(Image source from: x.com/theuaelottery)
A 29-year-old man from India, residing in Abu Dhabi, has won the first-ever Dh100 million (over Rs 240 crore) jackpot from the UAE Lottery. Anilkumar Bolla claimed the grand prize during the 23rd Lucky Day Draw that took place on October 18.
The UAE Lottery posted a video of Anilkumar's interview on X. The caption stated, "From waiting to celebrating, this is the announcement that changed everything! Anilkumar Bolla has won AED 100 million! A Lucky Day we will always remember. For Anilkumar, October 18 was not just a regular day; it marked a big change in his life. A new life has begun, highlighting what can happen when you DareToImagine. Congratulations, Anilkumar!" The video showed him enjoying his lottery win, surrounded by golden confetti and receiving the ceremonial check. He explained why he picked his lucky ticket and how he felt upon receiving the news. "I didn't do any special trick; I just chose the Easy Pick.... The last number has a special meaning. It's my mom's birthday," he shared.
From anticipation to celebration, this is the reveal that changed everything!
— The UAE Lottery (@theuaelottery) October 27, 2025
Anilkumar Bolla takes home AED 100 Million! A Lucky Day we’ll never forget.
For Anilkumar, Oct. 18 wasn’t just another day, it was the day that changed everything.
A life transformed, and a reminder… pic.twitter.com/uzCtR38eNE
Regarding the moment he found out he won, Anilkumar said, "I was astonished. I sat on the couch and just felt that, yes, I actually won." The Indian expatriate revealed his plans to use the winnings wisely. "I thought about how I should invest this money and spend it wisely. After winning this money, I felt like I have wealth. Now, I need to focus my thoughts properly, and I want to achieve something significant." He expressed his desire to purchase a supercar and celebrate at an upscale resort or seven-star hotel. Nevertheless, his greatest wish is to create lasting memories with his family. "I just want to bring my family to the UAE and spend my life with them," he shared. The 29-year-old winner also intends to contribute some of his winnings to charity. He had words of encouragement for others who play the lottery, saying, "I believe everything occurs for a reason. I encourage every player to keep trying, and luck will find you one day."
Finally, he expressed gratitude to the UAE Lottery for giving him a "huge opportunity" and hoped it would continue to spread happiness to others in the future. In September, another Indian living in Dubai won the grand prize of 15 million United Arab Emirates Dirham (around Rs 35 crore) in the Abu Dhabi Big Ticket Series 278 draw. Sandeep Kumar Prasad, a 30-year-old technician at Dubai Drydocks, originally from Uttar Pradesh, has been residing in the UAE for three years.
