Filipina becomes UAE Lottery's first female millionaire with Dh5m win

A Filipina expat living in the United Arab Emirates has become the first woman to win the UAE Lottery’s top prize, securing Dh5 million ($1.3 million). Zenn Ariane Garceles, who chose her numbers randomly, learned of her win while browsing social media and saw a post about a recent lottery winner. She immediately checked her account and discovered a confirmation message stating she had claimed the prize. Garceles arrived in the UAE over a decade ago, leaving behind her career as a dental assistant in the Philippines to begin anew in Dubai. It was there that she met her husband and started a family. “My life in the UAE has been amazing. I met my husband here and built my family here,” she said. She has been playing the Lucky Day Draw since its inception, occasionally participating in other games like Scratch Cards. Following the win, Garceles contacted her father in the Philippines and expressed her desire to invite him to Dubai for a visit. Her immediate plans include investing in her children’s education, exploring opportunities to start a business, and purchasing a car for her husband. “I can’t really think of what I would buy for myself, because I am happy knowing that I can share it with my family,” she said. She also hopes to eventually purchase a home in Dubai, a city she considers vital to her future. Garceles emphasized the importance of managing the winnings responsibly. “We should all be responsible in every aspect of our lives, especially with money,” she said. “When you spend it, be wise. Do not go beyond your limit.” The UAE Lottery’s largest single jackpot remains the Dh100 million win secured by Anilkumar Bolla, an Indian expatriate working in Abu Dhabi. Bolla matched all seven numbers in the 23rd Lucky Day Draw on October 18 of last year. As he was the sole winner, the prize remained unclaimed in subsequent draws, leading to changes in the lottery structure weeks later. The Grand Prize was subsequently reduced from Dh100 million to Dh30 million, with draws now occurring twice weekly. A new Dh5 million Second Prize was introduced, which Garceles won. The first winner under this new format was Tayab Khan, a Nepalese security guard in Abu Dhabi, who shared his Dh30 million win with four friends in May. The UAE Lottery operates under strict regulations set by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority. The Lucky Day Draw occurs every Wednesday and Saturday, offering a Dh30 million Grand Prize, a Dh5 million Second Prize, along with additional prize tiers. Garceles' win marks a significant milestone for the UAE Lottery, highlighting the diverse participation of expatriates in the region. Her story reflects the aspirations and dreams of many who seek a better life abroad, often finding success through chance and perseverance. The UAE Lottery continues to attract participants from various nationalities, contributing to the country's vibrant multicultural fabric. With each draw, the lottery not only offers financial rewards but also serves as a symbol of opportunity and hope for many residents. As Garceles begins to navigate her newfound wealth, her focus remains on her family and long-term goals. Her journey from a dental assistant in the Philippines to a lottery millionaire in the UAE underscores the unpredictable nature of life and the potential for transformation through luck and hard work.