logo
Big Ticket e-draw: Water salesman among four expats to win Dh50,000 each

Big Ticket e-draw: Water salesman among four expats to win Dh50,000 each

Khaleej Times3 days ago
Four lucky expats — three Indians and a Bangladeshi — took home Dh50,000 each in the Big Ticket e-draw this week.
A water salesman, a safety officer and a purchase officer were among the lucky winners this week.
Bangladesh's Mohammad Khorsed Alam, a water salesman, who has been living in Sharjah for the past four years while his family remains back home, purchased a Big Ticket entry for the first time as part of a group of 20 people.
'I'm really happy to hear about my win, and I plan to split the prize money among my group,' the 22-year-old said.
When asked if he would continue purchasing from Big Ticket, he simply replied, 'Yes.' His advice to others is to take a chance, as anything is possible with a bit of luck.
Ajai Krishnakumar Jayan, a 32-year-old purchase officer from Kerala, who has been living in Dubai for the past seven years, first heard about Big Ticket through social media a year ago. Since then, he has been purchasing tickets occasionally as part of a group of 10 friends.
'When Bouchra called to inform me about the win, I was so excited that I could barely speak, I just didn't know what to say! I plan to split the prize money among my group and use my share to continue purchasing Big Ticket entries. My advice to others is to give it a try, you never know when your luck might strike.'
Sameer Ahmed, a 39-year-old safety officer from Hyderabad, currently living in Saudi Arabia for the past 15 years while his family remains back home, discovered Big Ticket through a promotional video on YouTube three months ago. He created an account and has been purchasing tickets on his own ever since. Sameer also took part in the ongoing bundle offer, which granted him 3 tickets. His lucky win came from the free ticket.
'To believe that my luck paid off in just three months is an indescribable feeling. I feel truly blessed, happy, and grateful to Big Ticket. With the prize money, I plan to bring my family to live with me in Saudi Arabia and pay off some existing loans. Big Ticket has brought me good fortune, so I'll definitely continue participating.'
He also shared that he's forwarded his winning video to all his friends and is actively encouraging them to start taking part and try their luck.
Hailing from India, Sushmita purchased two tickets and received one additional ticket free as part of the ongoing bundle offer. It was the free ticket, number 277-044870, that secured her win. She was overjoyed upon hearing the news.
With three weekly e-draws already wrapped up, the final week remains before the grand prize draw takes place live in Abu Dhabi on August 3.
And that night, it won't be just one winner, six additional lucky participants will each walk away with a consolation cash prize of Dh50,000.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Dubai records 395 million journeys on public transport in first half of 2025
Dubai records 395 million journeys on public transport in first half of 2025

The National

time16 hours ago

  • The National

Dubai records 395 million journeys on public transport in first half of 2025

More than 395 million journeys were made on Dubai's expanding public transport network in the first half of 2025, a 9 per cent increase on the same period last year. The sharp rise comes as authorities invest heavily in public transport services to help keep pace with a sustained population boom, cut congestion and drive down emissions in support of key environmental goals. Dubai's population stood at 3.98 million on Sunday, according to the Dubai Statistics Centre's live population counter, up from 3.77 million on the same date last year. The latest public transport figures were shared on Sunday by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority. They show about 3.95 million trips were made on public transport in the first six months of 2025, compared to 361.2 million in the corresponding period of last year. About 2.18 million journeys were made on average each day, up from 1.98 million daily trips in the first half of last year. 'The continued growth in public transport ridership reflects users' confidence in the system's efficiency and the quality of services provided across all modes,' said Mattar Al Tayer, director general of the Roads and Transport Authority. 'We remain committed to delivering safe, comfortable, and sustainable mobility solutions for every segment of society.' Public transport growth in numbers The Dubai Metro has maintained its position as the most popular mode of public transport for passengers in the emirate. The RTA said 143.9 million trips were made via Dubai Metro from January to the end of June, representing 36.5 per cent of all trips completed on public transport. A further 103.5 million rides were conducted through taxi – 26 per cent of all journeys – with 95.7 million journeys made on public buses. There were also 37.6 million shared mobility journeys – such as app-based vehicle services, hourly rentals and on-demand buses – as well as 9.7 million trips on marine transport and 4.9 million rides on the Dubai Tram. Dubai Metro expansion The surge in Dubai Metro passenger numbers comes as a major expansion of a rail network established in 2009 rapidly takes shape. The Blue Line is scheduled to open in September 2029, marking the 20th anniversary of the launch of Dubai Metro. The Dh20.5 billion project will include 14 new stations, connect with the existing Green and Red lines, and serve expanding neighbourhoods such as Mirdif, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Creek Harbour and Dubai International City. Meanwhile, Dubai is also continuing to invest in its fleet of buses under a concerted push to encourage people to leave their cars at home and commute by public transport to tackle traffic congestion. The RTA announced last week that 22 public bus sites, including 16 passenger stations and six depots, have been upgraded. Nine stations in Deira were revamped, alongside seven in Bur Dubai. These stations support 110 routes and handle up to 710 buses during peak hours. Renovations were made to waiting areas, facades and pavements, and new prayer areas were added. The RTA is looking to invest in its bus fleet to meet European low-emission standards, which would be a first for the Middle East and North Africa region. The authority recently signed a contract to add 637 new buses between 2025 and 2026, including 40 fully electric, zero-emission buses from Zhongtong, custom-built for the Gulf region. Dubai also recently signed a preliminary agreement with a Chinese autonomous driving company, to start pilot trials of driverless vehicles in the emirate by the end of the year. The partnership aims to pave the way for the full commercial roll-out of autonomous taxis by 2026, in line with Dubai's goal to convert 25 per cent of all trips to self-driving transport modes by 2030.

Dubai: Public transport saw 2.8 million daily riders on average in first half of 2025
Dubai: Public transport saw 2.8 million daily riders on average in first half of 2025

Khaleej Times

time17 hours ago

  • Khaleej Times

Dubai: Public transport saw 2.8 million daily riders on average in first half of 2025

An average of nearly 2.18 million passengers used Dubai's public transport systems daily during the first half of 2025, marking an increase from about 1.98 million during the same period last year, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) revealed on Sunday. These modes include Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public buses, and marine transport—along with taxis and shared mobility options such as app-based vehicles, hourly rentals, and on-demand buses. They served approximately 395.3 million riders in the first six month, with May registering the highest monthly ridership, reaching 68.8 million. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. The total number of public transport users represents a 9% increase compared to around 361.2 million riders during the same period in 2024. Dubai Metro recorded the highest share of ridership in the first half of this year, with the Metro accounting for 36.5% followed by taxis for 26%. Public buses made up 24% of the total, Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA. Busiest Dubai Metro station Approximately 143.9 million riders used Dubai Metro's users Red and Green Lines during the first half of 2025. As for the busiest stations, it was revealed that BurJuman and Al Rigga stations recorded the highest ridership volumes, with BurJuman Station registering 8.6 million riders, followed by Al Rigga Station with 6.8 million. Union Station came next with 6.6 million riders. On the Red Line, Mall of the Emirates Station recorded the highest ridership after Al Rigga, with 5.6 million riders, followed by Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station with 5.4 million, and Business Bay Station with 5.3 million. On the Green Line, Sharaf DG Station ranked first in number of commuters, with 5.1 million riders, followed by Baniyas Station with 4.1 million, and Stadium Station with approximately 3.6 million. Other modes Dubai Tram transported 4.9 million riders during the first half of this year, while public buses carried 95.7 million riders. The total number of users of all marine transport modes reached 9.7 million. Shared mobility services, including app-based vehicles, hourly rentals, and on-demand buses, served 37.6 million riders. Meanwhile, taxi services in Dubai transported 103.5 million riders from January to June. To underline the city's efforts to further boost means of public transport, Al Tayer said RTA signed four agreements to procure 637 multi-sized buses compliant with the European low-emission standard 'Euro 6,' including 40 electric buses. The buses will be delivered in 2025 and 2026, the authority said, adding that this aligns a strategic objective to convert the entire public bus fleet to electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2050.

Watch: Sheikh Mohammed visits Mall of the Emirates, spotted in Dubai supermarket
Watch: Sheikh Mohammed visits Mall of the Emirates, spotted in Dubai supermarket

Khaleej Times

time2 days ago

  • Khaleej Times

Watch: Sheikh Mohammed visits Mall of the Emirates, spotted in Dubai supermarket

Hitting the mall this weekend? You might just spot the Ruler of Dubai, just like these residents. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has been visiting different parts of the emirate all week, surprising residents who catch a glimpse of him. Earlier, he was seen taking photographs with children and having warm conversations with residents while stepping out of a cafe in Dubai Mall. Not just that, the Ruler was also seen walking down the streets of the souk in Deira, despite the sweltering heat. This time, however, residents saw the leader walking past them in the aisles of Mall of the Emirates. On seeing him, one woman even shouted, "We love you!", a clear sign of how cherished he is by those who live here. Dressed sharply as always, the Ruler of Dubai walked with staff, a cane in hand. As with his other appearances this week, he was without armed guards, moving casually which is a striking contrast to many global leaders. Watch the video of him in the mall, below: Later, during the same mall visit, he was seen walking inside a supermarket, which appears to be a Carrefour. People could be seen stepping aside and taking photographs as they saw him pass by. Watch the video of him in the supermarket below: Earlier this week, he also travelled by the Dubai Tram, taking commuters by surprise. Many even pulled out their phones to capture the memorable moment. From malls and souks to trams and supermarkets, Sheikh Mohammed's presence this week has been a reminder of his deep connection with the people of Dubai. His spontaneous outings continue to inspire admiration, not just for his leadership, but for the humility and humanity he brings to it.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store