A Filipina expatriate living in Dubai has become the first female millionaire from The UAE Lottery after winning Dh5 million in the Lucky Day Draw. Zenn Ariane Garceles, 38, who has lived in the United Arab Emirates for 13 years, revealed how the unexpected windfall came as a surprise.
Garceles, a former dental assistant, regularly participated in The UAE Lottery’s Lucky Day Draws since the initiative’s inception and occasionally tried other games, including Scratch Cards. Her winning ticket was an Easy Pick, where the numbers are randomly generated rather than personally selected.
The moment of discovery came after she saw on Instagram that a Dh5 million prize had been claimed. Curious, Garceles logged into her lottery account and was met with a congratulatory message confirming her Dh5 million Second Prize win. She described the experience as “unforgettable.”
Since relocating to Dubai over a decade ago, Garceles has established her family in the city, meeting her husband and raising their children there. Her deep connection to the UAE was evident as she shared that the country has been “amazing” for her and her family life.
The UAE Lottery, which holds its Lucky Day Draw twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, offers a Dh30 million Grand Prize and a Dh5 million Second Prize, among other prize levels. Garceles is now part of a growing roster of winners that have emerged from the lottery since its launch.
Following her win, Garceles immediately informed her closest family members, including a phone call to her father in the Philippines. She hopes to use the prize to facilitate a family visit and provide new opportunities for her relatives.
Her plans for the winnings include investing in her children’s education, exploring various business ventures, and purchasing a car for her husband. When asked about personal purchases, Garceles emphasized that her greatest satisfaction comes from sharing the prize with her loved ones and seeing their happiness, rather than acquiring material items for herself.