The identity of the person who won the staggering Dh100-million jackpot on Saturday, October 18, has not yet been disclosed. Everyone is buzzing with anticipation, curious about the winner’s plans for this life-changing sum.
Winning such a fortune is more than just financial liberation—it’s a dream come true. However, without smart financial planning, this blessing can quickly turn into a curse due to poor investments, overspending, or falling victim to scams.
While winning the lottery is a matter of luck, managing the money wisely demands discipline and strategy. Take Junaid Rana, for example, who won a Dh50-million grand prize in the Mahzooz draw back in October 2021—the largest lottery prize in the Middle East at that time.
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Junaid, a Pakistani expat, was just 36 years old when he struck it big. Earning Dh6,000 a month as a corporate driver, he bought the winning ticket on a grocery trip, choosing numbers randomly (6, 11, 21, 32, 33, 46) rather than relying on anniversaries or birthdays.
When he found out he won, Junaid described the experience as if “the ground had fallen out from under my feet.” Two days later, Mahzooz introduced him to UAE-based reporters.
Though a bit nervous, Junaid was visibly thrilled and confidently answered journalists’ questions. He had fantasized for months about winning millions but never imagined buying luxury items. “I’m a simple man,” he said, “and I’m just happy.”
At the time, he had a Dh100,000 loan, which he paid off immediately, along with his brother’s loan. He even sponsored his barber’s wedding.
One of his first priorities was securing his family’s future. He purchased homes for his family in both Dubai and Pakistan.
Continuing to Win
Junaid’s good fortune didn’t stop there. After depositing his winnings in a UAE bank, he won a Mercedes AMG G63 G Wagon worth Dh1.36 million in 2022, his second luxury vehicle following his purchase of a Nissan GTR.
Junaid didn’t rely solely on lottery wins. He made wise investments that outperformed long-term bank deposits, owning real estate that generated over Dh50,000 monthly in rental income. He acquired multiple properties in Dubai and built a villa in Islamabad.
Two years ago, speaking to Khaleej Times, Junaid, a father of four, shared that he and his family lived in a four-bedroom townhouse in Al Furjan. “Securing my children’s future was my priority,” he said, investing in familiar businesses like a surgical supply company and a snooker club in Pakistan.
More Than a Boss
Junaid candidly shared the downsides of his newfound wealth. “I’ve given money to distant relatives, but some negatives remained,” he noted, choosing to focus on positivity.
Despite his wealth, Junaid stayed humble. He felt awkward when people called him ‘boss.’ “I was once an employee calling others boss. Now, I treat my employees like family,” he said.
In his last conversation with Khaleej Times, Junaid expressed peace and gratitude. “Allah has blessed me,” he said. “Every time I call my mother, she sounds so happy and prays for me. I am content.”
Meanwhile, Mahzooz stopped its operations on January 1, 2024, following a directive from the Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in the UAE. The UAE Lottery, managed by The Game LLC, is the only official lottery in the country, with its first draw held on December 14, 2024.
