A 29-year-old Indian man living in Abu Dhabi has become the first-ever winner of the UAE Lottery’s historic Dh100 million (over ₹240 crore) jackpot. Anilkumar Bolla, the lucky winner, struck gold in the 23rd Lucky Day Draw held on October 18, 2025, marking a milestone moment for the lottery and for Indian expatriates across the Gulf.
Life-changing moment for Indian expat
The UAE Lottery shared a video of the winner’s reaction on X (formerly Twitter), showing Anilkumar celebrating as he was showered with golden confetti while receiving the ceremonial cheque. The caption read, “From anticipation to celebration, this is the reveal that changed everything! Anilkumar Bolla takes home AED 100 Million! A Lucky Day we’ll never forget.”
For Anilkumar, who has been working and living in Abu Dhabi for several years, October 18 was a date that transformed his life forever. He shared that his winning ticket was chosen through the “Easy Pick” option, with the final number inspired by his mother’s birthday.
“I haven’t done any magic or something, so I just chose the Easy Pick,” he said. “The last number is very special. It’s my mum’s birthday.”
‘I was in shock’: Anilkumar recalls his reaction
Describing the life-changing moment, Anilkumar said he was at home when he discovered the result. “I was in shock. I was sitting on the sofa, and I’m just feeling that, yes, I won it,” he recalled, still processing the enormity of the win.
While many would rush to splurge on luxuries, Anilkumar expressed his intent to handle the fortune with responsibility. “I was just thinking about how I need to invest this amount, spend it in the right way. After winning this amount, I felt like I have money. Now, I need to work on my thoughts in the right way, and I want to do something big.”
Plans for the future: Supercar, family time, and giving back
Though he dreams of buying a supercar and celebrating at a luxurious resort or seven-star hotel, Anilkumar’s deepest wish is to spend time with his family. “I just want to take my family to the UAE, and I want to enjoy my whole life staying with them,” he said with a smile.
He also revealed his intention to donate a portion of his winnings to charitable causes. “I believe that everything happens for a reason. I suggest each and every player to keep playing, and for sure, one day luck will come to you,” he advised fellow lottery participants.
At the end of his message, Anilkumar expressed heartfelt gratitude to the UAE Lottery for creating “a very big opportunity” that transformed his life overnight. “I hope it continues to bring happiness to more people,” he added.
Another Indian wins big in September draw
This historic win follows another major victory by an Indian expatriate just a month earlier. In September, 30-year-old Sandeep Kumar Prasad, a technician from Uttar Pradesh working at Dubai Drydocks, won AED 15 million (approximately ₹35 crore) in the Abu Dhabi Big Ticket Series 278 draw.
The growing list of Indian winners in UAE lotteries highlights the increasing participation of expatriates in the Gulf’s booming raffle industry, which has awarded life-changing fortunes to several Indian nationals over the past few years.
Conclusion
Anilkumar Bolla’s Dh100 million win marks a record-breaking moment for the UAE Lottery and offers hope to countless dreamers who continue to test their luck. His story stands as a reminder that fortune can strike anyone, anywhere — sometimes guided by nothing more than a mother’s birthday and a little faith.