Luck of the Draw: Indian Expat Strikes Gold in UAE Lottery

An Abu Dhabi-based technician’s decision to use significant family dates has secured him a Dh30 million jackpot, marking another major win for the Indian expatriate community.

ABU DHABI — An Indian expatriate living in Abu Dhabi has become the latest recipient of a life-changing windfall, claiming the Dh30 million (approximately $8.1 million) grand prize in the latest draw by The UAE Lottery. Sunil Kumar Sadasivan, a 52-year-old maintenance technician originally from Kerala, matched all seven winning numbers in the "Lucky Day" draw held on July 1, 2026.

The announcement, made by lottery organizers on Monday, July 13, confirms Sadasivan as the second person to claim the Dh30 million grand prize within a five-week span. He plans to share the massive jackpot with a friend and colleague with whom he had recently begun purchasing tickets.

A Win Guided by Sentiment

Rather than relying on random number generation, Sadasivan revealed that his winning strategy was deeply personal. He opted to use a combination of birth dates significant to his family: his own, his wife’s, and his seven-year-old daughter’s.

"I thought, 'why not use the dates that matter most to me?' I started with my daughter's birthday, then added mine, then my wife's birthday," Sadasivan said. The decision to use these dates was particularly poignant, as his daughter’s birth came after 12 years of hope and medical treatments, making the numerical sequence a symbol of the family's long-term perseverance.

Plans for the Future

For Sadasivan, who has worked in the UAE for years, the win offers a chance to secure his family’s future and give back to his community. According to official statements from the lottery organizers, his primary goals include:

• Educational Security: Funding his daughter’s future education with the specific dream of seeing her become a doctor.

• Philanthropy: Utilizing a portion of the winnings to build homes for individuals in his community who currently lack housing.

• Retirement: Taking a well-deserved break from his long career as a maintenance technician to focus on family life.

"We come from an ordinary family, so we believe we should do whatever we can for other people," Sadasivan noted regarding his philanthropic plans.

Growing List of UAE Lottery Millionaires

The "Lucky Day" draw, which follows a calendar-based format, has seen a surge in popularity since its introduction. Participants select six numbers from a "day" pool of 31 and one number from a "month" pool of 12.

Sadasivan is the third individual to secure a grand prize since The UAE Lottery’s inception in December 2024. His success follows the victory of Nepalese security guard Tayab Khan, who shared a Dh30 million jackpot with four friends in late May 2026. Prior to the prize adjustment in April, another Indian resident, Anilkumar Bolla, made headlines in October 2025 by winning the lottery’s inaugural Dh100 million jackpot.

Why It Matters

This win highlights the continued appeal of regulated, transparent gaming platforms among the UAE’s large expatriate population. For many, these lotteries represent a slim but life-altering possibility to achieve financial independence. The story of Sadasivan—a hardworking technician prioritizing family and community—has resonated widely, serving as a reminder of the significant impact these windfalls have on the lives of ordinary workers in the region.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Jackpot Amount: Dh30 million ($8.1 million).

• Winner: Sunil Kumar Sadasivan, 52, a maintenance technician from Kerala, India.

• Winning Strategy: Numbers based on family birth dates.

• Lottery Platform: The UAE Lottery (Lucky Day Draw #260701).

• Precedent: Third grand prize winner for the platform since December 2024.

FAQ

How are the numbers chosen in the Lucky Day draw?

Players select six numbers (1–31) to represent a "day" and one number (1–12) to represent a "month." All seven numbers must match to win the grand prize.

Are there other winners in the UAE Lottery?

Yes, the lottery also awards a Dh5 million second prize and multiple Dh50,000 "Lucky Chance" prizes in each draw.

Who is eligible to play?

The lottery is open to all UAE residents aged 18 and older who register through the official website.

Source: Gulf News, The National, UAE Lottery Official Site