Wherever you’re in the world, at some point, you must have heard about the prestigious UAE or Dubai number plates. They’ve made several headlines. Number plates in Dubai aren’t just traffic plates, but they’re an identity — a status symbol for the wealthiest elites in Dubai and the UAE.
Luxury number plates in Dubai usually feature unique and custom plates that depict a deep cultural connection, individual significance and high social status.
In this piece, we’ll explore the world of Dubai number plates, highlighting their evolution and significance, and the most expensive number plates ever sold at auction.
Types of Number Plates in Dubai
In the last decades, expensive number plates in Dubai have become a significant part of the luxury culture in the city and the UAE as a whole. Their values, reaching millions of Dirhams, are considered investments that raise people to the echelons of their social class.
- Basic number plates - AED 1000 — AED 5,000
- Luxury number plates - AED 100,000 — AED 1,000,000
- Single-digit number plates - AED 1 Million — AED 50+ Million
Top 7 Most Expensive Plate Numbers in Dubai and the UAE
Over the last years, Dubai and the UAE have been famous for selling their license plates for staggering sums. Some of the most expensive car number plates in Dubai have been sold for millions of Dirhams at auctions — many causing jaws to drop.
Single-digit plate numbers cost the most in Dubai. Let’s look at the 7 most expensive Dubai and UAE number plates ever sold.
Dubai “P7” — AED 55 Million
The Dubai “P7” plate number remains one of the most expensive license plates ever sold. It went for a whopping AED 55 Million (~ $13.6 million) at auction in 2023 — a feat that’s stunned many worldwide till date.
The auction which was held by Emirates Auction received several bids for the single-digit plate number and the identity of the buyer remains hidden from the public. The Dubai “P7” plate number represents ultimate luxury in the city.
Abu Dhabi “1” — AED 52.2 Million
In a record-breaking sale in 2008, the Abu Dhabi “1” number plate sold for a staggering AED 52.2 million at auction. A staggering sum paid by the owner, Saeed Abdul Ghaffar Khouri, more than one-and-a-half decades ago.
The Abu Dhabi “1” plate number was contested by numerous high net worth individuals across the UAE and remains a powerful indicator of wealth and leadership status until today.
Dubai “AA9” — AED 38 Million
The “AA9” license plate sold at an auction in 2021 for AED 38 Million. The goal of the auction was to raise AED 100 million in funds needed for a meals charity program.
Dubai “AA8” — AED 35 Million
Like many of its predecessors, this Dubai plate number sold for an incredible sum of AED 35 million. The buyer’s identity has been kept a secret; however, the Dubai license plate number has been seen on several luxury vehicles in the city. The “AA8” plate is one of the city’s ultimate displays of wealth by the super rich.
Dubai “D5” — AED 33 Million
The “D5” plate is more than a decade old, selling at an auction held by the RTA in 2016 for a huge sum of AED 33 million. The plate was purchased by a wealthy Indian businessman, Balwanider Sahni, adding to his popularity and prestige in the City of Gold.
Abu Dhabi “5” — AED 25.2 Million
One of the UAE’s most prominent business figures, Talal Ali Khouri, purchased the Abu Dhabi “5” plate number at a public auction in 2007 for the sum of AED 25.2 million. The auction was an event for single-digit plate numbers only and received attention from a large number of the wealthiest people in the country.
Abu Dhabi “2” — AED 23.3 Million
Not falling short of being an impressive symbol of status, the Abu Dhabi “2” plate follows the “5” plate at AED 23.3 million. It sold at an auction in 2019 that attracted a lot of high-profile players. The event highlighted the increasing popularity of single-digit plate numbers in the UAE among the elites.
Buying and Customizing Dubai Number Plates
Buying a luxury plate in Dubai or the UAE is beyond just attending auctions. There are a number of things you need to know. Below is a comprehensive guide to getting a Dubai luxury plate:
You need to be a resident of the UAE and have an ID to purchase custom plate numbers. Most luxury Dubai plate numbers are sold through auctions held by private companies or the RTA. Interested buyers can also purchase unique plates for less through licensed dealers.
- Personalized Plate Number Auctions
In custom plate auctions, interested buyers can choose from a combination of numbers, letters, colors, and can also add personalized logos. Different plate types to pick from include standard, short, luxury and Expo plates.
Steps to Obtain Personalized Dubai Number Plates
If you desire to get luxury or custom Dubai number plates, the following steps are essential:
Go to the official website of the RTA or licensed dealers and browse through the available options. You can choose between standard and luxury .plates
Confirm the appropriate fees and complete the payment.
Complete the registration to link the chosen plate number to your vehicle.
Luxury plate numbers in Dubai also require annual renewal fees of AED 300 to AED 500. You can also transfer the number plates when you acquire new vehicles in the future.
The World of Luxury UAE and Dubai Number Plates
Luxury number plates in Dubai are more than just car registration numbers, they’re the ultimate symbol of wealth, prestige, and power in the metropolis. Dubai luxury plates are sold at private or public auctions for millions of Dirhams. These expensive plate numbers in Dubai aren’t just an expression of wealth, but also considered a significant investment — one that brings immense popularity and raises social status.
Whether you’re a collector, investor, or luxury enthusiast, the growing world of luxury license plate numbers is a great opportunity to make a statement. Visit the official RTA website for information on luxury plates in Dubai.
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