Dubai: An Indian expat in Sharjah has revealed how he discovered he had won Dh5 million in The UAE Lottery just five days before turning 60.
The UAE Lottery on Monday revealed the full identity of the winner, Kishore, who had secured the second prize in the draw held on Saturday, October 3.
The lottery operator said the winner is Kishore Pandurang Rao who first arrived in the UAE in 1993 and has called it home for over three decades.
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Two milestones, one week
He had two reasons to celebrate in the same week earlier this month: his 60th birthday on October 8 and a life-changing prize from the draw held on Saturday, October 3.
Kishore matched all six numbers in the "Days" section of Lucky Day Draw No. 261003, taking the second prize. He missed the Dh30 million grand prize by one number, as the Months number, 10, did not match his ticket.
His Dh50 ticket was bought on The UAE Lottery platform and generated using Easy Pick, and the numbers were drawn live on a Saturday evening.
It is the latest second-prize win in the Lucky Day game since its countrywide rollout. Gulf News was the first to reveal his first name, when the UAE Lottery identified him as Kishore**R** just hours after the draw.
Family first
Kishore had initially struggled to believe the news when he saw his name reported as a winner. He then checked his account and confirmed the result.
“I saw my name in the news, but I couldn't believe it was me. Then I checked my account and realized it was true!” he had said earlier.
He has now revealed that he initially kept the news to himself even after confirming the win.
The first person he eventually told was his wife. She was very excited, but the couple kept the news within a very small circle while they took in what had happened.
For Kishore, family is now at the centre of what comes next. Having spent extended periods living apart, he is looking forward to bringing his loved ones together to the UAE and spending more time with them.
“Especially my wife,” Kishore said when asked who he most wanted to share the moment with. “Together, we share our ups and downs. Now this opportunity has come, so I have to share it with her, and with my children.”
Golden Visa and world tour
Having spent extended periods living apart from his family, Kishore is looking forward to bringing his loved ones together in the UAE and spending more time with them.
The win also brings a long-held wish within reach. "I always hoped that one day I would get a Golden Visa. I kept thinking that one day I'd get one. Now I have a chance to apply for a Golden Visa, and that's something I'd really like," he said.
Kishore, who has lived across Dubai, Ajman, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi since 1993, also wants to see more of the world. "My goal is that I have to travel around the world," he said.
"I have to see those places with my wife, because she is fond of travelling as well." He is considering a number of longer-term plans for his family, while taking his time to decide what comes next.
Amid the excitement, Kishore stressed the importance of playing responsibly. "Everyone should know their own limits," he said. "They should set a limit on how much they spend."
The UAE Lottery said it remains committed to responsible gaming and a safe, transparent and regulated experience for all participants. All its games are regulated by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).