Indian woman wins free home in Dubai in lucky draw: 'I thought it was some kind of scam'

A 27-year-old Indian woman living in Dubai has become the first person to win a free apartment through the city’s newly launched ‘Win Your Home in Dubai’ campaign.

Aysha Ameer from Kerala has won a studio apartment from luxury real estate developer Binghatti, according to a Khaleej Times report. The award is part of a city-wide promotion organized by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment and Dubai Chambers.

The campaign allows shoppers who spend at least Dh500 (approx ₹13,000) at participating stores to enter the draw by scanning the QR code and uploading the receipt.

The winner initially thought the call was a hoax

In an interview with Khaleej Times, Ameer said she entered the competition while shopping after her husband noticed promotional signs at the mall and on social media.

After receiving the phone call informing her that she had won, she struggled to believe it at first.

“I filled in the details and then on Friday I got a call saying I won this house,” she said. “At first I thought it was some kind of scam and then they sent me an email with all the details,” she added.

The couple put plans to buy a house on hold

Ameer, who got married last year, said she and her husband were considering buying a flat. However, they decided to shelve those plans earlier this year due to regional tensions.

Still amazed at her luck, she said: “I really never thought I’d win something like this. You see all these people winning, you’re happy for them, but you feel like it’s never going to happen (to you). And when something like this happens to you, you actually realize you can be lucky and Dubai will make it happen for you.”

Twelve flats to give away

According to Khaleej Times, the “Win Your Home in Dubai” campaign will get a total of 12 apartments. Weekly winners will be announced by August 30, when the final winner of the apartment will be announced.

Mohammed Feras Arayqat, Acting Vice President of Retail Calendar and Promotions at DFRE, said approximately 1,000 brands and more than 4,000 stores are participating in the initiative.

“It’s a very simple mechanic. Just buy 500 Dhammas, scan the QR code, upload the receipt and then you’re in the draw,” he said.

He added: “Dubai always comes back stronger. And it will continue to come back stronger. With these types of initiatives, it’s more of a celebration of the community.”