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29 March 2024

Dh335,000 treasure in Dubai sandstorm

Published
By Vicky Kapur

There’s no doubt that the UAE is land of opportunity, and it was proven once again yesterday when 100 residents braved the sandstorm to participate in a treasure hunt that saw five winners walk away with Dh335,000 in prize money while others took off with autographed football memorabilia, gold coins and shopping vouchers.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the Sharjah-based United Arab Bank hosted a treasure hunt yesterday at its future Dubai regional office in Business Bay.

Despite the sandy and windy weather, over 250 of the bank’s employees led by CEO Paul Trowbridge turned up along with selected invitees from across the country.

The grand prizes – two annual home rents up to a value of Dh200,000 in total were won by Jennifer Hope Merlino, an American-Italian and Kathlyn May Sulleza, a Filipino.

The second prizes – three school tuition fees, up to Dh135,000 in total went to three participants – Ratnesh Mehta from India, Lionel Williams from the US, and Puneet Pradeep from India.

Jennifer Hope Merlino, one of the winners of the grand prize, said: “I am ecstatic to have won Dh100,000. Thanks to this generous prize by UAB, I’m now able to bring my 11-year old son, Jayson, to Dubai, support his tuition fees, and acquire a house where we can all live.”

Five more contestants won autographed FC Barcelona memorabilia and special prizes thanks to UAB’s exclusive partnership in the UAE with one of the world’s most celebrated football clubs. Meanwhile 90 more winners from the event left with gold coins and shopping vouchers as a result of their successful participation in the event.

“We are delighted to have seen such a tremendous turnout and enthusiasm from participants at the UAB treasure hunt, the first of several events in which we are welcoming the next phase of UAB’s growth as the bank enters its fifth decade. It is a growth story we are very excited to continue over the coming months and years. We extend our thanks to everyone who made the treasure hunt a success, and extend our hearty congratulations to the winners of the grand prizes,” said Trowbridge.