Adil Raza Khan | August 30, 2025
In Dubai, luxury isn’t limited to skyscrapers, sports cars, or private islands—it even extends to something as simple as a car’s number plate. Owning the most expensive number plate in Dubai (2025) is more than a display of wealth – it’s a bold statement of power, prestige, and exclusivity.
These plates are auctioned for millions, attracting billionaires, royalty, and elite collectors who see them as status symbols and investments. Dubai has set the stage to demonstrate the world's most valued and rarest plates with unprecedented sales and global news. The most expensive Dubai number plate can cost more than a mansion on Palm Jumeirah.
At APIL Properties, we know that real luxury is rare. Like prime real estate, single-digit or unique number plates are scarce. Both are perceived as investments that narrate a spell of success.
Let us get into the entirety of the most costly number plates in Dubai
Rare number plates are considered prestigious in Dubai due to their rarity. A one-digit plate, or a composite with cultural connotation, is much desired. As an illustration, the number 1 symbolises leadership and power, whereas the number 7 is believed to be very lucky and spiritual.
There are high-profile auctions held by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Emirates Auction, in which the bidders have a tough race. Often, the money is donated to charity, and luxury purchases become charity.
The culture of Dubai appreciates the symbols which indicate success and impact. The fact that someone owns a Rolls-Royce or Bugatti might be a statement, yet taking it to the next level and getting a rare plate, such as the P 7 plate, adds to the identity.
Numbers also have weight in the culture of Emiratis. Recurring digits, symmetry, or individual numbers indicate fortune, influence, or legacy. That is why billionaires and entrepreneurs look at plates as not so much vanity but a possession rich with personal significance.
In the following, we present the most famous number plates sold in Dubai and their buyers!
In April 2023, Dubai made history by selling plate P 7 in the city-wide plate hall event – the Most Noble Numbers charity auction. Do you know this most expensive number plate was valued at AED 55 million (equivalent of 15 million dollars). Plus, it was in headlines all over the world. The best part? Funds helped financial campaigns for Ramadan humanitarianism.
In 2008, an Emirati businessman Saeed Abdul Ghaffar Khouri bought the famous plate "1" in Abu Dhabi at AED 52.2 million (14.2 million dollars). It became the historic sale, which made a Guinness World Record at the time. Money was used to start the first rehabilitation center amongst road accidents victims in the UAE that compounds status together with social impact.
In the same year, the desired F 1 plate was sold at AED 44 million ($12 million). It was referred to as the ultimate car accessory by British businessman Afzal Khan. The popularity of Formula 1 racing and the subsequent value of the plate were attached to the images of speed, sport and world impact.
In May 2021 the plate "AA 9" auctioned at AED 38 million at an event entitled Most Noble Numbers. The anonymous customer also made a contribution to the 100 Million Meals initiative and aided in collecting a total of AED 50 million. It was also one of the most valuable numbers of the city because of its cultural meaning as a one-digit plate.
In 2022, an AA 8 plate was sold at a significant AED 35 million price in Four Seasons Jumeirah. The event contributed to the funds of the campaign 1 Billion Meals. The plate was later purchased by an unknown buyer and spotted on a Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
At an auction of AED 33 million, Indian businessman Balwinder Sahni successfully acquired "D 5" in the year 2016 at RTA. This sale placed him among the most well-known of the Dubai collectors of luxury plates.
The previous year, Sahni bought O 9 plate at AED 25 million ($6.8 million). This plate cemented his reputation prior to his subsequent record-breaking acquisitions. Like other sales, the auction money went towards charitable sources, combining Sahni’s love and charity.
Although purchasing a number plate can be seen as shockingly different to purchasing property, the concept is the same - the concept of rarity and exclusivity contributes to value. In real estate, locations like Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai Marina, or Dubai Islands command higher prices due to limited supply. Similarly, a single-digit plate commands millions because only a handful exist.
Dubai investors tend to invest in real estate, luxury cars, and number plates. All these assets guarantee exclusivity as part of a lifestyle and visibility within the elite circles of the UAE.
Just like prime real estate the rare number plates in Dubai are regarded as an investment. They increase in value due to the growth of demand and reduction of availability. Single-digit plates are not that frequent just as Dubai Hills Estates’ villas or Emirates Hills mansions.
These parallels are evident at APIL Properties. Luxury plates and luxury properties in Dubai are all types of assets that determine status and value over time.
For Dubai’s wealthy elite, plates are more than vanity. They are about:
Exclusive number plates in Dubai are predominantly sold at auction by RTA (Roads and Transport Authority). The auctions are held online and in real-life locations, and appeal to people of high net worth and collectors. To take part, bidders have to register at the RTA and to make a security deposit.
Get to know about the associated questions regarding purchasing costly number plates in Dubai!
The most costly number plate in Dubai is generally very expensive, sold at exclusive auctions organized by the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) or in private luxury auctions, such as Emirates Auction. Such events captivate the world's collectors, businessmen, and car enthusiasts.
Interested buyers must register before they can be taken to the auction, using the RTA site, official app, or the auction organiser. Registration requires a valid ID, a driving license, and a deposit value.
During the bid, the players bid higher on the hard-to-find plate number. Plate it and the UAE highest bidder wins and ownership officially passes through the RTA on the completion of clearing payment.
It will depend on the price of the detail and the uniqueness of the plate. Single figures plates most frequently pass tens of millions of dirhams. E.g. the plate P7 was sold in 2023 at AED 55 million, the highest number plate price in Dubai.
Yes, such plates can be purchased by residents and non-residents, they just have to be entitled to register a vehicle in the UAE and satisfy the requirements of the auction.
Buyers need:
Yes, owners are allowed to resell or transfer their number plates using official RTA samples or at subsequent auctions. Actually, most investors invest in such plates as luxurious items that can be resold.
High-value plates with special financing options are available in some of the banks and financial institutions in Dubai. Nevertheless, wealthy buyers tend to buy most multi-million dirham plates in cash.
Yes, but only through special auctions and private resales. RTA also sporadically holds auctions during the year, significant portions of which are limited-edition plates. Nonetheless, a few high-profile collectors may resell their plates privately, thus bringing rarity and value to the market.
Having the most expensive number plate in Dubai is not merely about driving with a memorable tag but also a potent status symbol representing prestige, exclusivity, and investment potential. These plates are accessories and investments that get enhanced over time for many.
Whether you desire one for your collection or want to own the luxury lifestyle item it signifies, Dubai is the number plate auctioning place to go.
At APIL Properties, we are dedicated to taking your investors and high-luxury clients on the most exclusive journey in the city of Dubai. Whether it is the purchase of high-value properties or the ultimate lifetime assets, we guarantee you will take the right investment step. Contact us now and open the world of luxury in Dubai.
The P 7 plate, sold for AED 55 million in 2023.
Because of their rarity, exclusivity, cultural meaning, and the charity-driven auctions where they are sold.
Businessman Saeed Al Khouri bought it for AED 52.2 million in 2008.
Register with the RTA, pay the deposit, and join either online or in person.
Yes, rare plates can appreciate significantly over time.
You can buy one through RTA Dubai auctions, both live and online, or via private resellers. Registration with RTA is mandatory.
At APIL Properties, we specialize in luxury real estate and lifestyle investments in Dubai.
WRITTEN BY
Adil Khan is a Dubai luxury real estate expert with over 13 years of experience in the UAE property market. He is the Chairman of APIL Properties.
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