A school bus driver in Abu Dhabi and his friends won Dh100,000 in September's Big Ticket draw.
Riyas Parambathkandy, 45, has been participating in the raffle with 15 others since 2008 and this is their second big win together.
In 2012, the group's lucky ticket won them each a share of Dh40,000.
"I will share the prize with my friends, and with my cash portion, I will bring my wife and kids to Abu Dhabi for a two-month vacation," said the father of three.
"We will continue buying the Big Ticket, and I am sure that one day we will win the grand prize."
Also walking away with Dh100,000 is fellow Abu Dhabi resident of 17 years Bimlesh Yadav, 48, who will share his winnings with 17 others.
"Every month, one of us goes to Abu Dhabi airport to purchase a Big Ticket, it's a lucky place for us. I am very happy," he said.
Two more people claimed prizes of Dh100,000 in this month's e-draws. Shea Mithila and Babin Urath were both lucky enough to win the money, although it was not explained whether they too would share their winnings with others.
Participants who buy raffle tickets are automatically entered into a weekly electronic draw which distributes Dh400,000 in prize money to four winners. Prizes range up to Dh15 million, which will be drawn on October 3.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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The first Soroptimists club was founded in Oakland, California in 1921. The name comes from the Latin word soror which means sister, combined with optima, meaning the best.
The organisation said its name is best interpreted as ‘the best for women’.
Since then the group has grown exponentially around the world and is officially affiliated with the United Nations. The organisation also counts Queen Mathilde of Belgium among its ranks.
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Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
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- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
