Meet Mohammed: Emirates Loto’s first winner

By DG Staff

DUBAI 23 April 2020: Dubai resident Mohammed Khalid was declared the winner of the Dh350,000 cash prize in Emirates Loto’s inaugural draw last weekend, being the only collectible buyer to match five out of six numbers in the draw, but still earning him his big cash winnings.

A telecommunications engineer who moved from his native India to Dubai over two decades ago, his family was in disbelief when the winning numbers were first announced. “We were shocked when we saw that our numbers matched and were unsure if this was really happening,” explained Mohammed. “Only when Emirates Loto called us to confirm did we truly know that we won!”

Mohammed has already planned where his winnings will go. A married man with three sons – one of which is in Canada and unable to return for the time being because of the current situation – Mohammed will split his earnings between his family and a cause that’s close to his heart.

“I intend to donate a big part of my prize to the ’10 million Ramadan meals’ campaign, recently announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum,” said Mohammed. “I’m finally in a place where I can help others, and I hope that I can bring happiness to others as this has brought to me.”

“At Emirates Loto, we are in the business of changing lives,” said Paul Sebestyen, CEO. “We are delighted we were able to change the life of Mohammed Khalid and his family, and thanks to his own generosity, he will also change the lives of others. This is truly what we stand for.”

The next Emirates Loto live draw will take place on Saturday, 25 April. As this falls during Ramadan, the draw will move to 10 pm throughout the month.