South African Expat in Dubai Wins Dh5 Million in UAE Lottery's Lucky Day Draw

Key facts

• Branden Tekram, a 39-year-old South African residing in Dubai, won Dh5 million in Lucky Day Draw No. 260429.
• The Dh30 million grand prize was not hit in Draw No. 260429 and carries forward.
• Three residents each won Dh50,000 through guaranteed Lucky Chance IDs: AK0911366, BJ3495530, and DL8882956.
• The winning Days numbers were 19, 11, 1, 31, 22, and 21; the Months number was 12.
• This is the second Dh5 million prize awarded in two months and the first time the second prize has been claimed in a Wednesday draw.
• The next UAE Lottery draw is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, following its updated twice-weekly schedule.
• All games are regulated by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).

A Life-Changing Win That Won't Change Plans

Branden Tekram, a 39-year-old South African expat living in Dubai, has won Dh5 million in the UAE Lottery's Lucky Day draw, marking the first time the second prize has been claimed in a Wednesday draw. The win, which occurred in Draw No. 260429, also represents the second Dh5 million prize awarded in just two months. Despite the life-altering sum, Tekram said his plans remain unchanged. "For us, the plans don't change. My wife is busy with a project, and this is actually going to help us realise that project, that dream of ours," he said. The moment felt surreal, he added: "We were in shock, but I told my wife, 'This is real.' All the time I would tell her, 'We are going to win it,' and I have manifested it into my life."

The Dh30 Million Jackpot Remains Unclaimed

While Tekram celebrated his Dh5 million prize, the most awaited Dh30 million grand prize went unclaimed in Draw No. 260429, as it had in the previous draw on Saturday, April 25. In that earlier draw, Draw No. 260425, the winning Days numbers were 30, 10, 2, 20, 29, and 5, with a Months number of 1. Neither the Dh30 million grand prize nor the Dh5 million second prize was won, causing both amounts to carry over to subsequent draws. Three residents in the Saturday draw each received Dh50,000 through the guaranteed Lucky Chance ID category, with winning IDs BQ4163531, BX4818391, and CN6427816. In the Wednesday draw, the Lucky Chance winners were AK0911366, BJ3495530, and DL8882956.

How the Lucky Day Draw Works

Lucky Day offers players the chance to win the Dh30 million grand prize, the Dh5 million second prize, and three guaranteed Dh50,000 Lucky Chance prizes in every draw. The third prize, worth Dh100,000, is awarded to participants who match five numbers from the 'Days' section and one from the 'Month' section. This prize category typically sees multiple winners each draw, but in both recent draws, no one claimed it. Show host Diala Makki congratulated winners after each draw, stating: "Congratulations to all our Lucky Day winners! What an incredible night it has been for all of us" and "What an amazing night it has been for each one of you."

Regulation and Responsible Gaming Commitment

The UAE Lottery said it remains committed to responsible gaming, ensuring a safe, transparent, and regulated experience for all participants. All games are fully regulated by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), which oversees the lottery's operations. This regulatory framework aims to provide a secure environment for players while maintaining the integrity of the draws.

What Comes Next: Twice-Weekly Draws

The UAE Lottery has updated its schedule to hold draws twice a week, giving participants more opportunities to win. The next draw is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, following the Wednesday draw on April 29. With the Dh30 million jackpot rolling over, anticipation is building for the upcoming draws. As the lottery continues to grow in popularity, residents across the UAE are checking their tickets, hoping to be the next big winner. For now, Branden Tekram's Dh5 million win stands as a testament to the life-changing possibilities the lottery offers, even as the grand prize remains elusive.

The bottom line

• Branden Tekram won Dh5 million in the UAE Lottery's Lucky Day draw, the first time the second prize was claimed on a Wednesday.
• The Dh30 million grand prize has rolled over twice, remaining unclaimed in both the Saturday and Wednesday draws.
• Three guaranteed Lucky Chance prizes of Dh50,000 each were awarded in both draws, with specific IDs published.
• The lottery is regulated by the GCGRA, ensuring a transparent and responsible gaming environment.
• Draws now occur twice weekly, with the next one on Saturday, May 2.