lucky ticket, while others like Arifuzzaman Shuvo and Saidalavi Kariodan Varichalil highlighted the power of persistence and community, having participated in group buys for years. As these five winners look forward to their financial boost, they encourage fellow participants to keep trying, noting that the draw provides a vital sense of hope. With even larger prizes—including a massive Dh15 million jackpot—scheduled for the upcoming September 3 draw, the excitement in the UAE's vibrant raffle community continues to build.