A Nepali security guard residing in Abu Dhabi has made history as the first winner of The UAE Lottery's Lucky Day grand prize under its current jackpot format. What began as a routine check of his email turned into a life-altering Dh30 million windfall for Tayab Khan and his four friends.
Discovery of the Win
Khan, 26, relocated to the United Arab Emirates four years ago in pursuit of improved opportunities. Earlier this week, he stumbled upon an email notification that a lottery ticket he had purchased jointly with four companions had secured the top prize. Each member of the group is now set to receive Dh6 million.
Initially, Khan paid scant attention to the email, as he had previously received messages about smaller winnings. "I thought it was another small win," he recounted. "When I opened the email and saw Dh30 million, I couldn't believe it. My whole body was shaking."
Group Lottery Strategy
The winning ticket was part of a longstanding arrangement among five friends who regularly pooled their funds to participate in the lottery. The group began buying tickets in early 2024 after Khan discovered the UAE Lottery online and proposed they try their luck collectively.
Rather than relying on a single individual, the friends rotated the responsibility of selecting numbers each week. While they occasionally won smaller prizes by matching several numbers, the jackpot had remained out of reach until now.
First Call to Family
Khan revealed that the first person he contacted after confirming the win was his uncle in Nepal, whom he credits with facilitating his move to the UAE and helping him build a life abroad. "He has always supported me like a father," Khan said. "When I told him how much we had won, he was speechless."
Plans for the Prize
Despite the life-changing payout, Khan emphasized that his priorities remain centered on family. His foremost goal is to construct a new home for relatives in Nepal, an aspiration he had harbored long before striking the jackpot.
The 26-year-old also intends to invest a portion of his share and explore business opportunities after spending the past four years as an employee. Additionally, he admitted to a few personal ambitions he now hopes to fulfill, including purchasing a Mahindra Thar and a Rolex watch.
Impact on All Winners
Khan expressed that the prize will transform the lives of all five winners, each of whom faces distinct responsibilities and milestones. "One friend has been away from his family for years, another recently got married, and another has just become a father," he noted. "I'm happy that this win will help all of us."
The story of Tayab Khan and his friends serves as a testament to the power of collective effort and the unexpected turns life can take.
