A Nepali security guard living in Abu Dhabi has become the first winner of The UAE Lottery’s Lucky Day grand prize under its current jackpot format, turning a routine email check into a Dh30 million windfall.Tayab Khan, 26, moved to the UAE four years ago in search of better opportunities. This week, he discovered that a lottery ticket he purchased with four friends had secured the top prize, with each member of the group set to receive Dh6 million.Khan said he initially paid little attention to the email notifying him of the win because he had previously received messages about smaller prizes.“I thought it was another small win,” he said. “When I opened the email and saw Dh30 million, I couldn’t believe it. My whole body was shaking.”The winning ticket was part of a long-running arrangement between five friends who regularly pooled money to participate in the lottery. The group began buying tickets in early 2024 after Khan came across the UAE Lottery online and suggested they try their luck together.Rather than relying on a single person, the friends rotated responsibility for choosing the numbers each week. Although they occasionally won smaller prizes by matching several numbers, the jackpot remained out of reach until now.Khan said the first person he called after confirming the win was his uncle in Nepal, whom he credits with helping him move to the UAE and build a life abroad.“He has always supported me like a father,” Khan said. “When I told him how much we had won, he was speechless.”Despite the life-changing payout, Khan said his priorities remain focused on family. His first major goal is to build a new home for relatives in Nepal, something he had hoped to achieve long before winning the jackpot.The 26-year-old also plans to invest part of his share and explore business opportunities after spending the past four years working as an employee.At the same time, he admits there are a few personal ambitions he now hopes to fulfil, including buying a Mahindra Thar and a Rolex watch.Khan said the prize will transform the lives of all five winners, each of whom faces different responsibilities and milestones.“One friend has been away from his family for years, another recently got married and another has just become a father,” he said. “I’m happy that this win will help all of us.”
