Expat drives own car for first time in 35 years, thanks to KT
dubai — For 64-year-old KT subscriber Saifuddin Anandwala, June 25 will remain the most rewarding and memorable day of his life.
This was the day he was handed over the keys of his first ever car in the 35 years he has spent in the UAE. That too for free.
Anandwala, who hails from Gujarat, India, won a brand new XUV500 Mahindra vehicle as part of a lucky draw of KT@40 annual subscription campaign. He said this was the first time he had ever won anything in his life. “I didn’t believe when I got a call from Khaleej Times telling me I had won.”
Talking about his decision to subscribe KT, Anandwala said: “I was a KT subscriber many years ago but had stopped the subscription as I wasn’t getting enough time to read the newspaper. However, off late I heard and saw some great stories in
A couple of my relatives had also subscribed the newspaper with me but only I got selected so I believe this is a gift from Allah.” Saifuddin Anandwala, winner
the newspaper and I thought why should I miss out on those and plus I was missing the morning feel of the newspaper. So I resumed the subscription just before the holy month of Ramadan started.”
Anandwala said although he had a licence, he never bought a car as his office had provided him one for his sales job. “I have a driving licence but never bought a car of my own. And neither did I have any idea that as part of KT completing 40 years, there was this lucky draw to be held. When I received a call saying I had won a car, I was completely shocked and thought someone was pulling a fast one on me but then they explained to me how it was part of a special offer as Khaleej Times turned 40 this year.”
Calling it a gift from Allah, Saifuddin said: “A couple of my relatives had also subscribed the newspaper with me but only I got selected so I believe this is a gift from Allah. My wife Munira and I were so overjoyed as I sat her beside me on the passenger seat and took out her on a round in my new car for the first time in our 35 years here in the UAE. I will remain grateful to Galadari company and Khaleej Times for giving this gift of a lifetime to me. Every Ramadan now, I will be reminded of this beautiful gift that the company surprised me with.”
Only one winner was chosen for the KT@40 campaign that ended on May 30, 2018.
saman@khaleejtimes.com