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Anilkumar Bolla, a 29-year-old Indian national and long-time resident of Abu Dhabi, became the first-ever winner of the Dhs100,000,000 grand prize in The UAE Lottery, officials announced.
Bolla struck gold in The UAE Lottery’s 23rd Lucky Day Draw #251018, held on Saturday, October 18. At the time of the draw, he was at home when he received the call from The UAE Lottery.
Bolla said he was “completely shocked and overjoyed,” adding he first shared the news with a colleague before calling his brother in India.
“This win is beyond my wildest dreams,” Bolla said. “When I received a call from The UAE Lottery, I thought it was surreal. I kept asking them to repeat the message. It took time to sink in, and even today, I still can’t believe my new reality.”
Bolla said he plans to buy a supercar, spend a month at a seven-star hotel, and carefully plan investments. “My win is proof that hope and luck can align for anyone, especially when they least expect it,” he added.
The winning numbers were a mix of chance and personal significance. Bolla combined an Easy Pick from the “Days set” and the number 11 from the “Months set” to honour his mother’s birthday. The win coincided with the eve of Diwali, the Indian festival of lights. “It feels like an exceptional blessing,” Bolla said. “Winning on such an auspicious occasion makes it even more meaningful.”
UAE Lottery: Other winners
The draw also celebrated 10 other winners, each taking home Dhs100,000.
Since its launch, The UAE Lottery has awarded over 200 winners of Dhs100,000, with more than 100,000 players claiming prizes totaling over Dhs147m.
“First, congratulations to Anilkumar on this phenomenal win,” said Scott Burton, commercial gaming director at The UAE Lottery. “The Dhs100,000,000 prize will not only change his life but also signifies a remarkable milestone for The UAE Lottery, reinforcing our mission to uplift people’s lives while delivering regulated, exciting, and fun lottery experiences.”
Regulated by the GCGRA, The UAE Lottery is known for guaranteed prizes and responsible play.
