Dubai Expat Wins Studio Apartment in Shopping Draw, Returns from US for Ceremony

Dubai resident Inderjeet Kaur unexpectedly won a studio apartment in a shopping draw after spending approximately Dh500. The prize came as a surprise since she did not recall entering the contest herself.

It was Kaur's husband, Gurcharanjit Singh, who scanned the barcode and uploaded their shopping receipts after their purchase. When Kaur received a notification about winning the apartment, she initially doubted its authenticity.

"I was like, ‘Oh, I don’t think so,’" Kaur said, explaining that she first questioned her husband about submitting the bills. Upon confirmation, she began to consider the possibility but remained skeptical until an official email arrived the next day. The message included the apartment number and a confirmation letter, which made the win real to her.

Plans for the New Property

Kaur has lived in Dubai for around 35 years and already owns multiple properties in the city. She currently resides in one and rents out others. Regarding the newly won studio apartment, she intends to rent it out rather than sell it, viewing it as a valuable asset.

"Dubai is always growing," she said, emphasizing her long-term commitment to the city. Kaur expressed a deep connection to Dubai, stating, "This is home. I want to live here. I want to die here. That much love I have for this country, for this place."

Family and Security in Dubai

Kaur highlighted the safe environment Dubai provided for raising her daughters, who now live in the United States. She noted that while her daughters were growing up in Dubai, she never had to worry about their safety or education opportunities.

"When they were here, I would never bother," she said, reflecting on the peace of mind she experienced as a mother in Dubai. This sense of security remains one of the aspects she is most thankful for after decades in the emirate.

Returning for the Prize Ceremony

The couple was in the US when the prize ceremony was scheduled. They returned to Dubai, arriving on a Friday night ahead of the event on Sunday.

Singh explained that while the formal handover of the apartment would take place later due to procedural requirements, they wanted to be present for the ceremony and to express their gratitude.

"We wanted to come to Dubai to participate and to thank the Dubai government," he said. The couple planned to return to the US by Tuesday or Wednesday following the event.

What started as a routine shopping trip has now resulted in Kaur adding another property to her portfolio in a city she considers her lifelong home.