Dubai’s Dh1 million lottery: Filipina mum will not sleep hungry after winning jackpot

Nina Elmina Sanchez wins after sending Dh186 to her father

Nina Elmina Sanchez, 32,  is a hotel receptionist who won Dh1 million from Al Ansari Exchange Rewards. Courtesy: Al Ansari Exchange 

A single mum from the Philippines who used to send almost all of her salary back home to support her family won Dh1 million.

Nina Elmina Sanchez, 32, entered a raffle draw by Al Ansari Exchange after wiring Dh186 to her elderly father.

The reward programme allows customers who are sending money back home to enter a draw to win the jackpot, luxury cars and other prizes.

Ms Sanchez, who moved to Dubai a year ago to work as a hotel receptionist, said the prize will significantly improve their lives.

She earns about Dh2,000 a month and supports her 12-year-old son and her parents, who live in the Philippines and rely on her income.

"There were times when I sent nearly all of my salary back home," Ms Sanchez told The National.

“I wouldn’t have any money left and would rely on my sister and cousin here to help me. But, now everything is going to change. It still feels like a dream – I cannot believe it.

“Sometimes, I would have to sleep hungry, but my family and friends here did really help me.”

Ms Sanchez was at work when she received the call that she had won, but thought it was a prank call.

She was announced as the winner in a live stream on Tuesday.

Ms Sanchez will put part of the funds in savings to secure her son’s education.

Winner of Abu Dhabi’s Dh20 million jackpot to share fortune with colleagues

Last week, an Indian man in Oman struck lucky with a Dh20 million jackpot from Abu Dhabi's Big Ticket raffle.

He is splitting the prize with seven of his colleagues, with each receiving Dh2.5 million.

Abdussalam NV, 28, will use his slice of the big-money haul to support charity, save for his children’s education and expand his business.

The windfall is just the latest good news for Mr NV, whose wife recently gave birth. He has yet to see his new son because his wife travelled to India for the delivery, but is eager to meet him.

The family man was in danger of missing out on his dream win when organisers were unable to contact him. Mr NV had provided two incorrect phone numbers when buying the raffle ticket.

Its organisers appealed for help and he was declared the winner on January 3 after colleagues spotted the plea.

Gallery: How would you spend Dh20m?