WATCH: Dubai’s open auction for number plates hits record Dh81 million revenue
Dubai car licence plate BB 55 sold for Dh6.3 million at the latest RTA auction
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has made history with its 117th open auction, generating a staggering Dh81.178 million in total revenue.
Held on Saturday, at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City Hotel, this milestone marks the highest earnings in the history of RTA auctions.
Top bids
The star of the auction was plate BB55, which fetched an impressive Dh6.3 million.
Other highly coveted plates included AA21, sold for Dh6.16 million, BB100 at Dh5 million, and BB11111, which went for Dh4.21 million.
Premium number plates hold sentimental and symbolic value for many buyers, often reflecting milestones, initials, or other personal significance. In Dubai, owning an exclusive plate is also a mark of prestige, adding to its appeal.
The auction featured 90 distinctive number plates, spanning two, three, four, and five-digit configurations. The codes on offer ranged from AA, BB, K, O, T, and U to V, W, X, Y, and Z, giving bidders a wide selection of combinations to choose from.
This record-breaking Dh81.178 million figure eclipses the revenues from the 116th auction held earlier in 2024, where the total earnings stood at Dh69.137 million. In that event, plate AA17 set the record with a sale of Dh8.02 million, highlighting the consistent interest in exclusive number plates.
Bidding process
The RTA employs a well-structured strategy for its number plate auctions, ensuring neutrality and equal opportunities for all participants. Both open and online auctions are conducted with the utmost transparency, creating a fair environment for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
To participate, bidders are required to have a traffic file in Dubai, submit a refundable security deposit of Dh25,000, and pay a non-refundable auction fee of Dh120. A 5% VAT is also applied to all purchases, ensuring smooth and regulated transactions.