Raffle draws in the UAE have evolved over the years, becoming more accessible to residents with prizes ranging from gold bars and luxury cars to life-changing cash rewards. Today, you can participate in these exciting draws by spending as little as Dh5, making dreams of winning big more attainable than ever.
Shop-and-Win Raffles: A Staple of Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF)
The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) has become synonymous with grand raffles offering prizes that turn dreams into reality. Over the years, DSF has awarded winners with gold, luxury cars, and massive cash rewards.
In past editions of DSF, mega raffle draws required participants to purchase tickets priced at Dh200. However, the introduction of platforms like Dream Dubai has made participating in these raffles more affordable. Shopping cards starting at Dh5 now allow anyone to enter draws for prizes like a luxury car, Dh3 million in cash, and 100g gold.
Newcomers and Longtime Participants Share Their Experiences
For first-time participants like Reema Khan, a resident of Al Nahda, Sharjah, the DSF raffles offered an exciting opportunity to try her luck.
“I’ve heard so much about the amazing raffles during DSF, so I decided to try it this year,”
said Khan.
“At Dream Dubai, I bought several shopping cards of various amounts. The surprising part is that one can get a card for as little as Dh5, which is such a small amount compared to the incredible prizes on offer.”
For longtime UAE residents like Nadia Hashim, participating in the DSF raffles has been an annual tradition for nearly two decades.
“I remember when DSF raffle tickets cost Dh200 in the early days. Back then, they were sold at Enoc petrol stations, and people would line up for hours just to buy one,”
she recalled.
“It was such an exciting and competitive atmosphere. Now, it’s so much more accessible.”
Raffle kits have also become more affordable and convenient, with options like Dh10 packs that include three tickets and vouchers, available directly from petrol station attendants.
The Enoc raffle, which runs from October 7 to January 12, continues to offer a wide range of prizes. So far, 70 winners have received Dh10,000 each, while 30 participants are set to win Dh100,000, and four others will claim Dh50,000. Additionally, one lucky winner each in November, December, and January will drive away in a brand-new car.
Discounted Raffle Tickets for Bigger Wins
Discounted tickets have also made raffles more accessible. Dubai Duty Free’s (DDF) ‘Finest Surprise’ raffle, known for luxury car prizes, used to be available only at airport lounges.
“Back in the day, if anyone was travelling, friends would give them money and ask them to buy a ticket,”
said Abdulla Hassan, a Dubai resident.
“I remember in the 1990s, a friend of mine won a Lexus, which he later sold for Dh300,000.”
The DDF Millennium Millionaire promotion, launched on December 20, 1999, has become iconic, offering a chance to win $1 million. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the promotion offered a 25-percent discount this year, selling out tickets within hours.
Vinod CK, a participant for over a decade, took advantage of the discount.
“I’ve won big once, and for many years, I’ve been buying tickets for Dh1,000,”
he said.
“This year, we pooled money to buy tickets, and thanks to the discount, we got two tickets for Dh787 each, including VAT.”
A Tradition of Hope and Excitement
Raffles in the UAE continue to draw enthusiastic participants, offering life-changing opportunities through more affordable and varied options. Whether it’s a Dh5 shopping card or a discounted luxury raffle ticket, there’s something for everyone dreaming of becoming the next lucky winner.
News Source: Khaleej Times
