Magesh Kumar Natarajan from Ambur, Tamil Nadu, India, made history as the first international grand prize winner of the FAST5 Grand Prize, securing Dh25,000 every month for a quarter-century. He is also the first recipient outside the UAE to clinch this grand honor.
The 49-year-old project manager recalls the surreal experience of verifying his win on the app and subsequently receiving the confirmation call from the Emirates Draw team. “I couldn’t believe my eyes; it was indeed one of the most joyous moments of my life,” Magesh shared.
His chance introduction to the Emirates Draw occurred during a trip to Dubai, amid a four-year work stint in Saudi Arabia that concluded earlier this year. Intrigued by the draw’s popularity, Magesh decided to partake, hoping for a stroke of luck.
Upon reflecting on his newfound fortune, Magesh has noble aspirations: “It’s imperative for me to give back to the community. I also aim to invest in my daughters’ education, ensuring a prosperous future for them.”
Magesh also lauded the Emirates Draw’s commitment to the Coral Reef Restoration Programme, emphasizing his belief in the draw’s positive communal impact.
Mohammad Behroozian Alawadhi, Managing Partner at Emirates Draw, commented on the win, “This marks another significant milestone in FAST5’s journey. We don’t just host games; we are dedicated to positively impacting lives worldwide.”