For 37-year-old Filipino expatriate Samuel Narvarte, life in the UAE took a remarkable turn when he won AED 100,000 in the UAE Lottery draw held in April — a stroke of luck that changed not only his finances but also his outlook on life.
“It still feels surreal, like I have butterflies in my stomach every time I think about it,” Samuel shared, recalling the moment he realized he had won. “Even at work, I still talk about it. My colleagues now call me the lucky one!”
The Al Ain resident’s win inspired a wave of excitement among his peers. “After they found out I won, many of them registered and started buying tickets too,” he said with a smile.
A dream come true back home
Samuel, who has lived in the UAE for over seven years, said the prize gave him the opportunity to do something he had always dreamed of — going home and investing in his family’s future.
“I used the prize money to buy tickets to go back home to the Philippines with my wife and daughter,” he said. “We’re planning to christen my daughter and spend some quality time with family.”
But beyond the joy of reuniting with loved ones, Samuel used part of his winnings to purchase a piece of land in the Philippines — an achievement that fills him with deep pride.
“I’m proud of all the decisions I made, but buying land is the one I’m especially proud of. I never imagined I’d be able to do that; it still feels like a dream,” he shared.
Family pride and renewed purpose
When Samuel first broke the news to his family, disbelief quickly turned to celebration. “At first, they didn’t believe me! But once I showed them the pictures and videos, they were so excited and incredibly happy,” he said.
The windfall also brought newfound stability. “Honestly, it’s the financial support. Everything feels smoother now. I have fewer worries, and I’m able to focus more on my goals and my family,” he said. “It’s made a real difference in our lives, and my family is so happy and proud.”
Winning the UAE Lottery, which offers daily and weekly draws such as Pick 3 and Pick 4, proved to be more than luck — it became a life lesson. “I’ve become more conscious of how I spend. I value every dirham. I’ve learned to budget better and not to overspend,” Samuel said.
A message of hope
For Samuel, the experience wasn’t just about money but about belief. “This win gave me hope, not just financially, but emotionally. It showed me that amazing things really can happen,” he said.
He continues to play his favorite UAE Lottery games, including scratch cards and Pick 3, often using small wins to play again. “I love the excitement,” he said. “If I win again, maybe I’d go back to the Philippines for good, open a business, buy more land, and build a new life there.”
Asked what advice he would give to others, Samuel’s message was simple: “Never lose hope. It’s not impossible. Your day could come, but you have to keep trying and believe in your luck. Just don’t give up.”
The UAE Lottery, one of the country’s licensed gaming platforms regulated by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), has quickly become a source of joy and opportunity for many residents like Samuel — offering not just entertainment, but a chance for life-changing moments.
