'Life-Changing Moment': Indian Expat Wins Rs 12 Crore UAE Jackpot On First Ticket

Last Updated:February 25, 2026, 21:26 IST

The UAE Lottery, which marked its first anniversary in November last year, has already created several millionaires.

An Indian-origin expatriate, Murugananth Govinthan, has won 5 million dirham (over Rs 12 crore) in the UAE Lottery after buying his first-ever ticket.

The 42-year-old struck it lucky in draw number 260214 held on Saturday, February 14. He matched all six numbers in the ‘Days’ section — 11, 19, 28, 15, 31 and 7 — to claim the Dh5 million second prize. He had purchased the ticket jointly with a close friend.

The UAE Lottery, operated by Game LLC, called it as a “life-changing moment" for the first-time participant.

“A life-changing moment for our AED 5 Million winner! Murugananth, a first-time participant, has been revealed as the first-ever AED 5 Million Second Prize winner. With a single ticket shared with a close friend, six numbers aligned — turning an ordinary decision into an extraordinary chapter. Every win has a story," UAE Lottery shared in a post on X Wednesday.

The company has said the increased second prize of Dh5 million, up from Dh1 million, has created fresh excitement among players across the Emirates, Gulf News reported.

Murugananth said he was overwhelmed with emotion after the win. “I couldn’t stop thinking about everything I’ve been through over the past three years, the challenges, my marriage, my children’s education, and all the responsibilities on my shoulders. That’s why I came to the UAE. I didn’t expect it to happen so soon. I feel very happy," he said.

He added that his family has been living in a rented house and has long dreamed of building a home of their own. “The situation didn’t allow it before, but now I feel I’m on the way to resolving these struggles. I feel happy and consider this a great blessing from God," he said.

The UAE Lottery, which marked its first anniversary in November last year, has already created several millionaires. The weekly Lucky Day Draw is held every Saturday at 8.30pm and offers a Dh30 million grand prize along with other cash rewards.

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