Page 68 - AAE PR REPORT - January 2024

UAE: Pakistani expat refuses to believe 'dream

home' win, grills caller at length

The Ajman resident wants to perform Umrah to express gratitude and seek
blessings after the unexpected big win

by

Ajanta Paul

Published: Wed 10 Jan 2024, 8:47 PM
Last updated: Thu 11 Jan 2024, 9:54 AM

Numan Khan Muhammad Bashir is extremely cautious when receiving calls from
unfamiliar numbers, and his vigilance peaked when a caller claimed him as the winner

of a 'Dream Home'. The Pakistani national remained sceptical during the first call from
an Al Ansari executive who announced him as the grand prize winner of the Winter
Promotion 2023.

Talking to Khaleej Times, Numan said, "I am an IT professional; I deal with IT

architecture, AI and Cloud innovation and am aware of the rampant scams. I was
working from home when I got the first call and dismissed it, thinking it could be a scam.
So, the executive told me that someone from the company would call me back."

Numan again got a call through a landline, and this time, the company's name blinked
on his phone screen. Numan, uncertain about the legitimacy, interrogated the caller

thoroughly. A marketing executive reassured him, furnished essential details, and even
offered evidence on social media. Overwhelmed by the unexpected turn of events, the
long-time UAE resident was speechless.

"Only after verifying everything I shared the incredible news with my wife. I have faith in
good deeds, humanity, and the blessings that come from helping others," said the expat

who moved to the UAE 16 years ago.

He continued, "I am very thankful to Al Ansari for this prize. There were times when I
engaged in banter with a sales executive at their branches, jokingly asking: 'When will I
ever win?' to which he would reply, 'You will one day, keep hope.' And indeed, I won."

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/ml/uae/uae-pakistani-expat-wins-dream-home-draw-dismisses-call-as-
scam