Raffles in the UAE have evolved significantly over the years, becoming more accessible and widely available. Today, they offer participants a chance to win incredible prizes, creating excitement across the country.
How Raffles Gained Popularity
The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) played a pivotal role in making raffles popular in the UAE. It became synonymous with life-changing prizes, offering everything from gold bars and luxury cars to large cash rewards. For many, DSF raffles symbolized the possibility of dreams coming true.
Affordable Opportunities with Dream Dubai
A new platform, Dream Dubai, has made participating in raffles easier than ever. By purchasing shopping cards starting at just Dh5, participants can win fantastic prizes such as a luxury car, Dh3 million in cash, or 100 grams of gold. The low cost and high-value rewards make it a popular choice for residents and visitors alike.
Reema Khan, a Sharjah resident, shared her first DSF raffle experience:
“I’ve always heard about the amazing DSF raffles, so I decided to try this year. I bought several shopping cards, some costing as little as Dh5. The prizes are incredible compared to the small entry cost,” she said.
Raffles Through the Years
Long-time UAE residents like Nadia Hashim remember when DSF raffles were more exclusive.
“In the early days, DSF tickets cost Dh200 and were only sold at ENOC petrol stations. People would line up for hours to buy one,” she recalled. Today, the process is more convenient and affordable.
“Now, you can get three tickets and vouchers for just Dh10, making it much more accessible. The variety of raffles and affordability adds to the excitement,” she added.
The ENOC raffle, running from October 7 to January 12, has already rewarded 70 winners with Dh10,000 each. Upcoming prizes include Dh100,000 for 30 winners, Dh50,000 for four winners, and luxury cars for three lucky participants in November, December, and January.
Discounts and Exclusive Raffles
Dubai Duty Free (DDF) raffles are another highlight. Initially, these tickets were only available to travelers at airport lounges, but now they are more accessible.
“In the 1990s, if someone was traveling, we’d give them money to buy tickets for us. A friend of mine once won a Lexus and sold it for Dh300,000,” said Dubai resident Abdulla Hassan.
DDF introduced its Millennium Millionaire promotion in 1999, offering a chance to win $1 million. For its 25th anniversary, tickets were sold with a 25% discount, making it even more enticing.
Vinod CK, a regular participant, shared his experience:
“I’ve been buying raffle tickets for over a decade. This year, the discount allowed us to get two tickets for Dh787 each instead of one. It’s always exciting to participate, hoping for a big win,” he said.
