Indian Expatriate in Oman Claims Dh20 Million Big Ticket Jackpot in Abu Dhabi
An Indian expatriate residing in Oman has secured the Dh20 million grand prize in the latest Big Ticket draw held in Abu Dhabi, marking one of the most significant wins of the month. Shanthanu Shettigar, a native of Karnataka working in the retail sector in Muscat, clinched the jackpot in the Series 283 draw with ticket number 305810, which he purchased on January 20.
Winner Almost Misses Life-Changing Phone Call
The 33-year-old winner described the moment as surreal and overwhelming. "I was speechless… I never imagined I would win," he stated after receiving the call during the live broadcast. Shettigar revealed that he initially hesitated to answer, assuming it might be a spam call while he was at work. Like many hopeful participants, he had been trying his luck for nearly five years before finally achieving this monumental victory.
The timing of the win holds special personal significance for Shettigar, as it comes shortly after he became a father, adding profound emotional weight to this life-changing event. He confirmed that he purchased the ticket with a friend, meaning they will share the Dh20 million prize equally. This practice is common among Big Ticket participants, as group purchases are often used to increase chances of winning.
For now, Shettigar plans to take time before making any major financial decisions. He also encouraged others to persist in their efforts, noting that persistence and group participation frequently improve winning odds in such raffles.
Multiple Winners Announced in Latest Draw
The latest Big Ticket draw produced several fortunate winners beyond the jackpot recipient. Alongside the Dh20 million grand prize, organizers announced that five individuals had each won Dh1 million, reinforcing the draw's reputation for creating multiple millionaires in a single event.
Additionally, a luxury BMW X5 was awarded under the Dream Car series, adding another layer of excitement to the proceedings. These supplementary prizes have become a defining feature of the Big Ticket format, ensuring that even participants who miss out on the grand prize still have opportunities to secure life-changing rewards. This multi-winner structure continues to attract a broad participant base, particularly among expatriates across the Gulf region.
Big Ticket: A Trusted UAE Raffle Institution
Launched in 1992, the Big Ticket draw has evolved into one of the United Arab Emirates' most established and trusted raffle programs, renowned for its transparency and substantial prize pools. Tickets are priced at Dh500 and remain widely accessible, with purchasing options available both online and at counters located in Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Participants frequently buy tickets individually, though group purchases are equally common, enabling friends or colleagues to pool resources and enhance their winning probabilities. Each month, the draw features a headline jackpot running into millions of dirhams, supported by various supplementary prizes including cash rewards and high-end vehicles. This combination of accessibility and high-value incentives has sustained its popularity over three decades.
Upcoming Draw and Future Prizes
Looking ahead, organizers have confirmed that the next edition of the Big Ticket draw will once again feature a Dh20 million jackpot, maintaining the high-stakes appeal that has characterized recent months. The upcoming draw is also expected to include multiple Dh1 million prizes, continuing the trend of rewarding several participants in each cycle.
Luxury vehicles will remain part of the offering through the Dream Car promotion, while additional incentives such as early bird prizes are likely to be introduced to encourage ticket purchases throughout the month. The Big Ticket raffle, held regularly in Abu Dhabi, continues to draw participants from across the UAE and neighboring countries with its multimillion-dirham prizes, solidifying its status as a premier regional lottery event.
