Can non-residents and tourists legally take part in UAE based lotteries, draws, and raffles? All you need to know

Foreigners worldwide can legally join UAE draws like Big Ticket and Dubai Duty Free—just not the official national lottery/ Representative Image

While gambling is broadly prohibited under UAE law, a tightly regulated system of raffles, prize draws, and lotteries exists—and yes, in many cases, foreigners and non-residents can legally participate. From airport raffles to million-dirham prize draws, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what’s allowed, what’s not, and how global participants can engage with UAE-based lottery platforms.

Understanding UAE lottery laws and legal exceptions

Gambling, in all its forms, is illegal in the United Arab Emirates, based on Islamic law which underpins the country’s legal framework. Article 355 of the UAE Penal Code criminalizes participation in any form of gambling—whether in-person or online—with penalties including fines, imprisonment, or both. However, there are specific, regulated exceptions. Federal Law No. 3 of 1987 (as amended) allows licensed companies to conduct raffles, lucky draws, and lottery-style events under strict oversight. These are not classified as gambling when operated under approved guidelines and are usually tied to promotional campaigns, charitable efforts, or licensed commercial incentives. The Ministry of Economy is responsible for authorizing these operators. Only those entities officially licensed can offer such draws, and their operations must be compliant with the regulations set out by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).

Who can participate? Residents, tourists, and foreigners

Participation eligibility varies by platform. Some UAE-based draws are open to anyone globally, while others are strictly for UAE residents with valid documentation.

It’s essential that non-resident participants:

Major lottery and raffle platforms in the UAE

As of October 2025, here is a detailed look at the UAE’s major legal lottery and raffle platforms, their eligibility requirements, and global accessibility:

The UAE Lottery (Launched December 2024)

Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire

Big Ticket Abu Dhabi

Emirates Draw

These are not traditional lotteries, but reward-based draws tied to financial products. Participation typically requires:

Examples:

Foreigners and Non-Residents:

Key compliance notes for foreign participants

Participating in UAE-based lotteries as a foreigner or non-resident is legal only through licensed and government-authorized platforms. To avoid legal complications or financial loss, participants must adhere to the following guidelines:Use Only Authorized Platforms The UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) oversees legal raffle and lottery operations. Any draw, platform, or seller not explicitly licensed or regulated under GCGRA or the Ministry of Economy should be avoided. Unauthorized websites or third-party vendors may not only be illegal but could also result in scams or invalid entries.Stay Updated on Platform-Specific Terms Some platforms, like Emirates Draw, have undergone regulatory changes and periodic updates. For example, although currently open to international participants, certain features or eligibility requirements may be paused or revised in the future. Always check the most recent participation criteria, prize claim rules, and refund policies directly from the official source.Understand Local Laws in Your Country of Residence Even if UAE law permits your entry into a lottery or raffle, the laws in your own country may impose restrictions on foreign lottery participation, impose taxes on winnings, or ban cross-border gaming altogether. Always ensure your participation complies with your local financial, tax, and gaming regulations.Be Cautious About Tax and Fee Obligations While UAE-based lottery platforms typically do not charge tax on winnings, you may be liable to declare and pay tax in your own country, depending on its tax code. Additionally, payment processing or currency conversion fees might apply during online purchases. Carefully review the fee structures and prize claim conditions before participating.Location and Age Requirements Minimum age for participation is 18 years across all legal platforms. Some platforms (like the official UAE Lottery) also require you to enable location services in your browser or app to verify physical presence within the UAE borders. Go to Source