In a remarkable display of luxury and generosity, the number plate DD5 was sold for an astounding Dh35 million at the ‘Most Noble Number’ auction held on Saturday evening in Dubai.
The auction, which took place at the Armani Dubai hotel in Burj Khalifa, saw over 20 bidders competing fiercely for the iconic number plate. Starting at a base price of Dh15 million, it was eventually claimed by Muhammad BinGhatti, chairman of Binghatti Holding, with his bid panel number 7. The host excitedly announced, “This is the legend, this is the man,” as the sale was confirmed.
The auction also featured one of the youngest bidders in the hall, 13-year-old Abdulkader Walid Asaad, who was among those vying for the DD5 number plate. Although Abdulkader didn’t win the top bid, he left the event with a victory of his own, securing the DD24 number plate for Dh6.3 million.
The annual auction, which coincides with the holy month of Ramadan, aims to raise funds for the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI). A packed hall of collectors competed for 25 lots of prized mobile numbers and vehicle number plates, raising a total of Dh83,677,000.
Proceeds from the auction will support the Fathers’ Endowment campaign, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The campaign seeks to establish a sustainable endowment fund to provide healthcare and treatment for the poor and needy in honor of fathers in the UAE.
Notable sales during the evening included the DD77 number plate, which went for Dh12.6 million, and DD12, which fetched Dh12.8 million. Additionally, the DD15 number plate was sold for Dh9.2 million.
In addition to number plates, mobile numbers were also up for grabs. The most expensive mobile number of the evening, 058444444, was sold for Dh1.7 million, marking it as the highest-priced mobile number sold during the event. A total of 10 numbers each from Etisalat and du were auctioned off, raising significant funds. Specifically, RTA plate numbers earned Dh75.9 million, while mobile numbers from Etisalat and du collectively raised Dh7.8 million.
Held in collaboration with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Etisalat by e&, Du, and Emirates Auction, the event was attended by entrepreneurs and philanthropists. The bidding was intense, with participants racing to support the Fathers’ Endowment campaign, which promotes honoring parents and fostering compassion and solidarity.
Meanwhile, the Most Noble Number online charity auction, organized by the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), continues to attract bids. Featuring 444 special plate numbers, the online auction will close on March 16 and 17. Special plates include vehicle plates 10 and 99, as well as motorcycle plate number 5, with residents able to participate through the Emirates Auction app.
