DUBAI: A record-breaking night unfolded at the Most Noble Number charity auction, where the coveted P7 vehicle plate shattered global records by selling for a staggering Dh55 million.
Hosted by Emirates Auction, the event not only set a Guinness World Record for the most expensive number plate ever sold but also raised an impressive Dh83.6 million to support crucial humanitarian initiatives.
The proceeds will be channelled towards the ‘1 Billion Meals Endowment’ campaign, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to sustainable food aid during Ramadan.
Bidding for exclusive plates
Held at the prestigious Armani Hotel in Burj Khalifa, the high-profile auction drew some of Dubai’s wealthiest philanthropists, businessmen, and collectors, all eager to secure the most exclusive number plates. The event, organised by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) in collaboration with Emirates Auction, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), e& UAE, and du, saw an intense battle over rare vehicle registration plates.
While P7 stole the spotlight with its Dh55 million sale, another highlight was the DD 5 plate, which fetched an extraordinary Dh35 million. The successful bidder, Muhammad BinGhatti, Chairman of Binghatti Holding, further secured DD 15 for Dh9.2 million, bringing his total contributions to Dh44.2 million. Other notable sales included DD 12 for Dh12.8 million, DD 77 for Dh12.6 million, and DD 24 for Dh6.3 million, collectively generating Dh75.9 million from the exclusive RTA plates alone.
Luxury mobile numbers in demand
Beyond vehicle plates, the auction featured 20 premium mobile numbers, which contributed an additional Dh7.7 million to the fundraising effort. Leading the list was du’s highly sought-after number 0584444444, which commanded a winning bid of Dh1.7 million. Another standout sale was e& UAE’s 0565000000, selling for Dh1.6 million.
The demand for unique phone numbers remained high, with 0500777777 selling for Dh900,000 and 0500999999 fetching Dh740,000. Du’s 0584444448 rounded off the top sales with a bid of Dh250,000. These exclusive numbers, known for their symmetry and memorability, continue to attract high-net-worth individuals eager to own a unique digital identity.
Fathers’ Endowment campaign
The funds raised from the auction will directly support the Fathers’ Endowment campaign, an initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The campaign focuses on providing essential healthcare services, including medical treatment, hospital expansions, and the purchase of life-saving equipment.
The Most Noble Number auction serves as a significant contributor to this cause, blending philanthropy with exclusivity as participants bid on rare plates while making a lasting impact on humanitarian efforts. The campaign underscores the UAE’s strong culture of giving and its dedication to social welfare.