Dubai: An Indian expat who has lived in the United Arab Emirates for over 30 years won Dh 5 million (approximately Rs 12.9 crore) in the Lucky Day draw in the UAE Lottery.
Sharjah-based Kishore Pandurang Rao, who moved to the UAE in 1993, won the prize after buying a Dh 50 ticket on the UAE Lottery platform. Using the ‘Easy Pick’ option, he matched all six numbers in the “Days” section to secure his win just five days before his 60th birthday.
A chance to win Golden Visa
For Rao, the unexpected win has turned long-held dreams into reality, allowing him to apply for a UAE Golden Visa, reunite his family, and travel the world with his wife.
“I always hoped that one day I would get a Golden Visa. I kept thinking I’d get one one day. Now I have a chance to apply for a Golden Visa, and I’d really like that. I always tell my friends that one day I’ll look into getting one,” he said.
Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that enables foreign nationals to live, work, or study in the UAE with access to exclusive benefits.
Having lived across four emirates over the decades, Rao sees his win as a chance to unlock new possibilities while continuing to live in the UAE.
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Wish to reunite family
Despite winning Dh5 million, Rao kept the news to himself at first. He later surprised his thrilled wife, yet the couple chose to keep the win quiet. Rao’s top priority now is to reunite his family in the UAE after years of living apart.
When asked who he wanted to share the winning moment with, he said, “Especially my wife. Together, we shared our ups and downs. Now this opportunity has come, so I have to share it with her and with my children.”
Another wish he can fulfil following the win is his lifelong dream of travelling the world. “My goal is that I have to travel around the world,” he said. “I have to see those places with my wife because she is fond of travelling as well.”
Even as the lottery win has given him financial stability, Rao said he is taking time to consider his next steps.
“Everyone should know their own limits,” he said. “They should set a limit on how much they spend,” he said, emphasising responsible spending.
