Three Ras Al Khaimah-based Indian drivers have won the mega monthly jackpot draw in Abu Dhabi.

Jijesh Korothan, hailing from India’s Kannur district in Kerala, took home Dh20 million at the Big Ticket raffle draw held in the capital on Friday, April 3.

Korothan, who has been living in Ras Al Khaimah for 15 years, shares the win with two other Indians in the emirate, both of whom work as drivers.

Korothan was one of the lucky ones to watch the draw live when his winning ticket number 041779 was picked up at the draw.

“I was watching the draw live with my wife and daughter. I will be sharing this with two of my friends,” Korothan told Richard, who called the jackpot winner.

"I am here for past 16 years. I have my wife and daughter here. For the last six months, we three friends are running a limousine rental service. But it didn't work well for us. We faced financial crisis. Past few months have been very difficult as the tourism sector is affected. For many days, we are sitting indoors as there is no demand for our services. With office rent, EMIs on limos, latest Covid-19 developments and uncertain future, we planned to wind up our operations. On Thursday, we met a client to sell our limos but didn't receive good price. Today (Friday) by 3pm, we had to meet another party and minutes before that, we have hit this jackpot."

On Friday, the draw was held at 2pm instead of 7.30pm because of the new Covid-19 regulations. If draw was held at usual time of 7.30pm, the trio might have sold away their limos.

Korothan had planned to return to his home state of Kerala. He, however, watched the draw live when host Richard announced the winning ticket number 041779 and his name.

"God has listened to our prayers. What more can I say? This is beyond words. Actually, I couldn't recollect my ticket number but when my name was announced, it was a magical moment. We had made plans to return to Kerala as things were falling apart here. Now, we can develop our business."

These friends were purchasing tickets for past few months and had bought the winning one on March 19. The celebrations, though, are on hold.

"This is no time for party but to help others. We have to fight this pandemic first," he said.