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In 2016 an Indian Dubai Businessman made headlines when he purchased the number plate D5 for AED 33 million approximately 9 million USD.
It was not just a display of wealth but also a symbol of unique social significance and culture that luxury number plates hold in the world.
Customized and unique number plates depict prestige status and investment while standing out on the roads.
Luxury number plates in Dubai are more than identification for vehicles. These plates represent individuality, cultural connection and wealth to personal and social status. From the last few decades, number plates have become an important part of the luxurious culture of UAE. Their value exceeds millions of Dirham by intense competition at auctions.
This comprehensive guide is all about the world of luxury number plates of cars in Dubai with their evolution and significance. We’ll also get to know the most expensive plates ever sold. So, without any wait let’s begin.
Cost of number plates in Dubai
- Basic Plates: AED 1,000 – AED 5,000
- Luxury Plates: AED 100,000 – AED 1 million+
- Single-Digit Plates: AED 1 million – AED 50 million+
Top 10 Most Expensive Number Plates Sold in Dubai
Luxury number plates in Dubai have sold for astronomical sums. Over the years, the most expensive number plates have been sold in Dubai. It reaches millions of Dirham in auctions. Here are top 10 most expensive number plates ever sold in Dubai along with their details of background and significance.
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P7 – AED 55 Million
The stunning number plate has become the most expensive number plate ever sold in Dubai. It was sold in auction for 55 million AED in April 2023.
The auction was organized by Emirates auction. It was an intense bidding for a single digit plate. The Identity of the buyer has not been disclosed publicly. The plate is the symbol of luxury.
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1- AED 52.2 Million
The number plate 1 was one of the earliest record breaking sales. 52. 2 million in 2008.
Saeed Abdul Ghaffar Khouri purchased the number plate in UAE. The number 1 is a powerful symbol of leadership. It was highly coveted by wealthy individuals who display their assets.
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AA9- AED 38 Million
The number plate was sold in 2021 for AED 38 million. The sale took place during an auction. The main purpose was fund raising for the 100 million meals charity campaign. The buyer not only gained popularity for exclusive number plates but also contributed to many social initiatives in the UAE.
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AA8- AED 35 Million
Fetching a price of 35 million dirham, AA8 became another luxury number plate in Dubai. The buyer’s name was kept confidential.. The number plate has been seen on many luxury cars around the city. Moreover, the combination of letter with single digit is seen on luxury vehicles that shows ultra wealthy lifestyle.
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D5- AED 33 Million
The D5 number plate sold for AED 33 million. An auction was held by RTA in 2016.
A famous Indian Businessman Balwanider Sahni bought this plate. It adds an extensive collection of luxury assets.
The letter D represents Dubai. This number plate got great popularity among the individuals who want to connect their identity with the prestige of Dubai.
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5 – AED 25.2 Million
The five number plate was sold for 25.2 million AED in 2007. The plate was purchased at a public auction by Talal Ali Khouri He is one of the prominent figures in UAE business.
This auction was a part of a high profile event with single digit number plates. It got great interest from the wealthiest residents.
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09- AED 25 Million
The number played 09 was sold for 25 million AED. The plate has a huge price due to its uniqueness. Unlike other high profile buyers, the Identity of the person remains anonymous. The combination of letter O with 9 is rare to make the plates standout in the UAE.
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2- AED 23.3 Million
The number plate 2 was sold for 23.3 million dirham in 2019. It was sold in auction events and quickly seen on high and vehicles that symbolize the status. This auction attracted Elite bidders and highlighted the huge demand for single digit number plates in the UAE.
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7- AED 13.4 Million
The number 7 plate was sold multiple times reaching AED 13 4 million. The buyer’s identity was confidential but it was reported that the number plate was purchased to match the exclusivity of the vehicle for good fortune. The plate has changed many hands with transactions increasing its value..
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“11”- AED 5 Million
The 11 number plate was sold for AED 5 million; it has been involved in many high value sales over the years.
Abu Mohammad has owned this prestigious plate. He has a great name in luxury number plates. The dual-digit combination makes it striking and simple. It attracts great interest from wealthy buyers.
How to buy and customize a Dubai number plate?
Getting a luxury number plate in the UAE involves more than attending auctions. Here is a step by step guide to get a customized number plate.
Eligibility
UAE ID and Residency to purchase customized numbers. Most and high value number plates are sold through auctions. These are organized by private companies or RTA. Buyers can also purchase through approved Dealers for less competitive and unique plates.
Customisation auctions
Buyers can choose combinations of the letters and numbers. These can be related to personal interest or significant dates and offers. Many types of plates including short plates, luxury designs, standard plates and Expo.
Number plates can also be combined when the symbol logo or personalized colors.
Process to customize the number plate in Dubai
Here is a detailed process to customize the number plate in Dubai
- Visit the official RTA website or authorized dealer to explore the available auctions for number plates. You have the auctions to choose from standard luxury or customized designs
- Pay the fees based on your selection
- Finalize the registration through RTA. the plate will be linked to your vehicle.
- Just like other number plates, luxury number players also need to be renew it with a fee of 300 to 500 AED annually
- If you sell your car, you can also transfer the number plate to another vehicle for future use
Understanding Dubai’s Number Plate Auctions
The luxury number plate auctions in Dubai are an exclusive affair. The wealthiest individuals compete for the most rare plates. Understanding the process helps the buyers to navigate the high-stake market.
Auction Types
Hall Auction
These auctions are traditional in person. The bidders gather in a hall to compete for plates hosted by RTA or private companies like Emirates auction.
Electronic auctions
The digital age of Dubai has brought number plate auctions online. Now it is easier for the people to participate. Electronic auctions allow the bitters to compete for the comfort of their homes and leads to competitive pricing.
Key Players
RTA: RTA organizes number plate auctions. It ensures compliance with the guarantee and regulations of the number plate.
Emirates auction company: Emirates auction company is leading organizers in UAE. They specialize in high value assets like number plates and cars.
Auction Process
- Register with the Auction House before participating.
- Provide the vehicle registration, deposit and personal identification.
- During the auction, the highest bidder wins the number plate.
- Once a bid is successful, the buyer has to complete the payment and transfer the ownership through RTA..
Essential tips for the bidders
- Always know the market value of a number plate before entering an auction. Understand the historical prices of similar plates to get additional advantages.
- Set a maximum bid to avoid overspending.
- Bid at the end of an auction when the competition starts to win.
- Ensure that the auction is legitimate and all that transactions are complied with UAE laws.
The Evolution of Number Plates in Dubai
In the fast-paced city of Dubai, the number plates have evolved from a simple identity to symbol of status and luxury. That transformation reflects the journey from a trading post to global economic power houses.
Over the decades, number plates have become the reflection of success and cultural significance. Here are some of the cultural significance of luxury number plates in Dubai.
Status symbol:
The unique and exclusive number plate in Dubai is the symbol of social standing. For example, single digit plates are the symbol of exclusivity and sold in millions of Dirhams at auctions. Having a distinctive plate depicts the prominence and gives the owner a sense of social superiority.
Personal Identity:
Luxury number plates also serve as a form of self expression. As people customize their wardrobes and homes, they also customize the number plates that reflect their favorite number and name. For example, a number plate with numbers 7 is chosen for personal significance because it is considered lucky in many societies.
Charitable Contributions:
Some luxury number plate auctions in the UAE have a Philanthropic side. These plates are sold at Charity auctions. It contributes a significant portion of their earnings to charitable causes. It’s a distinctive play and satisfaction of knowing their money is going towards good hands. It also adds a layer of respect with the display of wealth.
Collector’s Items:
Like rare art or vintage cars, the luxury number plates in Dubai have become collectors items. Some buyers purchase them as a long term investment. Number plates with rare combinations increase value overtime and it allows the owner to resell with additional profit. In Dubai, having multiple rare number plates is a sign of wealth.
Final Thoughts
Luxury number plates in Dubai are more than a car’s registration number. They are the symbol of individuality, status and power. The auctions sell plates for millions of Dirham with customisation auctions. Having a luxury number is one of the significant investments and expressions of wealth. As the city continues to grow, the value and prestige also increase with the unique identifiers.
No matter if you are an investor, collector or just want to enjoy the final things in life, the luxury number plates in Dubai offer a great opportunity to stand out on the roads of Dubai while making a statement of exclusivity.
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