A Filipino expat in the UAE has won the Dh20 million grand prize in the Abu Dhabi Big Ticket Series 289 draw held on Monday, August 3, 2026.
Reynaldo Herboso, a Dubai resident based in Jebel Ali, was announced as the winner after his ticket number 267822 was selected during the live draw. He had purchased the ticket on July 13.
Herboso will share the prize with a group of 10 friends who bought the ticket together. Split among the group, each member receives about Dh2 million.
A 15-year wait
Herboso confirmed he had been buying Big Ticket entries for 15 years before landing the grand prize.
“15 years continuously I have been buying the ticket,” he said.
When the show’s hosts, Richard and Bouchra Yamani, called him live from the studio, Herboso first asked for a moment before responding. As the news was confirmed, his initial reaction was one of disbelief.
“I win? Really? Thank you, thank you… Really?” he said.
He was also heard sharing the news with someone nearby, saying, “I won Dh20 million finally.”
Herboso added that the timing coincided with an upcoming trip. He said he had just finished work in Jebel Ali and was scheduled to leave for a vacation on Friday.
He said he planned to inform the friends who shared the ticket. “I will tell all my friends who are sharing the prize money. They will be very happy,” he said.
Other winners in Series 289
Several other participants also won prizes during the draw:
- Five winners each received Dh100,000 in consolation prizes.
- Two participants who played the Big Spin game live won Dh100,000 each.
- A third Big Spin participant won Dh250,000.
- One winner took home a luxury performance SUV.
Dear Big Ticket Season 4 opens
During the broadcast, the hosts announced the launch of Dear Big Ticket Season 4.
UAE residents aged 18 and above can submit their wishes until August 23. Entries fall under five categories:
- Housing and accommodation
- Education
- Health and well-being
- Family reunion
- Business and entrepreneurship
Big Ticket tickets are available through the official website and at retail locations across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
