Quick answer
- Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) raised AED 65.721 million at its 121st Open Auction of distinctive vehicle plate numbers on Saturday 24 October 2026.
- Plate CC 44 was the top seller at AED 6.72 million, followed by BB 18 at AED 6.62 million and BB 80 at AED 5.9 million.
- The Dubai plate number auction offered 60 plates with 2, 3, 4 and 5 digits from the codes AA, BB, CC, H, U, V, W, X, Y and Z.
- Plate sales at RTA auctions carry 5% VAT, and winning bidders must pay within 10 working days of the auction.
The Dubai plate number auction held by the RTA on 24 October 2026 raised AED 65.721 million, with the 2 digit plate CC 44 selling for AED 6.72 million. The results matter to collectors, investors and any driver thinking about bidding for a memorable plate at a future RTA auction.
Update, 27 October 2026: Dubai plate number auction results
The RTA confirmed in a results statement published on 26 October 2026 that its 121st Open Auction raised AED 65.721 million. The sale took place on Saturday 24 October at Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City and featured the 60 plates described further down this article.
The three 2 digit plates the RTA had promoted as its star lots took the top three places, and one 3 digit plate also went for more than AED 1 million.
| Plate | Code | Digits | Sale price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CC 44 | CC | 2 | AED 6.72 million |
| BB 18 | BB | 2 | AED 6.62 million |
| BB 80 | BB | 2 | AED 5.9 million |
| BB 117 | BB | 3 | AED 1.016 million |
| Total auction proceeds | AED 65.721 million |
The figures above are the ones published by the RTA. Its statement did not say how many of the 60 plates found buyers. The authority said the result reflects its approach to open and online auctions, which it describes as built on neutrality, transparency and equal opportunity, and noted that distinctive plates carry symbolic value for their owners.
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 for the next auction
- 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.
- Keep an eye on RTA announcements for the next open auction. For the 121st auction, registration opened only five days before the sale.
FAQs
How much did the Dubai plate number auction raise in October 2026?
The RTA’s 121st Open Auction on Saturday 24 October 2026 raised AED 65.721 million. The highest price was AED 6.72 million for plate CC 44.
How do I register for an RTA plate auction?
For the 121st auction, registration opened on 19 October 2026 through the RTA website or at the RTA Customer Happiness Centres in Umm Ramool, Deira and Al Barsha. Watch RTA announcements for the dates of the next auction.
How much does it cost to take part in the auction?
For the 121st auction, each bidder paid a non-refundable participation fee of AED 120 and provided a security deposit cheque of AED 25,000. The deposit is returned if you do not win a plate.
Which plate numbers were offered at the 121st auction?
The RTA offered 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 were BB 80, BB 18 and CC 44, which sold for AED 5.9 million, AED 6.62 million and AED 6.72 million.
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.
More for drivers: UAE Driving Guide
