Hello everyone! Today, we’re tackling one of the most common questions we get: “What happened to Emirates Draw? Is it still legal to play in the UAE?”
Emirates Draw was incredibly popular, with its promise of huge prizes and a “for a better tomorrow” mission. Many people played it regularly, so the sudden stop left many confused. Let’s get you the clear, simple answer.
Why did Emirates Draw stop?
This is the most important part to understand. Emirates Draw didn’t stop because it did anything wrong. The pause is due to new regulations in the UAE.
In late 2023, the UAE government established the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). This new body is responsible for regulating all lottery and prize draw activities in the country to ensure they are fair, safe, and transparent.
To comply with the new rules, all existing operators, including Emirates Draw and Mahzooz, had to temporarily stop their draws starting from January 1st, 2024. They are now in the process of applying for a new national license to be able to operate legally under the GCGRA.
A quick look back: What was Emirates Draw?
For those who might not know, Emirates Draw was a UAE-based prize draw known for its large jackpots and different game types. Their main goal was to support environmental initiatives, particularly planting coral reefs.
They were famous for three main games:
- MEGA 7: The biggest draw, offering a grand prize of AED 100 million.
- EASY 6: A simpler draw with a top prize of AED 10 million.
- FAST 5: A raffle-style game that offered a prize of AED 25,000 every month for 25 years.
Will Emirates Draw come back? 🤞
This is the million-dirham question! It is very possible that Emirates Draw will return in the future. Their official statements have said that the pause is temporary while they work to get the new license.
However, until they are officially granted a license by the GCGRA and announce their return through official news channels, they remain inactive. We recommend not to trust any unofficial sources or websites claiming the draw is back.
So, what are the legal alternatives in the UAE? ✔️
If you’re looking to participate in a prize draw right now, don’t worry! There are several fully licensed and legal options you can trust:
- The UAE Lottery: The first operator to get a new license from the GCGRA. They offer huge jackpot draws and fun digital scratch cards.
- Big Ticket Abu Dhabi: The long-running and famous millionaire draw based in Abu Dhabi, known for its massive cash prizes and luxury car giveaways.
- Dubai Duty Free: The world-famous draw at Dubai’s airport, offering the chance to win $1 Million USD, a luxury car, or a premium motorbike.
Conclusion
To summarize: Emirates Draw is not currently legal or active in the UAE because it has paused its operations to comply with new government regulations. It may return in the future, but for now, you should not play it.
If you wish to participate in a prize draw, stick to the officially licensed operators like The UAE Lottery, Big Ticket, and Dubai Duty Free. This way, you can be sure you are playing safely and legally.
Stay informed, play safe, and dream big! ✨
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only, based on the situation in 2025. Always check official government news sources for the most current updates on prize draw regulations.