Quick answer
- Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will sell 60 distinctive 2, 3, 4 and 5 digit vehicle plate numbers at its 121st Open Auction on Saturday 24 October 2026.
- The Dubai plate number auction takes place at the Dubai Hilton Al Habtoor City Hotel, with bidders welcomed at the venue from 2:00 pm.
- Registration opened on 19 October 2026 through the RTA website or at RTA Customer Happiness Centres in Umm Ramool, Deira and Al Barsha.
- Bidders need a Dubai traffic file, a refundable AED 25,000 security deposit cheque and a non-refundable AED 120 fee, and plate sales carry 5% VAT.
The next Dubai plate number auction is set for 24 October 2026, when the RTA will put 60 distinctive vehicle plates under the hammer, led by the rare 2 digit numbers BB 80, BB 18 and CC 44. Anyone with a Dubai traffic file can register now to bid, whether they are a collector, an investor or a driver who simply wants a memorable plate.
What the RTA announced
In a statement published on 19 October 2026, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority said its 121st Open Auction will offer 60 distinctive plate numbers with 2, 3, 4 and 5 digits. The plates come from ten codes: AA, BB, CC, H, U, V, W, X, Y and Z.
The authority singled out three 2 digit plates as the star lots: BB 80, BB 18 and CC 44. Alongside them are 3, 4 and 5 digit numbers that the RTA describes as having harmonious combinations that are easy to remember. The RTA expects strong interest from collectors, investors and plate enthusiasts, as distinctive numbers are seen in Dubai as having both symbolic and investment value.
Dubai plate number auction: key details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Auction | RTA 121st Open Auction |
| Date | Saturday 24 October 2026 |
| Venue | Dubai Hilton Al Habtoor City Hotel |
| Doors open | From 2:00 pm on auction day |
| Plates on offer | 60 plates with 2, 3, 4 and 5 digits |
| Plate codes | AA, BB, CC, H, U, V, W, X, Y and Z |
| Headline plates | BB 80, BB 18 and CC 44 |
| Registration opens | 19 October 2026 |
| Where to register | RTA website, or Customer Happiness Centres in Umm Ramool, Deira and Al Barsha |
What it costs to bid
Taking part is not free, and the money side is worth understanding before you register. The RTA has set out the following charges and conditions for bidders.
| Charge or rule | Amount or condition |
|---|---|
| Participation fee | AED 120, non-refundable |
| Security deposit | AED 25,000 cheque, refunded if you do not win a plate |
| VAT on plate sales | 5% |
| Payment deadline for winners | Within 10 working days of the auction date |
| Penalty for late payment | Loss of the security deposit and listing as a non-compliant bidder |
| Eligibility | Must hold a traffic file in the Emirate of Dubai |
There is no cap on how many plates one person can buy. The RTA says individuals may acquire any number of distinctive plates, subject to its approved terms and conditions.
What it means for drivers
For most motorists the auction is optional, but it is the main official route to a short or patterned plate in Dubai. Because the 5% VAT is charged on top of the winning bid, a buyer’s real cost is higher than the hammer price, so budget for that before you raise your paddle.
The 10 working day payment window is strict. If you win and cannot pay in time, you lose the AED 25,000 deposit and end up on the RTA’s list of non-compliant bidders. If you do not win anything, your deposit cheque is returned.
Social Kandura has covered several earlier rounds of these sales, including the RTA auction of 350 plates in August 2025.
Practical tips before you register
- Check that your traffic file is active in Dubai before you start, since it is a condition of entry. While you are in the system, it is a good moment to settle anything outstanding; our UAE traffic fines guide explains common penalties and black points.
- Prepare the AED 25,000 security deposit cheque and keep the AED 120 participation fee in mind, as the fee is not returned.
- Set your maximum bid in advance and add 5% for VAT so you know your true ceiling.
- Make sure funds are ready to pay within 10 working days if you win.
- Arrive at the Dubai Hilton Al Habtoor City Hotel from 2:00 pm on 24 October 2026 to allow time for check in.
FAQs
When is the next Dubai plate number auction?
The RTA’s 121st Open Auction is on Saturday 24 October 2026 at the Dubai Hilton Al Habtoor City Hotel. Bidders are welcomed at the venue from 2:00 pm on the day.
How do I register for the RTA plate auction?
Registration opened on 19 October 2026. You can register through the RTA website or in person at the RTA Customer Happiness Centres in Umm Ramool, Deira and Al Barsha.
How much does it cost to take part in the auction?
Each bidder pays a non-refundable participation fee of AED 120 and provides a security deposit cheque of AED 25,000. The deposit is returned if you do not win a plate.
Which plate numbers are on offer at the 121st auction?
The RTA is offering 60 plates with 2, 3, 4 and 5 digits from the codes AA, BB, CC, H, U, V, W, X, Y and Z. The headline lots are the 2 digit numbers BB 80, BB 18 and CC 44.
Is VAT charged on Dubai plate numbers bought at auction?
Yes. The RTA says the sale of plate numbers is subject to 5% VAT. Winning bidders must pay within 10 working days of the auction or risk losing their deposit.
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