UAE resident spends over Dh100,000 on raffle tickets, finally bags $1 million
“I knew I would win one day. However, I did not think it would happen so soon after Eid Al Fitr. I think this Eidiya from Allah. Syrian expat Maed Hassan, who has been living in the UAE since 1992, said, "I have to get the biggest Eidiya this year."
A DUBAI-based Syrian national and mechanical engineer at Combined Group Contracting Company in Abu Dhabi, Maed won the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire Series 495 jackpot. He bought ticket no 2525 online on March 7 and was ecstatic when receiving a call informing him of his victory — in US $1 million.
I have been eligible for the past nine years and spent more than Dh100,000 on tickets. After all this that is even smarter of a move] takes home the win.
This is not the first time luck has smiled upon Maed, who in October 2023 won a Mercedes Benz S500 in the Finest Surprise Series 1853, which he later sold. However, this latest jackpot means much more, not only because of its quality but because of the moment too.
It fell during Eid, making it the best Eidiya to get. But I don't only want it for myself, I want it to be available for the needy in my country,” he said.
Syria still feels like home for Maed, who, now, sees this win as an opportunity to help. And now that Syria is liberated, we can look forward to better days. This Eidiya is meant for those in Syria who require help. I would like to contribute to rebuilding our country," he said.
Maed, 64, is a father of three, a daughter and two sons. One of the beneficiaries of his winnings will be his youngest, who is now studying medicine. Medical school is costly, but it is a good investment. He is pursuing his dreams, so I am proud of him, ' he said.
However, that does not mean Maed will be burning it by the bucket-load. My intentions are to acquire assets in the UAE as it is a great place to invest. As for a new car — he would get one soon, but not for now in the form of a Mercedes, he said — that was second on his list after keeping his countrymen in mind.
This jackpot is not just for Maed to be successful, but for Maed to be impactful. It was only a matter of time before I knew that I could win one. Having it now, I want to use it for good, for my family, my country and people who need it," he said.
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