20 Years, One Ticket, Big Win: Kerala Expat Wins Dh150,000 in UAE

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

For Abyson Jacob, a construction field surveyor based in Al Ain, patience and perseverance have finally paid off. After two decades of trying his luck, the 46-year-old Indian expat from Kerala has won Dh150,000 in the Big Ticket Abu Dhabi weekly e-draw.

Jacob, who has been living in the UAE since 2004, never missed a month without buying a ticket. For 20 straight years, he kept the faith—and it finally led to a win.

“When I got the call, I thought it was a scam,” Jacob admitted. “I’ve been trying for so long, I never imagined I’d actually win.”

His winning ticket, number 204700, was part of a group entry shared with 11 colleagues. The moment was announced by Big Ticket host Richard, catching Jacob completely off guard.

Confused at first, he thought the call was about the upcoming Dh25 million grand draw on July 3. Once the details were clarified, the reality of the win sank in, and Jacob became emotional.

“I don’t know what to say… Thank you very much,” he said. “I’ve been trying for the past 20 years.”

Now that he’s had his first taste of luck, Jacob and his team are more determined than ever.

“It’s a 12-person ticket, so we’ll split the prize,” he said. “We’ll keep buying together and hope to win the grand prize one day.”

With the next massive draw just around the corner, Jacob has a simple message for others still hoping for their moment:

“Keep trying. You never know which day will be your lucky one.”