A regular grocery visit and a little encouragement from store staff lead to a remarkable win for the 61-year-old Hussain Alkazim and his family
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 06 August 2026: Continuing to create unforgettable memories for shoppers across the city, the Win Your Home in Dubai initiative has announced its seventh winner. A 61-year-old Emirati national, Hussain Alkazim, a former journalist, has won a brand-new studio apartment.
As an Emirati and former journalist, Hussain has witnessed the remarkable growth of his country, particularly Dubai, where he was born and raised. Over his 27-year career with Dubai Media, he had the privilege of telling its story, capturing the milestones, achievements, and defining moments that shaped what Dubai is today, and documenting some of its most significant campaigns, including Dubai Summer Surprises, which he covered for many years. Today, Hussain’s own journey becomes one of the many stories that showcases the opportunities and experiences Dubai continues to create.
Hussain discovered the Win Your Home in Dubai initiative through the staff at UNION COOP in Al Barsha Mall during one of his visits in June. Not being particularly familiar with digital platforms and online entries, he appreciated the staff’s support as they encouraged him to participate and helped him upload his receipt. A purchase worth AED 1,100 made during his regular grocery trip became his winning entry, transforming an everyday shopping trip into a life-changing moment.
Reflecting on his unexpected win, he said, “I honestly did not expect to win. I always join raffles and never win, and my family always jokes about it. Whenever I enter one, I ask my children, ‘Did we get the million yet?’ So, when I won, I went to them and said, ‘We finally got it!’.” Hussain was joined by his wife, four children and five grandchildren during the award ceremony on Sunday, sharing his joy and celebrating the special moment together.
“Dubai is not just the city where I was born. It is a city I have watched grow, evolve and achieve remarkable milestones throughout my life. As an Emirati, I feel incredibly proud to have witnessed this journey and to have played a role in sharing its stories with the world through my work as a journalist. What makes Dubai truly special is the way it continues to invest in its people and to create opportunities, experiences, and a high quality of life for both citizens and residents. After spending decades documenting Dubai’s achievements, it is a special honour to now be part of a story that reflects the opportunities this city continues to create. I am grateful and proud to be Emirati,” he added.
The Win Your Home in Dubai initiative, jointly led by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), a part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and Dubai Chambers, offers shoppers the opportunity to win one of 12 new Binghatti Developers residential units across Dubai.
The remaining weekly draws are scheduled for 9, 16, 23, and 30 August at Dubai Festival City Mall. Each week, one studio apartment will be awarded, and one lucky shopper will win the grand prize of a two-bedroom apartment at the grand draw.
Running until 30 August 2026, Win Your Home in Dubai continues to give residents and visitors more reasons to explore Dubai’s retail destinations this summer. Eligible residents and visitors aged 18 and above can enter for a chance to win an apartment by simply spending AED 500 at any of the 1,000+ participating brands across more than 3,500 retail outlets in Dubai. To validate their entry, shoppers can scan the QR code on official campaign materials at participating locations and upload their receipt.
For more information, visit WinYourHomeInDubai.com.
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