Filipina expat wins Dhs5m in UAE Lottery draw

Zenn Ariane Garceles, a 38-year-old Filipina expat who has called Dubai home for 13 years, has become The UAE Lottery’s first female millionaire after winning the third Dhs5 million Prize in the Lucky Day Draw using 'Easy Pick'. 

A former dental assistant, Zenn moved to the UAE from the Philippines and has since built a life and family in Dubai. It was here that she met her husband and had her children, making the country an important part of her story. 

"My life in the UAE has been amazing. I met my husband here and built my family here,” she said. 

Zenn has been participating in The UAE Lottery since its early days, taking part in Lucky Day Draws and occasionally trying other games, including Scratch Cards. Her winning Dhs5 million ticket was an Easy Pick, based on random chosen numbers. 

After seeing on Instagram that someone had won Dhs5 million, Zenn logged into her account to check the winning numbers. Instead, she was greeted with a message congratulating her on her Dhs5 million Second Prize win. She describes her discovery moment as "unforgettable”. 

Zenn’s win marks another memorable moment for The UAE Lottery and its growing community of players across the country. The Lucky Day Draw takes place every Wednesday and Saturday, offering a Dhs30 million Grand Prize and Dhs5 million Second Prize, alongside other prize tiers. 

Celebrating with loved ones 

Zenn celebrated the win with the people closest to her. One of the first calls was to her father in the Philippines, whom she now hopes to welcome to Dubai for a family visit. She also plans to invest in her children’s education, explore opportunities to start a business, and buy her husband a car. 

"I can’t really think of what I would buy for myself because I’m happy knowing that I can share it with my family,” she said. "Being with them and seeing their smiles makes me happy.” 

Her story reflects the personal moments that a win with The UAE Lottery can bring, with Zenn choosing to make herDhs5 million Lucky Day prize part of experiences and plans she can share with her family. 

A Dubai dream for the family 

Zenn says the UAE is the place she wants to build her future in. Her Dhs5 million Lucky Day win has now become part of those plans, as she looks ahead to the next chapter. "I’ve always wanted a place for my family, and I’ve dreamed of having our own home here,” she said. 

Zenn hopes to manage the prize carefully, explore business opportunities and spend more quality time with her family. "We should all be responsible in every aspect of our lives, especially with money,” Zenn said. "When you spend it, be wise. Do not go beyond your limit.”