Now imagine you are sitting, relaxing, after a long day at the office, flipping through your phone, and then you discover you just became AED 100 million richer! This life changing situation became reality for Anilkumar Bolla, a 29-year-old Indian Expat living in Abu Dhabi. His remarkable win set new benchmarks in the regional gaming industry and quickly made headlines around the United Arab Emirates and all over the world.
This big news spread like wildfire among social media, filling the hearts of millions of ex-pats who aspire to change their lives in the Gulf region. Lotteries secondary draws and gaming announcements happen often, whereas a complete AED 100 million jackpot is a uncommon, historic event.
From a profile of the man on the winning ticket to insights into how to join the ranks of UAE millionaires in the lotteries the guide has it all.
Who is Anilkumar Bolla?
Anilkumar Bolla is an Indian expatriate and IT professional that was residing & working in Abu Dhabi when he hit the record breaking jack pot. Originally from the southern Indian state of Telangana, Anilkumar emigrated to the UAE for a better job, safety, and to enjoy a high standard of living.
In his fortunate days, Anilkumar was nothing but one among hundreds of thousands of hard-working South Asian expats in the UAE who spend their daily existence, support their families back home, and create a tranquil existence in the capital. He was limited in his ways of living, being close to his family and work hard.
As soon as the name was called out in the official raffle draw, Anilkumar Bolla was in the limelight and became a household name in the Emirates. One night he became the biggest jackpot winner in UAE history.
How Did Anilkumar Bolla Win the AED 100 Million Jackpot?
While each jackpot winner has their own story, Anilkumar’s triumph was fueled by his determination, consistent play, and emotional selection of numbers.
It went on to be a struggle for Anilkumar for almost a year while he resided in Abu Dhabi for about 18 months. He first played scratch cards and smaller draw format before he started playing the Lucky Day draw consistently, which is the player’s draw with 7 separate numbers.
Anilkumar bought 12 tickets for the historic draw. His selection was a combination of convenience and very personal. He used the automated random number feature in most of the numbers to his primary portfolio. He was especially drawn to 11 for the month he was to be picked in the draw. His mom’s birthday is in November, so he wanted to dedicate it to her with his entry.
That was a pivotal moment in his life. He had won all the numbers in his winning combination and won all the AED 100 million. The moment was even more special as the official draw came at the height of the holidays season, around Diwali.
Where is Anilkumar Bolla From and What is His Background?
Anilkumar Bolla hails from Telangana, India. Before relocating to Abu Dhabi, he spent his childhood in India, where he went to school, then got into the tech industry.
Many South Asians have moved to UAE due to the safety, security and career prospects. In interviews, Anilkumar emphasized that UAE’s safety, organization and friendly culture are the top factors he had in mind when deciding to plan his career here.
What Will Anilkumar Bolla Do With the Money?
While winning a sum of more than 240 Crore Indian Rupees can be a lot to handle, the man from Anilkumar showed a mature and family-oriented approach from the get-go.
Family is Anilkumar’s topmost priority. He promised to invest a lot of his money to come with his parents and his brother to the UAE, buying a huge house for them to live in together.
In his belief of thankfulness, Anilkumar officially revealed that he will be contributing a part of his windfall to charities. “It brings me real peace of mind when I’m able to share with those in real need,” he said.
He’s being realistic as he imagines buying a super car and indulging in a luxury staycation because it’s his own dreams. Anilkumar stated that he wouldn’t squander his money and would invest in a smart way for the financial security of future generations. Furthermore, he has decided to remain in the UAE for his future, continuing to grow and develop his future in Abu Dhabi.
What is the Biggest Lottery Win in UAE History?
The AED 100 million jackpot won by Anilkumar Bolla is the largest individual win in the UAE’s gaming history.
There are several popular regional draws over the years that have made many millionaires including Big Ticket Abu Dhabi, Mahzooz and Emirates Draw. But, a single player hitting a triple-digit million prize pool did set a new high for raffle jackpots in the area.
Anilkumar Bolla won the UAE’s biggest prize of AED 100 Million, which is about USD $27.2 Million or INR 240 Crore. As an Indian expatriate and IT professional in Abu Dhabi, he made it to the historic milestone by choosing a winning combination of the month 11 which is his mother’s birth month.
Can Expats Win the UAE Lottery?
Indeed, expatriates can participate and win the big prizes in UAE draws and jackpots. In fact, most of the big winners in the major regional games, such as Big Ticket Abu Dhabi, are expatriates residing in the UAE and surrounding GCC nations.
Participants are normally required to be at least 18 years old. The UAE residents as well as the international participants such as visitors or non-residents buying the tickets online can win based on the draw operating rules. The key benefit of winning a raffle draw in the UAE is that it is tax free at source, except for non-residents who may wish to look into the tax laws in their country of origin.
How to Participate in Big Ticket Abu Dhabi 2026
If you’re looking to be inspired and want to give it a go yourself, then Big Ticket Abu Dhabi is one of the longest running and most trusted raffle draws in the Middle East.
Visit official Big Ticket website or buy directly from authorized counters at Zayed International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport, and refrain from buying from third party reseller websites. You can choose how many tickets you want for the next monthly drawing and ensure you never miss out on a major prize with the Big Ticket promotions including their Buy 2 Get 1 Free scheme.
Enter your full legal name, passport, nationality and valid contact information, double checking all the information you enter as claims to prizes depend on matching your government-issued identification. Make payment by means of a legitimate credit or debit card, and then an official e-ticket with your raffle numbers will be sent to you right away. Last but not least, listen to the live broadcast, which takes place at the start of each month, on the official media channels and on the website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who won the AED 100 million UAE jackpot?
A1. Indian IT worker Anilkumar Bolla, 29, won the record AED 100 million prize.
Q2. What job does Anilkumar Bolla do in the UAE?
A2. Anilkumar Bolla is an Information Technology (IT) professional in Abu Dhabi.
Q3. Which numbers did Anilkumar Bolla choose to win?
A3. He chose a mix of automated Easy Pick numbers and the number 11 (his mother’s birth month).
Q4. Are lottery winnings in the UAE tax-free?
A4. Yes, the UAE does not tax lottery and/or raffle winnings at the source either as personal income tax or as capital gains tax.
Q5. How much does a Big Ticket Abu Dhabi ticket cost in 2026?
A5. Entry tickets are priced at AED 500 normally and special offer packages are often on offer for multiple tickets.
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