Dreams have come true once again with Big Ticket’s Series 273 draw, as two lucky winners walked away with life-changing prizes, a Dh15 million jackpot and a brand-new Maserati Grecale.

Dh15 million winner: Rajesh Mullankil Vellilapullithodi

Rajesh Mullankil Vellilapullithodi, a 45-year-old technician from Kerala, struck gold after years of trying his luck. Having lived in Oman for over three decades, Rajesh has been purchasing Big Ticket entries every month with a group of friends, and it finally paid off.

“I was so happy and shocked. I can’t even put my emotions into words,” said Rajesh, recalling the moment he got the life-changing call. Just minutes before, his partner had suggested he check the results. He never imagined he’d win.

While Rajesh and his group will be splitting the Dh15 million prize, he hasn’t made any big plans yet.

Maserati Grecale Winner: Ali Musharbek

Another big winner this month is Ali Musharbek, a UAE national currently living in Sharjah. Ali purchased his lucky ticket online on March 15, ticket number 018083, and is now the proud new owner of a sleek Maserati Grecale.

Even Bigger Prizes Coming This April

If you missed out this time, don’t worry. Big Ticket’s April promotion is one of the biggest yet, with Dh25 million, weekly cash prizes, luxury cars, and more up for grabs.

Here’s what’s on offer:

• Dh25 million Grand Prize in the main draw
• Weekly e-Draws: Five winners each week take home Dh150,000
• Buy 2 Get 2 Free offer on all tickets throughout April
• The Big Win Contest: Win up to Dh150,000 in cash at the live draw on May 3

To qualify for The Big Win Contest, purchase two or more cash tickets in a single transaction between April 1 and April 24. Four lucky participants will be selected to attend the live draw, where everyone walks away a winner.

Luxury Cars Up for Grabs:

• Range Rover Velar – Draw on May 3
• BMW M440i – Draw on June 3

Tickets are available online at www.bigticket.ae or at Big Ticket counters in Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Airport.

Weekly E-Draw Schedule:

• Week 1: April 1 – 9 | Draw: April 10 (Thursday)
• Week 2: April 10 – 16 | Draw: April 17 (Thursday)
• Week 3: April 17 – 23 | Draw: April 24 (Thursday)
• Week 4: April 24 – 30 | Draw: May 1 (Thursday)

The UAE is observing World Health Day on Monday, April 7, aligning with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) year-long campaign titled “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.” This global initiative aims to intensify efforts to eliminate preventable maternal and newborn deaths and to prioritise the long-term health and well-being of women and infants.

Global Context

According to WHO estimates, approximately 300,000 women worldwide die annually due to pregnancy or childbirth-related complications. Additionally, over two million infants die within their first month of life, and around two million more are stillborn each year. These figures underscore the urgent need for enhanced maternal and newborn healthcare services globally.

UAE’s Commitment to Maternal and Newborn Health

The UAE has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to improving maternal and newborn health through various national initiatives:

• National Policy for the Promotion of Women’s Health (2024): This policy outlines comprehensive healthcare requirements for women at all life stages, emphasizing care during the reproductive years. 
• Advanced Maternal Healthcare Services: The UAE offers a robust maternal healthcare system that includes premarital medical screenings, regular prenatal care, childbirth services, and breastfeeding education. These services aim to ensure the health and development of both mothers and their babies. 
• Early Detection Programmes: National programmes for the early detection of breast cancer, cervical cancer, and osteoporosis are in place, contributing to the overall well-being of women. 
• Comprehensive Child Healthcare: The UAE provides high-quality, comprehensive healthcare services to children from birth through adolescence. This includes specialized hospitals, pediatric clinics, preventive care programmes, early disease screening, routine immunisations, mental health services, and therapeutic nutrition programs. 

Notable Initiatives

A standout programme is the newborn screening initiative run by Emirates Health Services (EHS). Targeting infants from birth to 28 days old, the programme includes early screening for genetic disorders, critical congenital heart defects, and hearing impairments. Implemented across all public and specialized hospitals under the EHS umbrella that offer maternity services, this initiative ensures timely treatment and follow-up, aiming to prevent physical and cognitive disabilities and reduce mortality rates. 

Additionally, EHS provides comprehensive screening for genetic and congenital diseases in newborns and offers early screening services for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at primary healthcare centers for children aged 16 to 30 months. These efforts reflect the UAE’s dedication to early intervention and comprehensive care for its youngest citizens. 

Conclusion

As the UAE joins the global community in observing World Health Day 2025, its ongoing initiatives and policies underscore a strong commitment to enhancing maternal and newborn health. These efforts not only align with the WHO’s campaign objectives but also contribute significantly to the nation’s goal of providing high-quality healthcare services, ensuring healthier beginnings and hopeful futures for all.

(Source: WHO, Wam)

The UAE has introduced new rules to clarify when foreign companies or investors may be subject to corporate tax on their investments in the country.

Under Cabinet Decision No. 35 of 2025, the UAE Ministry of Finance has outlined specific conditions under which non-resident investors in Qualifying Investment Funds (QIFs) or Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) will be seen as having a taxable presence (nexus) in the UAE.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you’re a non-resident juridical person (i.e. a foreign company or legal entity) investing in a QIF or REIT in the UAE, you’ll only be considered taxable in the UAE if:

• The fund does not distribute at least 80% of its income within nine months after the end of its financial year. In this case, your tax obligation starts from the date you acquired the investment.
• The fund does distribute 80% or more, but your taxable status starts from the date the dividend is paid.
• The QIF fails to meet the diversity of ownership rules during the tax period.

Good News for Passive Investors

If your investment is in QIFs or REITs that comply with the rules and none of the exceptions apply, you won’t be considered to have a taxable presence in the UAE. This means no corporate tax liability under the UAE’s tax system.

Why This Matters

This decision gives much-needed clarity to international investors. It helps ensure that foreign investment in UAE-based funds remains attractive and tax-efficient while aligning with the country’s new corporate tax framework.

In short, if you’re investing in compliant UAE funds or REITs as a non-resident, you’re unlikely to face UAE corporate tax unless certain distribution or ownership conditions aren’t met.

(Source: Wam)