Abu Dhabi, Aug 3: An Indian expat on Friday hit a jackpot by winning 10 million dirhams in a raffle draw at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
"This is great. Since this is for real I am very happy," said Vazhappally Yohannan Simon, who first thought it to be a prank.
There was one Syrian -- Taisir Nasr Sabih -- in the top 10 winners list, rest all were from India. Sabih won 70,000 dirhams, the Khaleej Times reported.
Separately, one Filipino expat Jayson Baloloy won the Land Rover Series 12.
Earlier this week, Indian national Sandeep Menon won $1 million in Dubai Duty Free raffle. Another Indian Santhi Bose won a BMW R Nine T Scrambler motorbike.
According to data from two of the biggest raffle draws in the United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi's Big Ticket raffle to Dubai Duty Free's Millionaire Draw), Indian nationals prove to be the most lucky.
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Hyderabad, Apr 12 (PTI): Padma Shri awardee 'Vanajeevi' Ramaiah died in Khammam district of Telangana on Saturday, family sources said.
He suffered a heart attack at his house in Reddipalli village, they said.
He was 87.
Daripalli Ramaiah, popularly known as the green crusader, “Chettu (tree) Ramaiah” or “Vanajeevi" in Khammam district, for planting more than one crore saplings over the last several decades, was recipient of Padma Shri Award for 2017.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy condoled the death of Ramaiah and said his demise is an "irreparable loss" to the society.
The Chief Minister further said Daripalli Ramaiah, strongly believed that survival of mankind is impossible without nature and environment, a release from CMO said.
"Ramaiah launched plantation as an individual and influenced the entire society," Revanth Reddy said adding the Padma Shri awardee inspired the youth by dedicating entire life to environmental protection.
The CM conveyed deep sympathies to the bereaved family members.
Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar, BRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao and several other leaders condoled the demise of Ramaiah.
In his message, Kishan Reddy said Ramaiah planted over one crore saplings during his lifetime and was at the forefront of protecting and furthering nature and the environment.
Paying homage to the departed soul, Sanjay Kumar said the demise of the green crusader, who was awarded Padma Shri, is a loss to Telangana and the cause of nature.
KCR said Ramaiah's life stands as a role model for future generations in conserving the environment.