Two Keralites, two Filipinos share AED 1 million Mahzooz prize

10 June 2021, Dubai, UAE: Four lucky winners took home AED 250,000 each in the 28th weekly live Mahzooz draw. The two Keralites and two Filipinos matched five out of six numbers and shared the AED 1 million second prize. While the winners aren’t all from the same place, they all have a common goal – using a portion of their winnings to help others.

Anthony, 36, has been in the UAE for over 13 years but still thinks of his family in Kerala. “I love the UAE, it feels like home,” said the Dubai resident. “It means a lot to me to live here and be able to support my family. Now with the Covid-19 pandemic, lots of families have been affected where I’m from, and it is very difficult for many people to find a job during this hard time. In addition to supporting my family, I plan to use my winnings to give back to my community,”

Anthony has participated in the Mahzooz draw since the beginning but this was his first time getting lucky. “When I got the winning email, I was surprised,” recalled the Keralite. “It’s still hard to believe but I’m getting there.”

For Leilani, a 44-year-old dental assistant, her big win was a dream come true.

“I’m still asking myself if this is all a dream,” said the Filipina expat. “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the winning numbers. I still have to pinch myself to make sure this is all real.”

The Al Ain resident has lived away from her home since 2006 but her roots are always close to her heart. “I always think back to my formative years and my time in high school. The guidance I received from my teachers and my classmates led me to pursue my dream of being a dentist and now I want to give back,” said Leilani. “I plan on giving a portion of my winnings to my old high school.”

Her generosity doesn’t stop there.

“My father used to work in Saudi Arabia and supported me. Now my parents are retired back in the Philippines and it’s my turn to support them,” said Leilani. “My daughter is in grade 12 and wants to study medicine, before Mahzooz I would have needed to work for 20 years to pay for it. Now I can make her dreams come true.” In addition to Anthony and Leilani, Mahzooz saw two other winners take home AED 250,000 each.

Alex, a 35-year-old Filipino expat who lives in Dubai, is planning to use his winnings to purchase land for his family back in the Philippines and to support a friend.

“One of my colleagues has been left paralyzed in half of his body, so I will use this money to help him out financially and cover his bills,” said Alex.

Renjith, a 38-year-old Keralite, intends to clear his loans and use the rest of his winnings to help out his family and friends back home.

“It’s a tough time for everyone but now, thanks to Mahzooz, all my problems are solved,” said Renjith. For those who missed out on last week’s live draw, entrants can participate in Mahzooz by registering via www.mahzooz.ae and purchasing a bottle of water. Each bottle of water purchased (for AED 35) provides eligibility for one line in the draw and the donation is channelled through Mahzooz’s community partners to hydrate those in need.

The next draw will be held as scheduled on Saturday 12 June 2021 at 9:00pm UAE time. Mahzooz is inclusive to all who are eligible.