UAE buyers fill top nine spots on list of most expensive number plates
For most of us, licence plates are an unremarkable feature of our cars, but for some they are a statement of wealth, power and prestige.
In the UAE, eye-popping prices are paid for licence plates with low numbers, unique combinations of letters and numbers that have personal significance to the buyer or are culturally meaningful.
And as a global centre for investors, entrepreneurs and billionaires, the UAE has a long history of being home to some of the most expensive number plates in the world.
In fact, there are many that have sold for millions of dirhams, often for charitable causes. Below is a round-up of some of the world’s most expensive licence plates sold in the UAE and the people who bought them.
P 7 – Dubai Dh55 million ($15 million)
This month the world’s most expensive number plate was sold to an unidentified Emirati bidder who paid a record Dh55 million for Dubai’s number 7 plate after a fierce bidding war at an auction for the One Billion Meals campaign.
The auction, which was held to support efforts to combat global hunger, was held on April 9 at the Four Seasons hotel in Dubai.
It’s not clear if the new licence plate will be used for a new car or an existing car owned by the winning bidder.
1 – Abu Dhabi Dh52.2 million
In 2008, the UAE-based businessman Saeed Al Khouri paid more than 50 times the opening Dh1 million bid at a charity auction in Abu Dhabi.
The number plate featured the single-digit number one, which until this month held the record for the most expensive number plate sold.
AA9 – Dubai Dh38 million
The AA9 Dubai number plate was sold for Dh38m at the Most Noble Numbers sale in May 2021.
The charity auction, held by the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai, was to raise money for the 100 Million Meals campaign.
AA8 – Dubai Dh35 million
Last year, the AA8 Dubai number plate sold at the Most Noble Numbers auction to raise funds for the One Billion Meals campaign.
The winning bidder was the Emirati who also holds the record for the world’s most expensive licence plate with P 7.
D5 – Dubai Dh33 million
In 2016, Dubai-based Indian businessman Balvinder Sahni paid Dh33 million for the D5 Dubai plate at an RTA auction.
The car enthusiast said he would put the number on one of his Rolls-Royce cars.
1 – Abu Dhabi Dh31 million
A limited edition No 1 licence plate commemorating Abu Dhabi government’s Golden Jubilee was sold to Abdullah Al Mahri for Dh31 million in 2016.
The auction was organised by Emirates Auction in co-operation with Abu Dhabi Police at Emirates Palace Hotel. The winning bidder said he bought the coveted licence plate in honour of the country’s Rulers who work tirelessly to make the UAE the world’s best country.
5 – Abu Dhabi Dh25.2 million
In 2007, Emirati businessman Talaj Ali Khouri bought Abu Dhabi No 5 licence plate for Dh25.2 million at an auction organised by the Emirates Auction Company at the Emirates Palace Hotel. Mr Khouri said he liked the number and that the raised funds would go towards helping the victims of traffic accidents, as well as people with special needs.
O9 – Dubai Dh24.5 million
In 2015, Balvinder Sahni successfully bidded Dh24.5m for plate O9, and subsequently gave it to a charity that was building a children’s hospital, he told The National.
7 – Abu Dhabi Dh13.4 million
An unnamed young Emirati businessman bought plate No 7 in 2016 to celebrate the seven emirates, and because he considered it to be a lucky number.