Connect with us

Lifestyle

Want to be a millionaire in the UAE? Punch the Big Ticket to a new life

Published

on

Spread the love

Abu Dhabi’s Big Ticket lottery draw is the oldest, tried and still trusted, and hence ruling roost despite emerging competition, the hosts of the draw have said at an event in Dubai.

Still going with their first names, Richard and Bouchra, introduced four winners from different backgrounds and for different amounts in front of some media representatives at One Life Cafe on Wednesday in an effort to reach out to the masses.

Big-Ticket-lottery-draw

Richard, left, and Bouchra host Abu Dhabi’s Big Ticket draw on the third of each month. Photos Red Havas ME

“We are the oldest one; we are the only one that never changed our format; we are transparent and we declare our prizes at the start of it and irrespective of how many tickets are sold we give away the prize – guaranteed – in full view of everyone; and there is no rollover,” says Richard. “We get a winner regardless of anything from the name picked out of the drum (of tickets) in front of you, all secured and audited for.”

Originally conducted by the Abu Dhabi Airport Company, the Big Ticket moved under the aegis of Abu Dhabi Duty Free, a similar branding as their counterparts in Dubai.

There is no denying the fact that the Big Ticket has had to evolve a bit going with competition with Mahzooz and Emirates Draw coming in with their own varying formats.

However, with varying amounts each month, Big Ticket has changed lives of thousands with many people clubbing together in the hope to punch the big ticket to fulfil their dreams. This year alone, Big Ticket awarded 60 cash prize winners, whose winnings equate to a total prize value of over AED110 million.

“We are indeed privileged to be life-changers for many and it is such a satisfying job,” says Bouchra. Both hosts had plenty of anecdotes to share of people’s reactions and disbelief. There have been instances when Big Ticket had to go out of the way and spread out messages in public for the winners to get in touch.

“In the rare occurrence that we don’t find the winner – it has happened for the lesser prizes only – we wait for six months before giving it to charity,” a marketing official explained without being named because he was not authorised to speak.

The experiences of the winners gathered separately vouched for the efforts of Big Ticket as they shared their initial feeling of numbness and reality sinking in late for couple of them.

There were inspiring stories of Leena Jalal, Jacob Roy, Shahid Mahmood, and Safwan Nizameddin, a passport holder of St Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean.

“They say that Big Ticket only favours only one or two nationalities, but I am testimony to the fact that it is for everyone. One should have the belief,” said Nizameddin, the oldest of the four but the latest grand prize winner.

Lives changed

Leena, an Indian expat currently residing in Abu Dhabi, shared that she bought the ticket only days prior to the draw with many of her colleagues and friends, and was the luckiest one whose name was chosen after months of trying. Leena seeks to make a difference, just like Big Ticket, and is currently in talks with local charities to donate a percentage of her winnings, while the remaining amount will go towards supporting her family back home.

Jacob, another Indian expat residing in Abu Dhabi since 1990, discussed his commitment to a group of 12 friends that have been pitching in to purchase Big Ticket raffles on a monthly basis, for five years. He won Dh300,000 representing a group of buyers. “I tell others, consider buying the ticket as a job. We are all here as expats to change our lives and BT can do that for us. I and few others also chip in with extra if we have to make up the necessary amount at times.”

Shahid Mahmood is a Dubai-based Pakistani employee working at a glass installation company. After five years of buying BT raffles every month, Shahid received the winning phone call that made his and his friend’s dreams come true with a Dh15m purse.

Big-Ticket-winners

Four Big Ticket winners and the event emcee Lekha Menon in Dubai. From left: Ms Menon, Leena Jalal, Shahid Mahmood, Jacob Roy and Safwan Nizameddin shared their experiences

A longtime resident of Abu Dhabi, Nizameddin has been purchasing tickets every month for the past two years. When the call came, Safwan says his sixth sense kicked in and he instinctually knew he had finally won. The executive manager of a company specializing in power generation is a family man at heart. He plans to use his winnings to purchase properties for his three children as an investment in their future and some for charity.

On a side note, regular buyers of Big Ticket have been curious to know the logic behind different prize amounts each month. Having started at one million dirhams, the highest on offer has been Dh25m although it 10-20 is the common range. Initially, Richard said “the idea behind it is to give it fresh a look, I guess”, but when prodded further, he conceded he wasn’t sure and never checked with his employers.

Nonetheless, the prizes given out on the third of each month remain substantial and undoubtedly have changed many lives.

Food

Free Ice Cream in Dubai? Tourists landing at DXB get sweet treat

Published

on

Spread the love

There’s nothing like a cool treat to beat the Dubai heat, and this summer, visitors flying into Dubai International Airport (DXB) are in for a delightful surprise, thanks to a collaboration between Brand Dubai and Dubai Airports.

As part of the #DubaiDestinations campaign, colourful ice cream trucks have rolled into DXB’s arrivals area, dishing out frosty delights to jet-lagged passengers, all for free.

Who’s behind the scoop?
It’s none other than KUHP, a quirky, homegrown brand under the ‘Proudly from Dubai’ umbrella. Think premium swirls, chilled drinks, and major “Instagram it before you eat it” vibes.

“We want every arrival to feel the Dubai difference from the moment they land,” say organisers.

From the sweet aroma wafting through the terminal to the flash of the bright trucks, this isn’t your average airport snack stop; it’s a whole summer mood. The idea? Make every traveller’s first taste of Dubai as memorable as the city.

Cool campaign, cooler cause
Beyond just beating the heat, the move also spotlights Dubai’s creative spirit and shines a light on local businesses. It’s a clever way to turn the arrivals hall into an experience, and a pretty sweet start to any UAE adventure.

So next time you land in DXB, keep your eyes peeled near Terminal 3 arrivals. A free ice cream might be the first thing you taste in Dubai,  and not the last.

Continue Reading

Announcements

Self.space puts the power of photography in your hands

Published

on

Spread the love

Forget Snow White’s mirror — this one doesn’t compare, doesn’t critique, and answers only to you. Introducing self.space, a revolutionary sealed-room mirror photography studio that’s as private as your thoughts and as flattering as your best angle.

In a region where modesty and privacy are deeply valued, self.space is reimagining the photoshoot experience. No photographers. No spectators. No pressure. Just you and a smart mirror, inside a sound-insulated, self-directed studio designed for complete comfort and control.

Traditional photoshoots can feel intimidating — unfamiliar surroundings, judgmental eyes, and the pressure to perform. self.space changes that. Walk into a sleek studio, close the door behind you, and watch the privacy light switch on. Now it’s just you — free to pose, express, and capture your image on your terms.

“We found that people reject photos not because they lack beauty or talent — but because tension stays on their faces,” say co-founders Mitia Muravev (Founder & CEO) and Peter Bondarenko (Founder & CPO). “That tension is stronger in the Arab world, where privacy and modesty are part of daily life.” Mitia drives the brand’s vision and partnerships, while Peter leads the tech — from embedded cameras and edge AI to full-stack infrastructure. Together, they’ve created more than a photo studio — they’ve packaged confidence.

How it works:

  1. Walk in – Door closes, privacy light turns on.
  2. Capture – Use the remote to take unlimited shots.
  3. AI Perfects – Instant, natural-looking touch-ups preserve your true look.
  4. Gallery Ready – A secure link to your encrypted gallery is sent to your phone before you leave.

Whether you want professional portraits, personal mementos, or a quiet moment of self-reflection, self.space offers something rare: a private, pressure-free space to simply be yourself — and love what you see.

Continue Reading

Travel

UAE travel: Air Arabia Abu Dhabi announces direct flights to Pakistan’s Sialkot

Published

on

Spread the love

Pakistani expatriates in the UAE now have a more convenient and affordable way to travel home, as Air Arabia Abu Dhabi announces the launch of direct flights to Sialkot starting July 17.

The new route will operate between Zayed International Airport and Sialkot International Airport, with flights scheduled every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.

In a statement on Wednesday, the airline said the addition “offers passengers direct and affordable travel between Abu Dhabi and Sialkot,” reflecting growing demand from both business travellers and the sizable Pakistani expatriate population residing in the UAE.

Sialkot, located in north-eastern Punjab near the foothills of Kashmir and along the banks of the Chenab River, is a key industrial and commercial hub with long-standing trade ties to the Gulf.

The route marks the latest expansion in Air Arabia Abu Dhabi’s growing regional network, as the low-cost carrier seeks to bolster connectivity with South Asia and respond to sustained passenger demand across underserved sectors.

Continue Reading

Popular

© Copyright 2025 HEADLINE. All rights reserved

https://headline.ae/