A Filipino resident in Dubai struck it big after winning the AED 20 million grand prize in Abu Dhabi Big Ticket’s Series 289 draw held on Monday, ending a 15-year streak of regularly purchasing tickets.
Reynaldo Herboso claimed the jackpot after ticket number 267822, which he purchased on July 13, was drawn during the live event. The winning number was selected by Kanika Arora of Delhi, India, who became the previous month’s AED 25 million grand prize winner.
The announcement came during a live phone call from hosts Richard and Bouchra Yamani. Caught by surprise, Herboso initially asked for a moment before responding to the life-changing news.
“I win? Really? Thank you, thank you…Really?” he said.
Still overwhelmed, he immediately shared the news with someone beside him, saying, “I won Dh20 million finally.”
Herboso revealed that he had been participating in the Big Ticket draw continuously for 15 years before finally securing the grand prize. He also shared that the timing of the win was especially meaningful, as he had just finished work in Jebel Ali and was preparing to fly home for a vacation later that week.
Although the jackpot totals AED 20 million, Herboso said the winning ticket was purchased as part of a group of 10 participants. As a result, the prize money will be divided equally, giving each member of the group AED 2 million.
“I will tell all my friends who are sharing [the prize money]. They will be very happy,” he said.
Aside from the grand prize, five entrants received AED 100,000 consolation prizes. During the live Big Spin segment, two participants each won AED 100,000, while another took home AED 250,000. A separate winner also drove away with a luxury performance SUV.
The draw also introduced the fourth season of “Dear Big Ticket,” a campaign inviting UAE residents aged 18 and above to submit wishes until August 23 under five categories: housing and accommodation, education, health and well-being, family reunion, and business and entrepreneurship.
