An irrigation engineer in Qatar, 43, almost missed the call that would change the course of his financial career. When his phone rang with strange numbers, Dasan Kunchu was on the treadmill. He didn’t really accept the fact that he had won AED 1 million in Abu Dhabi’s Big Ticket draw until he received a confirmation email. His silent incredulity is remarkably similar to the feelings that scores of past winners have described: numbness at first, followed by a slow blossoming of elation.
Established more than thirty years ago at the airport in Abu Dhabi, Big Ticket has emerged as a striking illustration of the intersection of timing, ritual, and hope. It has drawn thousands of people from all around the Gulf with its straightforward concept: pay AED 500 to enter the draw. A ticket is an investment in imagination as well as a chance to win. Although the premise is simple, the emotional resonance is really powerful.
The jackpot for the draw in February is Dh15 million. It doesn’t end there. Every Friday, four people will win Dh50,000 from weekly draws, and five more winners will earn Dh100,000 apiece. It turns into a habit for some people. Others, like Oman-based retail salesperson Shanthanu Shettigar, find it to be a turning point in their lives. He split the Dh20 million he won from his winning ticket with a pal. A random selection was made for the number. When it struck? entirely unscripted.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1992 |
| Location | Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi |
| Prize Pool (Feb 2026) | AED 15 million grand prize + weekly cash and car prizes |
| Ticket Cost | AED 500 |
| Eligibility | Open to residents and visitors aged 18+ |
| Purchase Points | Online or at airports in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain |
| Recent Winner Highlight | Shanthanu Shettigar (AED 20 million), Dasan Kunchu (AED 1 million) |
| Official Website | https://www.bigticket.ae |
Big Ticket is so appealing in part because it is easily accessible. A marketing code or a fancy app are not necessary. Both online and in-person ticketing is offered at locations like as Al Ain Airport, Morafiq Mussafah, and Zayed International Airport. It seems to be one of the only platforms where the odds are so evenly split for many foreigners, particularly those working in service positions.
Through the Dream Car Series, the organizers have created an experience that is not only rewarding but also very effective at sustaining interest by providing weekly e-draws and luxury car gifts. The reward for February’s Dream Car is a Range Rover Velar. Next month, a Maserati Grecale will be used. These are indicators of a change—that something improbable has happened—even if they might not be everyday need.
By means of well-planned marketing campaigns, Big Ticket has significantly increased participant involvement. Anyone who purchases two or more tickets in a single transaction between February 1 and February 24 is eligible to enter this month’s Big Win Contest. At the live draw on March 3, four winners will get guaranteed prizes ranging from Dh50,000 to Dh150,000. The design is well-considered, rewarding both the hopeful and the reliable equally.
It struck me as particularly poignant because many winners declare they will continue to play despite receiving enormous windfalls. Such devotion says a thousand words.
Another recent winner, Jency Ruba, purchased her ticket on January 8. Her personal bridge to a prize worth a million dirhams was her number, 148955. She called it a bizarre moment. Like many others, she also took her time organizing a shopping spree. Her attention instead turned to her family and securing the future. Large prize money frequently serves as seed money for stability. Instead of splurges, you usually hear about debt repayment, supporting parents, or perhaps a little real estate investment.
The way winners manage their luck has a certain dignity. A BMW X5 was won in the Dream Car Series by Shahin Miah, a 32-year-old Sharjah housekeeper. He had only taken part three times. He was on duty when he got the call. The notion that luxury may subtly disrupt your day—in the middle of a shift or a drive—is remarkably potent.
Big Ticket stands apart for reasons other than money. The framing is the issue. Because each winner’s tale is told in straightforward words, frequently without much fanfare, it feels authentic. There isn’t an effort to establish a glamorous brand. Instead, it’s about possibilities and availability that feel unexpectedly accessible to aspirants in the area who make modest salaries.
Big Ticket has made tremendous progress in closing the gap between reward and engagement since introducing its enlarged prize structures and e-draws. Every Friday draw is broadcast live on YouTube at 11 a.m., creating a routine that regulars adhere to. Every Thursday, the ticket sales windows close, and the next day, the new winners are announced. This schedule is designed to be transparent.
With careful adaptation, Big Ticket has improved digital outreach and incorporated feedback loops. Although it has consistently added incentives that feel fair and inspiring, it has never forgotten where it came from. It’s a rare accomplishment in any financial system.
Its ability to incorporate chance into routine is what makes the entire business so remarkable. Many people turn it into a check-in once a month. a discussion with companions. A group strategy was developed over late-night tea breaks. It eventually becomes woven into the fabric of daily existence, as predictable as a paycheck yet encased in suspense.
Big Ticket’s durability has proven remarkably resilient, in contrast to other raffles that may come and go. It has withstood shifting market conditions, technological advancements, and high expectations from its audience. However, the basic idea of the draw hasn’t altered significantly—enter, wait, and possibly win something you never would have imagined.
This appeal isn’t simply due to luck; it’s also a combination of timing, hope, and the conviction that regular people should have extraordinary experiences, whether they are early-stage visionaries, migrants sending money home, or middle managers saving for retirement.
