‘An answered prayer’—Filipino in UAE celebrates AED 100,000 lottery win

Another Filipino has made it big in The UAE Lottery, with Fermer Cibu Miranda winning AED 100,000 in one of the recent draws. A UAE resident since 2021, Miranda shared how the prize came at a time of emotional and financial hardship—turning a moment of despair into a life-changing blessing.

“I was in my apartment, sitting in the living room. I knew there was a draw happening, but I didn’t watch it live,” Miranda said. “At around 8:45 PM, I logged into my UAE Lottery account, and to my surprise, I saw a golden ticket flashing ‘Big Win.’”

Initially unsure of what he saw, Miranda admitted he thought it might be a scam. “I logged in and out several times, trying to make sense of it. I even asked my sister, and she told me to call the hotline number. When I did, a lady confirmed that I should wait for an official email. That night, I kept logging in and out, still in disbelief.”

Originally from the Philippines, Miranda moved to the UAE post-pandemic in search of better opportunities. “The journey wasn’t easy,” he said, referring to financial struggles and cultural adjustments. “Things started to change when I joined a new company a year ago. I finally felt a sense of belonging and appreciation. And now, after my big win, it feels like everything finally makes sense. It’s more than just money. It’s a blessing.”

He used the prize to clear outstanding obligations and is now focused on building a more secure future with his family. “Just weeks before the draw, I had been struggling and prayed to God. This win didn’t just settle our financial burdens; it brought us back together.”

Miranda started joining The UAE Lottery in December 2024, using a portion of his salary to buy a ticket. Although his first attempt didn’t win, he tried again in February, buying two tickets. His lucky draw came on March 8, 2025.

The UAE Lottery has gained popularity for offering life-changing prizes while advocating responsible gaming. To participate, players can purchase tickets through www.theuaelottery.ae and follow the official channels for draw announcements. The platform has also been praised for providing hope to expatriates like Miranda—especially those seeking a break from financial pressures.

Just recently, another Filipino, Beauregard Lim, made headlines after winning AED 1 million through the same lottery.

Miranda, while grateful for his win, encourages others to stay grounded. “Play and pray and then leave the rest to God. Rejoice and be happy for others when they win. Celebrate them as if you were the winner yourself. Surrender and let go after buying your ticket, because what is meant for you will never pass you.”