My hands were shaking: Kazakhstan tourist wins Dubai apartment after dismissing call as scam

Dubai: A shopping receipt totaling Dh5,599 during a holiday in Dubai has transformed the life of Shynggyskhan Rysbek, a 34-year-old professional videographer from Kazakhstan. Rysbek received a message claiming he had won an apartment in Dubai but initially dismissed it as a scam.

While vacationing in Dubai, Rysbek participated in the “Win Your Home in Dubai” initiative, a campaign organized by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and Dubai Chambers. This initiative invites eligible residents and tourists to spend Dh500 at over 1,000 participating brands across the city for a chance to win a studio apartment in weekly draws, with a two-bedroom apartment as the grand prize in the final draw.

Upon receiving the winning message on June 22, Rysbek was skeptical. He recalled, “I was at work, filming as usual, when I received a message saying that I had won an apartment in Dubai. My first thought was that it was a scam, so I didn’t reply.” Shortly after, he received another message from a different number, which he also ignored. Eventually, the second number called him.

A representative from DFRE confirmed that Rysbek had indeed won. Despite the confirmation, he remained doubtful and requested proof. Even after receiving evidence, he was still hesitant, believing that winning an apartment was improbable.

During their vacation, Rysbek and his family traveled with friends. He quickly contacted his friend to see if they had received a similar call. When his friend said no, Rysbek researched the “Win Your Home in Dubai” promotion and discovered he was the second winner of a studio apartment.

When the reality of his win sank in, Rysbek felt “overwhelmed with happiness.” He described the moment, stating, “My heart was racing, and my hands were shaking.” He immediately called his wife to share the news, marking a moment they would never forget.

The winning receipt

Rysbek’s trip to Dubai from June 7 to 17 was not his first; he has visited the city multiple times with his wife and children. He expressed his fondness for Dubai, saying, “We always enjoy coming back. Every time we visit, we discover something new. We really like the city because it is clean, modern, safe, and full of opportunities.”

Throughout their vacation, Rysbek noticed advertisements for the “Win Your Home in Dubai” promotion but initially ignored them. On the last day of their trip, he decided to take a chance. “We said, ‘why not?’ We uploaded just one receipt for Dh5,599 and didn’t think much about it afterwards. We returned home to Kazakhstan and completely forgot about it. Looking back now, that one small decision changed our lives in a way we never expected.”

New home, new possibilities

Rysbek already owns a two-bedroom apartment in Almaty, which he described as a family home filled with happy memories. However, he never imagined owning property in Dubai. He stated, “It feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that could create new possibilities for my family’s future.”

For Rysbek, owning a home in Dubai represents more than just real estate. He emphasized the importance of planning for his family’s future, stating, “This apartment is much more than just real estate — it’s an investment in our family’s future.” Before winning the apartment, he had never considered Dubai as a potential place to live and work, but now the idea has taken root.

He mentioned, “Now that we have this opportunity and a home here, the idea has definitely crossed my mind. I work as a videographer, and I would love to work in Dubai and explore the opportunities my profession could offer.”

Since winning the apartment, Rysbek has received numerous inquiries from friends and family. He has always recommended Dubai for its cleanliness, safety, and modernity. Following the announcement of his win, many friends and relatives expressed interest in visiting the city.

Rysbek returned to the UAE last weekend to collect his prize and officially become a homeowner in Dubai. He remarked on the significance of this holiday, stating, “This was already one of the best vacations of our lives, and we truly enjoyed every moment of it. But winning the apartment made it absolutely unforgettable. I believe miracles really do happen.”

As reported by www.emirates247.com.

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Published on 2026-07-04 08:56:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk