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Emirati retiree wins Dh20 million in Abu Dhabi Big Ticket draw

Published

6 months ago

June 4, 2025

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An Emirati man from Al Ain is celebrating a life-changing windfall after winning Dh20 million in the Abu Dhabi Big Ticket June 2025 draw. Mubarak Gharib Rashed Salem AlDhaheri, a retired military officer in his 50s, was revealed as the grand prize winner of Series 275 during a live stream held on June 3.

AlDhaheri’s winning ticket, number 337126, was drawn in a moment full of excitement and surprise, especially as the person who picked the lucky stub was last month’s winner, Indian expat Thajudeen Aliyar Kunju. Hosts Richard and Bouchra, visibly thrilled, contacted AlDhaheri with the good news. At one point, Richard nearly let slip that he’d won Dh25 million instead of the actual Dh20 million, adding to the drama.

“It was completely unexpected, but a good surprise,” said AlDhaheri, who has been buying Big Ticket entries for two years, usually at Al Ain Airport. Unlike many participants who pool resources with friends or colleagues, he purchased the winning ticket solo.

“No, I bought this ticket alone,” he confirmed, expressing his gratitude and disbelief.

The father and grandfather said he plans to invest wisely, buy a home for his family, and donate a portion of his winnings to charitable causes. “Never give up. A win is just a ticket away,” AlDhaheri said, offering hope to fellow dreamers while thanking the organisers and backstage crew of Big Ticket.

AlDhaheri’s story is especially meaningful for many UAE nationals, as it marks the first time in a long while that a local Emirati has taken home the top prize. The moment was celebrated by hosts and viewers alike.

Meanwhile, Kunju, who won Dh25 million in the Series 274 draw just a month earlier, was present at the event and shared, “We are 16 members, but we will be splitting the Dh25 million grand prize into 17 shares, with one portion going to charity.”

With dreams realised and generosity in the air, the Big Ticket community continues to change lives, one ticket at a time.

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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Dubai-India travel: Security procedures triggered for Emirates flight following bomb threat email, flight lands safely

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3 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Authorities at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport activated full emergency protocols on Friday after receiving a bomb threat email linked to Emirates flight EK526 travelling from Dubai (DXB) to Hyderabad (HYD).

According to GMR officials, the threat email landed in the airport’s customer support inbox around 7.30am on December 5. Despite the alert, the flight continued under strict monitoring and landed safely at 8.30am.

Once on the ground, the aircraft was immediately moved to an isolated bay. Passengers were safely deboarded, and security te

ams carried out standard bomb threat checks. Investigations are currently underway.

Emirates confirmed the incident in a statement to local media, saying authorities had alerted them to a “potential security threat” to EK526.
“All standard security procedures were implemented by the relevant local authorities with full co-operation from Emirates’ ground teams,” the airline said, adding that “the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain the highest priority.”

Authorities say all threats are being investigated, and extra security measures remain in place at the airport.

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Driving through Abu Dhabi this week? Here are the road closures you need to know about

Published

3 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Abu Dhabi motorists can expect some delays over the next few days, with the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) announcing a series of partial road closures across key routes in the capital. Drivers are being urged to plan, allow extra travel time, and follow diversions to avoid congestion.

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street

A major set of phased lane closures will take place near Sheikh Zayed Bridge from Tuesday, December 9 to Monday, December 22, 2025.

Three left lanes will be closed from 12am on December 9 until 10pm on December 15.
Two right lanes will then shut from 10pm on December 15 until 6am on December 22.

Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Street

Another temporary closure is scheduled on Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Street from 5pm on December 5 until 5am on December 8.

Authorities explained that these restrictions are part of ongoing road enhancement projects designed to improve traffic flow and safety across the city. Motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes wherever possible during the maintenance period.

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Sharjah Police give deadline to remove National Day stickers, or face fines

Published

3 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Michael Gomes

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If your car is still sporting National Day decals, it’s time to take them off. Sharjah Police have announced that all vehicle owners must remove their UAE National Day celebration stickers by Saturday, December 6, and those who miss the deadline will face violations.

The reminder follows a crackdown during the 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations, where authorities impounded 106 vehicles and nine motorbikes for dangerous and irresponsible behaviour on the roads.

According to Sharjah Police, the violations included:

Creating loud noise and disturbing residents
Driving recklessly and endangering others
Operating vehicles without a valid licence

Police officials urged motorists to celebrate responsibly and avoid turning festivities into safety risks.

However, there has been a shift in decorating trends this year. Many residents opted for cleaner, simpler, more elegant designs to showcase their UAE pride ahead of the long weekend, and demand for custom decals surged.

Authorities are now urging residents to ensure all celebratory stickers and decorations are removed by the set deadline to keep roads safe and avoid penalties.