Aniketh Nair, a young resident of Dubai, has become the latest winner in the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) raffle, taking home a substantial prize of one kilogram of gold. The win, announced recently by the Dubai Jewellery Group (DJG), came as a surprise to the family after initially suspecting a scam. The prize was awarded following a raffle connected to purchases made during the DSF promotional period.
Dubai Shopping Festival Winner Claims Kilogram of Gold
The Nair family’s winning ticket was drawn from entries generated by purchases at a Dubai jewellery store. Initially, the notification was met with skepticism, as the father, Rajesh Nair, explained to Gulf News that he frequently receives scam messages. However, verification on the DJG’s official website confirmed the legitimacy of the win.
The prize consists of four 250-gram gold bars, totaling one kilogram. Tawhid Abdulla, Chairman of Dubai Jewellery Group, highlighted the significance of the win, emphasizing the trust and transparency associated with the DSF promotions. He also noted the particularly fortunate timing, as the current gold price is at a record high.
DSF Promotion Details
The DJG’s DSF promotion ran from December 5, 2025, to January 11, 2026. Shoppers who spent Dh1,500 or more at any participating jewellery outlet were automatically entered into the raffle. The grand prize of one kilogram of gold was awarded to Aniketh, while four weekly winners each received a quarter kilogram of gold throughout the festival.
The Dubai Shopping Festival is a key event in Dubai’s economic calendar, designed to boost retail sales and attract tourists. According to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, retail sales typically see a significant increase during the DSF period. The festival also serves as a platform for showcasing new products and brands.
Rajesh Nair plans to invest the gold windfall strategically, prioritizing his children’s education and future. He acknowledged the impact of Value Added Tax (VAT) on the prize and intends to allocate funds accordingly. His daughter is currently in grade 11, and the family hopes to secure financial stability for both children’s academic pursuits.
Abdulla commented on the auspicious nature of the win, stating that Aniketh is “very lucky to win it from Dubai, City of Gold.” This sentiment reflects Dubai’s long-standing association with the gold trade and its position as a global hub for precious metals. The emirate has a well-established gold souk and a robust regulatory framework governing the industry.
The Dubai Jewellery Group plays a crucial role in organizing and promoting jewellery-related events during the DSF. The group represents a large number of jewellery retailers in Dubai and works to maintain high standards of quality and customer service. This promotion is part of a broader effort to enhance the appeal of Dubai as a premier shopping destination.
The current high price of gold makes this prize particularly valuable. Global gold prices have been steadily increasing in recent months, driven by factors such as geopolitical uncertainty and inflation. Analysts predict that gold will continue to be a safe-haven asset in the current economic climate. The price of gold is a key indicator of economic stability and investor sentiment.
Looking ahead, the Dubai Jewellery Group will likely continue to offer similar promotions during future editions of the DSF. The success of this year’s raffle demonstrates the enduring popularity of gold as a prize and the effectiveness of the DSF in driving retail sales. Further details regarding future DSF promotions are expected to be announced closer to the next festival date.
The impact of the DSF on Dubai’s overall economy will be assessed in upcoming reports from the Department of Economy and Tourism. These reports will provide a comprehensive overview of retail sales, tourist arrivals, and other key economic indicators during the festival period. Monitoring these figures will be crucial for understanding the long-term benefits of the DSF.
