Saravanan Venkataachalam, a 44-year-old engineer from Chennai living in Abu Dhabi, has won the November Big Ticket draw. His ticket, number 463221, earned him the grand prize of 25 million dirhams. He has been participating in the lottery for the past five years, and his persistence has finally paid off.
Saravanan didn’t learn about his win right away. His phone was on “Do Not Disturb” mode, and calls from the organisers went unnoticed at first. It was only when friends and relatives began contacting him that he realised something extraordinary had happened. His first reaction was disbelief, followed by the overwhelming understanding of what this win meant.
How will the winner spend the money?
Saravanan has already decided how to use his winnings:
- Part of the money will go towards his child’s education.
- The remainder will be invested in long-term projects.
For expatriates living in the UAE, managing large sums of money and ensuring smooth inheritance processes is a critical issue. Specific legal frameworks regulate Inheritance issues for expatriates in Dubai, and experts recommend that lottery winners seek legal advice in advance to formalise their assets and safeguard their families’ interests.
What’s next for Big Ticket
The next draw, also featuring a 25 million dirham jackpot, will take place on December 3. Everyone who buys tickets between November 1 and 30 will automatically be entered into the draw. Those purchasing tickets before November 21 will also qualify for additional prizes, including a trip to the races, a yachting weekend in Abu Dhabi, and cash bonuses of up to 250,000 dirhams.
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Launched in 1992, Big Ticket remains one of the region’s most popular lotteries. The monthly draws attract thousands of participants from around the world, and the top prizes often reach tens of millions of dirhams. In addition to cash rewards, the lottery regularly offers premium cars and exclusive experiences.
UAE real estate news today: Dubai and Abu Dhabi frequently feature stories of expatriates whose fortunes — whether from smart investments or lucky winnings — transform their lives. Large-scale windfalls like this open the door to buying property, launching a business, or relocating to more prestigious neighborhoods. For many foreign professionals working in the Emirates, such moments become defining milestones in their financial journeys.
Read also: Japan waives visa requirements for US citizens, joining the UAE, Singapore, and South Korea.
Saravanan has not yet shared the details of his investment plans, but the victory has already reshaped his future. For thousands of other Big Ticket participants, the story of this Indian engineer serves as a reminder that anyone with a ticket has a chance. The upcoming December draw will once again offer 25 million dirhams — and one participant will be the next to celebrate such life-changing luck.
