An Indian expatriate living in Abu Dhabi has hit the ultimate financial jackpot just two months after opening a new bank account. Shajeer Venga, a 34-year-old Indian-origin resident, has been announced as the grand prize winner of 2 million AED (approximately ₹5.15 crore) in Sharjah Islamic Bank’s (SIB) highly publicized “Millionaire” campaign.
Remarkably, Venga had only recently opened his savings account using the bank’s digital mobile application.
A Life-Changing Windfall
Speaking to the local media outlet Khaleej Times, an ecstatic Venga revealed that the massive windfall will completely alter the trajectory of his life. He plans to use the money to secure his financial future and achieve a long-held personal milestone.
“The Dh2 million prize will be life-changing,” Venga stated. “The money will help me invest in my future and bring my family from India to live with him in the UAE. Sharjah Islamic Bank delivered its promise, turning what was once an aspiration into reality.”
Venga was not the only big winner of the cycle; an Emirati national, Moza Butti, walked away with a luxury BMW XM, while 40 other participants received various cash prizes.
How the ‘Millionaire’ Campaign Works
Launched by SIB in 2025, the “Millionaire” campaign is a savings-linked rewards initiative designed to incentivize wealth-building and financial literacy among its customer base.
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Total Annual Prize Pool: Exceeds 20 million AED.
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Eligibility Criteria: For every 10,000 AED maintained in an eligible deposit or savings account, the customer automatically receives one entry into the raffle.
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Prizes: Grand cash payouts, luxury vehicles, and tiered monthly rewards.
Nabil Abou Alwan, Head of Retail Banking at Sharjah Islamic Bank, emphasized that the campaign aims to reinforce the bank’s commitment to its customers’ real-world aspirations. “The bank was proud to have played a role in making Shajeer’s dream a reality,” Alwan said.
What’s Next?
For those hoping to replicate Venga’s luck, the bank has announced that the upcoming draw will feature two separate grand prizes of 1 million AED each. To ensure equitable distribution, one grand prize will be explicitly reserved for UAE nationals, while the second will be open to expatriates of all nationalities.
