A 29-year-old man from Kerala, Anilkumar Bolla, has created history in the United Arab Emirates by winning the country’s largest-ever lottery jackpot — a staggering 100 million dirhams, equivalent to nearly ₹240 crore. The Abu Dhabi resident became an overnight multimillionaire after matching all seven winning numbers in the 23rd Lucky Day Draw, overcoming odds of roughly one in 8.8 million. According to Dubai-based media reports, this marks the biggest payout ever awarded in the UAE’s lottery history.
Bolla, who has lived and worked in Abu Dhabi for several years, said that he selected his ticket using the Easy Pick option, a feature that automatically generates random number combinations for players. However, he made one special choice — the number 11 — to honour his mother’s birthday, a decision that turned out to be life-changing. He had purchased 12 tickets in a single transaction, each costing Dh50 (around ₹1,285). When the results were announced, Bolla was at home, relaxing, unaware that his life was about to change forever. Soon after, he received a phone call from the UAE Lottery officials confirming that he had won the record-breaking prize.
In a video shared by the organisers, Bolla described his disbelief and joy upon learning the news. “I was in shock. I was sitting on the sofa when I got the call, and I just couldn’t believe it. I felt like I was dreaming,” he said, recalling the moment he realised he had become a multimillionaire. A regular participant in the draw since its inception, Bolla said that winning the grand prize has not only brought immense happiness but also a renewed sense of purpose. “After winning this amount, I realised I have money. Now I want to work on my thoughts in the right way and do something meaningful,” he said.
Following his extraordinary win, Bolla has outlined plans to focus on his family’s well-being and contribute to society. His foremost wish is to fulfil his parents’ lifelong dreams and bring them to the UAE to live with him. He also intends to purchase a luxury car and celebrate his success at a seven-star resort, marking the occasion grandly. Speaking about his family, Bolla expressed deep gratitude and love, saying, “My parents have always had small dreams, and I want to fulfil every one of them. I want to take care of them for the rest of my life.”
Beyond personal goals, Bolla has also pledged to give back to the community. He has committed to donating a portion of his winnings to charity, driven by the belief that helping others brings true happiness. “I do have a plan to donate some of the money. I believe donations reach those who really need them, and that gives me peace and satisfaction,” he said.
Offering advice to fellow lottery players, Bolla urged them to remain hopeful and persistent. “I believe everything happens for a reason. I suggest everyone keep playing and believing — one day, luck will come to you,” he said with optimism.
Since its launch, the UAE Lottery has produced more than 200 winners of Dh100,000 prizes, and over 100,000 participants have collectively claimed around Dh147 million. However, Bolla’s win stands out as a defining moment, marking not just a personal triumph but a milestone in the lottery’s history. From an ordinary expatriate to a multimillionaire, his story embodies the rare fusion of luck, faith, and gratitude — and serves as a reminder that even the smallest choices, like picking a number for a loved one, can change a life forever.
