A car wash supervisor who saved up tips from customers to take part in the UAE's Big Ticket draw has told of his joy over his life-changing Dh30 million jackpot win.
Kathar Hussain, from Sharjah, earns Dh1,500 per month, and said he could never have dreamt of earning so much money.
He was on holiday in his native India when he struck lucky, with organisers initially unable to reach him during the live draw announcement on Saturday.
He will split the winnings with his friend Devaraj, with whom he gathered tips to buy the precious ticket.
The huge prize was the biggest in the competition's 30-year history.
“I earn Dh1,500 every month. For however many years I worked, I would not be able to make so much money in my lifetime,” said Mr Hussain.
“I was watching the show and was in India at my friend’s home when I realised I was the winner.
“I was shocked. I just thanked Allah. I never thought I would see such a day.
“My life will change completely In sha'Allah [God willing]. I am still so excited.
“I never thought I would get so much money. I want to stay here in the UAE and bring my family here from India.”
Win will change family fortunes
Mr Hussain's family are in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, from where he hails, and he hopes to build a family home.
“My family are very happy. I live in a rented house and am hoping to build a house for myself and my parents,” he said.
Mr Hussain has worked in the UAE for more than five years.
He plans to leave his day job behind and start his own business venture.
It is a wonderful end to the year for Mr Hussain and his friend, and there are set to be more celebrations in 2023 for Big Ticket players.
The next draw, which will take place on January 3, will have the largest jackpot in the competition’s history.
There will be a first prize of Dh35 million up for grabs, with tickets costing Dh500 each.
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
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The five pillars of Islam
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Tips for newlyweds to better manage finances
All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.
Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.
Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.
Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.
Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.
Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.
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