The UAE Lottery has announced its first-ever grand prize winner of AED 100 million, marking a historic moment for the country’s gaming and entertainment scene.
Anilkumar Bolla, a 29-year-old Indian expatriate who has lived in Abu Dhabi for years, won the record-breaking amount during The UAE Lottery’s 23rd Lucky Day Draw #251018 on October 18, 2025.
Bolla was at home when he received the life-changing call confirming his win. “This win is beyond my wildest dreams,” he said, still in disbelief. “When I received a call from The UAE Lottery, I thought it was surreal. I kept asking them to repeat the message. It took time to sink in, and even today, I still can’t believe my new reality.”
He plans to celebrate with a supercar and a stay at a seven-star hotel before carefully investing the rest of his winnings. “This sum will change my life forever,” he added. “My win is proof that hope and luck can align for anyone, especially when they least expect it.”
Bolla said his winning combination was inspired by his mother — he chose the number 11 to represent her birth month. The timing made his victory even more meaningful, falling on the eve of Diwali, a festival symbolizing hope and prosperity. “Winning on such an auspicious occasion makes it even more meaningful,” he shared.
Scott Burton, Commercial Gaming Director at The UAE Lottery, congratulated Bolla on the historic win, saying it represents “a remarkable milestone for The UAE Lottery, reinforcing our mission to uplift people’s lives while delivering regulated, exciting, and fun lottery experiences.”
The same draw also produced 10 additional winners who each took home AED 100,000. Since its launch, The UAE Lottery has distributed more than AED 147 million in total prizes to over 100,000 winners.
