Dubai is known worldwide for its luxury, skyscrapers, fast cars, and tax-free shopping. But another part of life in the UAE has gained massive popularity—Dubai raffles. From multi-million-dirham jackpots to luxury car giveaways, raffles are everywhere in Dubai. Thousands of people, locals and tourists alike, take part in these contests with the hope of becoming overnight millionaires.
But recently, questions are being raised about how fair these raffles really are. Are they truly random? Do foreigners have a chance? Are there behind-the-scenes tricks being used?
In this article, we dig into the most common “Dubai raffle tricks”, how these raffles work, and what you should watch out for if you plan to participate.
Dubai hosts many types of raffles, both government-approved and private. These include:
They are promoted as a fair chance for anyone to win massive prizes, with many advertisements showing average people holding giant checks or keys to supercars. But the reality may be more complex than it seems.
Most raffles work through ticket purchases. You buy a ticket (online or in person), and your name is entered into a digital or manual draw. Some even offer bonus entries if you spend above a certain amount. But here are some key things you should know:
While raffles are technically games of chance, the odds of winning are extremely small. In some draws like Mahzooz or Emirates Draw, hundreds of thousands of people participate. So even if it’s fair, your chances are like finding a needle in a desert.
Though people from all over the world can enter online, some players have noted that winners are often UAE residents. This has led to suspicions, although there is no official proof of bias.
These raffles are often very flashy. Big-name influencers, luxury car displays, and dramatic winner videos are used to create a dream-like experience. But many times, details about the draw process, winner verification, or odds are hard to find.
Many shopping raffles say you get a ticket “free” with your purchase. But this cost is usually baked into the price. In truth, you are still paying for that entry indirectly.
While not all raffles are scams, several common tactics give people a false sense of hope or fairness.
This doesn’t mean you have a real chance. It just means someone will win—among tens or hundreds of thousands of entries.
Raffles often promote stories of poor people winning and turning their lives around. While this can happen, these stories are selectively chosen for emotional impact, not to reflect the real odds.
Some raffles push people to buy multiple entries with the idea that “more tickets equal higher chances.” While mathematically true, it encourages overspending, especially when the chances remain extremely low.
Sometimes, raffles extend deadlines or delay draws when they don’t sell enough tickets. This could undermine fairness, although organizers may claim it’s within terms.
Yes, many raffles in the UAE are legally approved and regulated by the Dubai Economy & Tourism Department or other authorities. Still, regulation does not always mean full transparency. There are few public audits or open data reports on how draws are conducted or how winners are chosen.
And online raffles or unauthorized draws may fall outside regulatory oversight. These are the most risky and can sometimes be outright scams.
On social media, forums like Reddit, and YouTube videos, you’ll find mixed reviews:
One Dubai-based user commented on a Reddit thread:
“I’ve entered over 40 Mahzooz draws and never even won a small prize. I don’t think it’s fake, but I feel like it’s designed to keep you addicted.”
If you still want to try your luck, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Treat raffles like entertainment, not an investment or income strategy.
Only participate in authorized, well-known raffles. Watch out for fake websites and scam messages.
Know the odds, rules, and refund policy before buying a ticket.
Just because many people around you are playing doesn’t mean you have to.
Dubai raffles can be fun and life-changing—for a very lucky few. But for the majority, it’s a game built on hope, dreams, and marketing magic. While not necessarily illegal or fake, many raffles use clever tricks to keep you engaged and spending.
So before you click “buy ticket,” ask yourself: Is it a fair game, or just a shiny illusion?
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