Meet Tayab Khan: Security guard who has won ₹78 crore lottery in Abu Dhabi but would only get to take ₹15 crore home

Most people check emails expecting work updates, bills or maybe a promotional offer. For 26-year-old Tayab Khan, one email completely changed his life.The Nepalese security guard, who works in Abu Dhabi, recently discovered that he had become a multi-crore winner after a lottery ticket he bought with four friends hit the jackpot in the UAE Lottery's Lucky Day draw.And no, he wasn't watching the results live or sitting glued to his phone waiting for the numbers.He was busy working a night shift. What happened next still feels unreal to him.Like thousands of migrant workers in the UAE, Tayab was spending the Eid Al Adha holiday at work.Somewhere during his shift, an email landed in his inbox.At first, he didn't pay much attention.After all, he'd received emails from the lottery before. Usually, they were about small winnings or updates that didn't really change much.This one seemed no different.Until he opened it.The email revealed that the ticket he and his friends had purchased had won the lottery's Dh30 million jackpot.That's roughly ₹78 crore.Tayab says he could barely believe what he was seeing.For a few moments, he simply stared at the screen.His hands started shaking. So did his legs.The number looked too big to be real.The jackpot wasn't won by Tayab alone.The ticket belonged to a group of five friends who had been trying their luck together for over a year.The idea reportedly started after Tayab came across information about the lottery on Facebook in early 2024.Instead of buying tickets individually, the friends decided to pool their money.Each person contributed around Dh50, and every week one of them would take turns choosing the numbers.There were plenty of weeks when nothing happened.A few small wins here and there.Mostly disappointment.But they kept playing.And eventually, their persistence paid off in the biggest possible way.Once the ₹78 crore jackpot was divided equally, Tayab's share came to Dh6 million, or roughly ₹15 crore.Not bad for a Dh50 contribution.As soon as the reality began sinking in, Tayab knew exactly who he wanted to tell.His uncle.The man who had helped him move to the UAE years ago.According to Tayab, his uncle played a huge role in helping him build a life abroad.When he shared the news, the reaction was something he says he'll never forget.His uncle was speechless.Then he started crying.For many families who move abroad in search of better opportunities, stories like this feel almost impossible. Years of hard work, sacrifice and separation suddenly seemed worth it.Tayab has spent the last four years working as a security guard.But now, he says, that chapter of his life is likely coming to an end.He isn't interested in continuing in the same role forever.Instead, he wants to explore business opportunities and investments.After spending years working for someone else, he feels ready to take a different path.And honestly, with ₹15 crore sitting in the bank, most people would probably feel the same.Rather than splurging recklessly, Tayab says he's thinking about long-term financial security.Real estate is one area that interests him.He has reportedly been looking at investment opportunities in the UAE and is considering purchasing property in Dubai.He's also inspired by other Nepalese entrepreneurs who have built successful businesses in the country.Despite the sudden windfall, Tayab's biggest dream isn't a luxury lifestyle. It's a home. A proper home for his family back in Nepal.For years, that had been one of his main goals. Like many people working overseas, a large part of his motivation was improving life for loved ones back home. Now, that dream no longer feels distant.He says he wants to build a comfortable house in a good location where his family can live without worrying about basic necessities.It's a reminder that for many migrant workers, success isn't measured by luxury cars or expensive holidays.It's measured by what they can provide for the people waiting for them at home.Of course, nobody becomes a multi-crore lottery winner without allowing themselves a few dream purchases.And Tayab isn't pretending otherwise.For years, he has apparently had his eye on two things.A Mahindra Thar.And a Rolex watch.The Thar, especially, has become something of a dream vehicle for many young buyers across South Asia. Rugged, stylish and instantly recognisable, it's the kind of car that often sits on people's vision boards long before it reaches their driveway.Now, for Tayab, it might finally become reality.Lottery winners make headlines all the time.But Tayab's story feels different because it reflects something many people understand.The idea of working long shifts, living away from family and slowly building a future isn't unique to him.Millions of migrant workers across the Gulf wake up every day chasing the same goal.Most know there are no shortcuts.Success usually comes through years of effort.That's why a story like this captures attention.It's not just about winning money.It's about possibility.A young security guard checking an ordinary email during an ordinary shift suddenly finds himself planning investments, buying a house for his family and thinking about life beyond his job.One moment he was doing his rounds at work.The next, he was a crorepati.And if there's one thing this story proves, it's that sometimes the email you almost ignore ends up changing everything.