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

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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.

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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.

Business

Air Arabia becomes first airline in region to accept stablecoin payments

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In a regional first, Air Arabia has rolled out stablecoin-based payments for flight bookings, giving travellers a new, secure way to pay.

The Sharjah-based low-cost carrier has partnered with Al Maryah Community Bank (Mbank) to accept AE Coin, the UAE’s first AED-backed stablecoin, through the AEC Wallet App.

What’s new:

Air Arabia customers can now book flights using AE Coin directly via the airline’s website by choosing the AEC Wallet at checkout.

Backed 1:1 by the UAE dirham, AE Coin offers price stability, lower transaction fees, and enhanced payment security, making it an attractive alternative to traditional payment methods.

A step into digital finance

“This partnership enhances the customer experience through smart, flexible payment options,” said Adel Al Ali, Group CEO of Air Arabia.

AE Coin is part of the UAE’s broader push to create a digitally empowered financial ecosystem. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies, stablecoins are pegged to assets like fiat currencies or gold to ensure minimal volatility.

“This collaboration simplifies travel payments,” added Mohammed Wassim Khayata, CEO of Mbank.

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Food

Popular Abu Dhabi eatery Pak Ravi among 6 food outlets shut over health violations

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One of Abu Dhabi’s long-standing Pakistani restaurants, Pak Ravi, has been ordered to shut down by the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), sparking disappointment among foodies. The closure was part of a broader crackdown that saw a total of five restaurants and one supermarket shut this week for violating food safety regulations.

In a post shared on Instagram, ADAFSA revealed that the closures were the result of routine inspections aimed at ensuring public health and safety. The authority reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for violations that endanger residents’ well-being.

Along with Pak Ravi, the establishments ordered to close include Lahore Garden Grill Restaurant and Cafeteria, Karak Future Cafeteria, Salty Desi Darbar Restaurant, Al Maqamcorner Restaurant, and Rich and Fresh Supermarket.

The specific violations committed by these businesses were not detailed, but ADAFSA said the actions were taken in accordance with Law No. (2) of 2008 concerning food safety in the emirate and its executive regulations. This law empowers authorities to take administrative action, including suspension and closure, against outlets that fail to meet hygiene and safety standards.

Just a day earlier, another restaurant, Rupashi Bangla Restaurant, located on Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street, was also shut down after inspectors found it to be in serious breach of food safety laws. Officials said the Bengali eatery posed a direct threat to public health, and it has since been served an administrative closure order.

Food safety officials in the capital conduct regular inspections of restaurants, supermarkets, and other food establishments across the emirate. The goal, they say, is to ensure that businesses adhere to strict hygiene practices and protect consumer health.

Residents are encouraged to report any suspected violations or unsafe practices by contacting the Abu Dhabi Government Contact Centre at 800 555.

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News

Go through immigration in seconds: Dubai’s Al Maktoum Airport to go futurstic

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Passengers flying through Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) can soon expect to clear immigration in seconds, thanks to a new AI-powered smart corridor that speeds up the process 10 times faster than traditional smart gates at Dubai International Airport (DXB).

The announcement was made during The Airport Show in Dubai, where officials showcased what has been dubbed “the airport of the future.” Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) highlighted that the upcoming passenger experience at DWC will be fully automated, contactless, and tailored to different traveller needs, including special services for mothers, children, and elderly passengers.

In addition to smart immigration tunnels, travellers can look forward to a digitised journey from the moment they book their flights. Through a dedicated app, passengers can purchase tickets, shop duty-free, and even experience the airport in the metaverse before arriving.

Concierge robots to assist passengers

Once at the airport, autonomous robots will handle baggage drop-offs. Luggage will be weighed and collected from the vehicle by self-service bag-drop robots, while concierge robots greet and assist passengers. A smart traffic system will track vehicles heading to the airport, alerting airlines to incoming travellers.

Inside the terminal, immersive experiences and robotic assistance will continue. Passengers can enjoy cafes, lounges, shopping, and interactive zones for children, with delivery robots bringing purchased items directly to their lounge seats or boarding gates. 

Home delivery of luggage

Instead of traditional conveyor belts, biometric-enabled kiosks will be used for baggage claim, and luggage delivery to one’s home will be available via autonomous vehicles.

The airport will feature eight smaller, interconnected terminals, which will be linked by underground trains and serviced by autonomous transport.

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