Indian cab driver in Dubai wins Rs 24 lakh lottery after 25 years in the UAE

After spending more than two decades driving on Dubai’s busy roads, an Indian expat has finally hit a lucky turn. Basheer Kaipurath, a 57-year-old driver from Kerala who has lived in the UAE for 25 years, has won Dh100,000 (around ₹24 lakh) in the Big Ticket e-draw, according to a report by Gulf News.

The win came last month and ended a two-year streak of buying lottery tickets every single month, hoping for a breakthrough moment.

Also Read- Bihar STET Result

Ticket number that changed everything

Basheer struck gold with ticket number 276640. For the past two years, he had been regularly purchasing Big Ticket entries, quietly holding on to the belief that his luck would eventually change. This time, it did.

When the show host Richard called him with the news, Basheer could barely believe what he was hearing.

“Dh100,000? I have won?” he asked, clearly stunned.

Even after the confirmation, disbelief lingered. “Yes, I bought a Big Ticket. Dh100,000, eh?” he repeated, almost to reassure himself.

From disbelief to joy

As the reality of the win slowly sank in, Basheer’s hesitation gave way to happiness.

“Okay, thank you. I am very happy,” he said.

For a man who has spent years behind the wheel, the unexpected prize brought a rare pause, and a smile.

Basheer said he plans to use part of the prize money to support his family back in India. He also has no plans to stop trying his luck.

He intends to continue participating in the Big Ticket draws, hopeful that fortune might smile on him again.

Another big Indian win in the UAE

Basheer’s story adds to a growing list of Indians winning big in Middle East lotteries. Just months earlier, a 29-year-old Indian man made headlines after winning the UAE’s record ₹240-crore lottery, the largest prize ever awarded in the country.

The draw took place on October 18 during the 23rd Lucky Day event. The winner beat odds of over 1 in 8.8 million to claim the historic jackpot.

Identified as Anilkumar Bolla Madhavrao Bolla, he described being “in shock” after learning about the life-changing win.

For Basheer Kaipurath, the prize may be smaller, but the moment is just as meaningful — proof that patience, persistence, and a little luck can still surprise you after 25 long years.