The widower from Kerala has three children, including twins.

Dubai resident Yohannan Simon first thought it was a prank call but was dumbstruck when organisers congratulated him after reading out the winning number of the Abu Dhabi Big Ticket Dh10 million raffle draw on Friday.

"I was totally surprised by the call. I first thought it was fake but then I realised that I am actually the winner of the draw. This is great. I am very happy. God has blessed me after 13 years in the UAE with Dh10 million."

Simon had bought the ticket online on July 8. On the previous three occasions, he and his friends had bought the tickets. This time, he purchased it on his own and will pocket all the money. The Indian expat, who started his business in Dubai recently, hopes to expand it further with his winnings. He has already made plans to donate an amount to charity back home in Kerala.

Simon, a widower with three children, said: "Never lose hope, keep trying. One day it will be your time to shine."

Jayson Baloloy from the Philippines won a Land Rover in the car draw. A Syrian expat picked up a consolation prize, while all the other winners are from India. The next draw is for Dh12 million on September 3, and tickets can be bought online at www.bigticket.ae.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com