Dubai License Plates Fetch Millions at Auction

New Record Set at RTA's Latest License Plate Auction

Dubai has once again proven that the passion for unique license plates never fades here. The latest public auction organized by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) broke all previous revenue records: at the event, exclusive license plates were exchanged for nearly 100 million dirhams.

Larger Amount Than Ever Collected

The 118th open auction was held on the evening of April 26 in the elegant setting of the Grand Hyatt Dubai. At the event, 90 exceptional license plates were auctioned, featuring two-, three-, four-, and five-digit combinations from the codes AA, BB, CC, I, J, O, P, T, U, V, W, X, Y, and Z.

The highest price was fetched by the CC 22 plate, which sold for 8.35 million dirhams. The BB 20 took second place with 7.52 million dirhams, while the BB 19 found a new owner for 6.68 million dirhams. Additionally, the AA 707 plate sold for 3.31 million, and the AA 222 for 3.3 million dirhams. Although the nominal value of the plates was estimated at 16.565 million dirhams, the final total revenue of the auction reached 98.83 million dirhams.

How Could You Participate in the Auction?

Interested auction participants had to meet several conditions. Every bidder was required to have a Dubai transport registration file and submit a 25,000 dirham security check made out to the RTA. Additionally, a one-time, non-refundable registration fee of 120 dirhams had to be paid.

Registration was available through multiple channels: on the RTA's official website, via its mobile application, or in person at Customer Happiness Centers located in the Umm Ramool, Deira, and Al Barsha areas. Following the bids, a 5 percent VAT was applicable to all purchases. Participants could make payments with credit cards online or via the application.

Why Are Unique Plates So Popular in Dubai?

In Dubai, license plates are much more than mere identification tools—they have become status symbols. Owning unique or rare number combinations signifies prestige and social recognition, prompting affluent buyers to spend enormous amounts on special pieces. Double- or triple-digit plates are particularly sought after, as their rarity makes them even more exclusive.

Why Is Participating in Such Auctions Worth It?

Participating in these auctions is not only a matter of prestige. Unique plates are often considered valuable investments in Dubai and may even increase in value over the years. Furthermore, owning a vehicle with a unique license plate often opens doors more easily in various spheres of business and social life.

Summary

The latest auction by the Dubai RTA provides further evidence of the tremendous popularity of unique license plates. The near 100 million dirham record reflects not only the passion for luxury but also emphasizes that in Dubai, expressing personal style extends to every detail—even the license plates of vehicles.

(The article's source is a statement from Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).)