Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is once again igniting fascination with standout license plates as it prepares to host its latest high-profile auction. Scheduled for Saturday, April 26, the live event will take place at the Grand Hyatt Dubai and will feature a curated selection of 90 distinctive number plates—some expected to fetch millions.
This exclusive Dubai license plate auction is the latest in a long-standing tradition that merges luxury with identity, where number plates are not just registrations—they’re powerful status symbols.
What’s up for grabs?
The upcoming RTA auction will include license plates ranging from two to five digits, falling under several categories: AA, BB, CC, IJ, OP, T, U, V, W, X, Y, and Z.
Among the most anticipated entries are ultra-rare combinations such as:
- 22 CC
- 19 BB
- 20 BB
Collectors and high-net-worth individuals eagerly compete in intense bidding wars for these rare plates, valuing them as both prestigious items and solid investments.
Historically, shorter numbers have commanded the highest prices. For instance, in a previous RTA auction in 2024, the two-digit plate AA16 sold for an eye-watering AED 7.32 million, while AA999, a three-digit plate, fetched AED 4.05 million.
How to participate in the auction
Participation in the Dubai license plate auction isn’t as simple as walking in and raising a hand. Interested bidders must pre-register with the RTA through one of the following channels:
- RTA’s official website: rta.ae
- RTA mobile app
- Customer Happiness Centres in Umm Ramool, Deira, or Al Barsha
A subscription fee of AED 120 is required upon registration. Additionally, bidders must submit a security cheque of AED 25,000, which will only be cashed in the case of a winning bid.
While walk-ins will be accepted at the auction venue, RTA strongly encourages early registration, as seating is limited and priority will be given to pre-registered participants. On-site registration will open at 2:00 PM on the day of the auction.
Why do number plates matter so much in Dubai?
In the UAE, especially in Dubai, vehicle number plates often signify much more than just vehicle identity. For many, they are an extension of personal branding or a symbol of success and status.
Two-digit and even some three-digit plates are regularly flaunted by entrepreneurs, celebrities, and VIPs. These auctions have become high-stakes events, often covered by local media and attended by elite collectors.
Beyond prestige, these plates are also seen as appreciating assets. As seen in past auctions, certain plate numbers have resold for significantly higher values, turning them into a niche form of investment.
What to expect at the event
The RTA’s live auction at the Grand Hyatt promises to deliver excitement not only for bidders but also for onlookers fascinated by Dubai’s extravagant automotive culture.
Doors will open at 2:00 PM, with bidding to commence shortly after. All 90 plates will be presented in a sequential manner, and the RTA will provide real-time updates on successful bids.
With recent auctions seeing several plates cross the multi-million-dirham mark, expectations are high for this year’s edition—particularly for super plates like 22 CC, which already have the community buzzing.
A peek into past plate auctions
Dubai’s license plate market has repeatedly made headlines for breaking price records. In 2023, a single-digit plate sold in Abu Dhabi for a staggering AED 55 million—setting a world record.
The April 26 auction excludes single-digit plates, but it features highly desirable two-digit and triple-letter combinations, drawing competitive bids that may rival previous milestones.
Dubai’s RTA continues to innovate when it comes to public services, and its license plate auctions remain one of the most unique intersections of culture, commerce, and collectibility. Whether attending as a serious bidder or a curious observer, the upcoming auction is sure to offer a front-row seat to one of Dubai’s most extravagant public events.
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