First Emirates Loto winner vows to help those in need

The first winner of the Emirates lottery has vowed to share his Dh350,000 cash prize with those in need during Ramadan.

Mohammed Khalid from Dubai said he would help support a  campaign to provide 10 million free meals during the holy month.

The telecommunications engineer, from India, matched five of the six numbers in the inaugural draw last Saturday.

He said he and his family watched in disbelief as their numbers were called out on TV.

“We were shocked when we saw that our numbers matched and were unsure if this was really happening,” he said.

“Only when Emirates Loto called us to confirm did we truly know that we won.”

Last week's Dh35 million jackpot went unclaimed, with Mr Khalid's win the biggest.

The father-of-three said he would share the prize between his family and the 10 million Ramadan meals campaign, which was recently announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

“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,” said Mr Khalid.

Anyone over the age of 18 in the UAE or abroad can take part in the Emirates Loto.

Players can purchase cards for Dh35 either on the lottery's website, through the app, or at Choithrams supermarkets.

Each card allows the buyer to generate six numbers (1-49) through the Emirates Loto website or app.

Three matches will give a player free entry into the next draw, four matches wins Dh300 and five matches Dh350,000.

If all six numbers match, the buyer can win a share of a minimum jackpot of Dh35m, which is divided equally among all winners.

The next Emirates Loto draw will take place on Saturday, April 25, at 10pm.

The jackpot figure will rise to Dh40m as last week's prize is rolled over.

“At Emirates Loto, we are in the business of changing lives,” said chief executive Paul Sebestyen.

“We are delighted we were able to change the life of Mohammed Khalid and his family.

"Thanks to his own generosity, he will also change the lives of others. This is truly what we stand for.”