Top 10 Most Expensive Number Plates In The UAE

Imagine buying a Rolls-Royce or Lamborghini and spending more on its number plate than the car itself. Sounds crazy? Well, welcome to the UAE, where a single digit can be worth millions!

From Dubai’s record-breaking P 7 to Abu Dhabi’s famous number 1, the UAE has witnessed some incredible number plate auctions. Here are the 10 most expensive UAE number plates as of November 2026, based on reported auction prices and winning bids, including one unpaid bid. 

Before exploring the list, check out our UAE number plates explained guide.

Dubai O 9 — AED 23.9 Million (2015)

Balwinder Sahni makes another appearance with Dubai’s O 9, purchased at an Al Jalila Foundation fundraising gala on 25 November 2015. The official auction report recorded AED 23.9 million, although some reports quoted higher amounts. The purchase came a year before Sahni spent AED 33 million on his famous D 5 plate.

Abu Dhabi 5 — AED 25.2 Million (2007)

Abu Dhabi’s number 5 helped kick-start the UAE’s luxury number plate craze. Businessman Talal Khouri purchased it for AED 25.2 million on 12 May 2007 at Emirates Palace, setting a world record at the time. 

The auction raised AED 76.2 million for charitable causes. Since then, special plate auctions have grown across the UAE. Sharjah even witnessed a number 7 plate selling for AED 5 million.

Abu Dhabi 1 (Category 50, Golden Jubilee) — AED 31 Million (2016)

Abu Dhabi’s Golden Jubilee number 1 attracted an AED 31 million winning bid at Emirates Palace on 19 November 2016. The Category 50 plate was offered during a special auction celebrating 50 years of Abu Dhabi’s government. 

However, there was a twist. The winning bidder’s cheque bounced, and the purchase was never completed. Therefore, AED 31 million represents the recorded bid, not a confirmed sale.

Dubai D 5 — AED 33 Million (2016)

This plate comes with an interesting story! Businessman Balwinder Sahni purchased Dubai’s D 5 for AED 33 million at an RTA auction on 8 October 2016.

He reportedly wanted it for his Rolls-Royce. Why D 5? The letter D is fourth in the alphabet, and four plus five equals nine, his lucky number. An expensive way to celebrate a favourite number!

Dubai DD 5 — AED 35 Million (2025)

Dubai’s DD 5 matched AA 8’s AED 35 million price at a charity auction on 15 March 2025. Muhammad Binghatti, chairman of Binghatti Holding, was the winning bidder. 

The auction supported the Fathers’ Endowment campaign, which funds healthcare projects. Interestingly, Binghatti also purchased DD 15 for AED 9.2 million at the same event.

Dubai AA 8 — AED 35 Million (2022)

Eight is considered lucky in several cultures. For one bidder, that lucky number came with a rather expensive price tag! Dubai’s AA 8 sold for AED 35 million on 16 April 2022 during the Most Noble Numbers auction supporting the 1 Billion Meals campaign. The plate shares fifth place in value with DD 5.

Dubai DD 6 — AED 37 Million (2026)

The newest addition to this list is Dubai’s DD 6, which fetched AED 37 million on 7 March 2026. Sold at the Armani Hotel in Burj Khalifa, the plate was the highlight of a charity auction supporting the Edge of Life campaign to fight childhood hunger. DD 6 surpassed the AED 35 million achieved by DD 5 a year earlier.

Dubai AA 9 — AED 38 Million (2021)

Dubai’s AA 9 proved that two letters and one digit could carry an extraordinary price tag. Sold for AED 38 million on 1 May 2021, the plate became the world’s second-most expensive registration number at the time. The Most Noble Numbers auction supported the UAE’s 100 Million Meals campaign. The winning bidder remained anonymous.

Abu Dhabi 1 (Code 5) — AED 52.2 Million (2008)

Before P 7 stole the spotlight, Abu Dhabi’s number 1 ruled the record books. Emirati businessman Saeed Abdul Ghaffar Khouri purchased the Code 5 plate for AED 52.2 million at Emirates Palace on 16 February 2008. The sale set a Guinness World Record that remained unbeaten for 15 years. Auction proceeds were intended to support a hospital for road accident victims.

Dubai P 7 — AED 55 Million (2023)

One letter, one number and a whopping AED 55 million! Dubai’s P 7 became the world’s most expensive vehicle registration plate on 8 April 2023. The plate was sold at the Most Noble Numbers charity auction, supporting the 1 Billion Meals Endowment campaign. 

Bidding started at AED 15 million before reaching the record-breaking figure. The buyer remained anonymous. Read our detailed report on Dubai’s AED 55 million number plate.

Why Are Number Plates So Expensive In The UAE?

Rarity, exclusivity and personal significance make certain number plates extremely valuable. Single digits, memorable combinations and lucky numbers attract wealthy collectors. Many record-breaking plates are also sold at charity auctions, where buyers can support important causes while securing something unique.

Want to understand the different designs and categories? Read our Dubai number plates guide.

How To Buy A Special Number Plate In Dubai

You don’t need millions to own a distinctive number plate. Dubai’s RTA regularly offers special numbers through open and online auctions. Buyers generally need an active Dubai traffic file, auction registration and the required security deposit. Winning bidders must pay and complete the registration process.

Read more about RTA special number plate auctions and how to buy new number plates in Dubai. 

Changing cars? Check our guide on transferring vehicle ownership in Dubai. If your plate goes missing, here’s how to replace a lost number plate.

Latest Dubai Number Plate Auction In October 2026

Dubai’s RTA held its 121st open auction on 24 October 2026, raising AED 65.72 million. CC 44 topped the auction at AED 6.72 million, followed by BB 18 at AED 6.62 million and BB 80 at AED 5.9 million. For comparison, Dubai’s December 2024 number plate auction raised AED 38.21 million.

The UAE’s Million-Dirham Number Plate Culture

From record-breaking charity auctions to lucky single-digit combinations, the UAE has turned number plates into valuable collectables.

Whether it’s a status symbol or a personal favourite, one thing is clear. Sometimes, the number plate is worth more than the car!

Whatever car you’re thinking of, find it on Dubi with over 25,000 listings.

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