Want a VIP number plate in the UAE? Here’s how to get yours at Dubai’s 81st traffic auction | World News
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is giving you the chance to own a truly unique license plate and yes, it can be yours with just a few clicks! With 300 exclusive three-, four-, and five-digit plates up for grabs, collectors, car lovers, and anyone who likes standing out have a golden opportunity. Here’s your ultimate guide to joining the 81st online auction.
What is Dubai’s 81st RTA license plate auction and what to expect?
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) hosts one of the most exciting events for car lovers and collectors—its 81st online license plate auction! Think of it as a digital treasure hunt where 300 exclusive three-, four-, and five-digit plates go under the hammer, giving you the chance to own a plate that’s truly yours.From classic single-digit plates to rare combinations, this auction is about style, status, and a little bit of friendly competition. Expect a transparent and easy-to-use online platform, competitive bidding, and the thrill of seeing your favorite plate numbers rise in real time. Whether you’re after a plate that’s minimalistic, lucky, or just plain cool, this is your moment to claim it.
Mark your calendar: Key auction dates
- Registration Opens: Monday, October 27, 2025
- Auction Starts: Monday, November 3, 2025
- Duration: 5 exciting days of bidding
- Registration Fee: AED 120 (non-refundable)
- Security Deposit: AED 5,000 (required to confirm participation)
Pro tip: Register early! The earlier you’re in, the quicker you can browse all the rare and desirable plates.
The unique number plates up for grabs
Dubai’s 81st RTA auction is stacked with rare and coveted plates perfect for those who want their car to stand out on the road. Here’s what’s on offer:
- 3-digit plates: Minimalist, classy, and often considered prestigious
- 4-digit plates: A balance between style and memorability
- 5-digit plates: More affordable but still exclusive and collectible
The plates come in codes from A to Z, including popular letters like I, M, R, S, and Z, letting you pick combinations that suit your style or personality. Some plates even carry cultural or lucky number significance, making them even more desirable.Expect a variety of choices, from low-key elegant numbers to flashy, attention-grabbing ones—perfect whether you’re a collector, a luxury car owner, or someone who just wants to make a statement on the streets of Dubai.
RTA license plate auction registration guide
Securing a spot in this highly competitive event requires a few simple steps and adherence to clear rules. Firstly, all participants must hold a valid traffic file registered within the Emirate of Dubai. This is a foundational requirement for eligibility. To finalize registration, bidders are required to provide two specific payments:
- A refundable security deposit cheque of Dh5,000, made payable directly to the RTA. This amount is returned if the bidder does not win a plate.
- A non-refundable entry fee of Dh120.
Registration can be completed through several convenient channels: the RTA’s official website, the Dubai Drive app, or by visiting any of the RTA’s designated Customer Happiness Centres located in Umm Ramool, Al Barsha, and Deira.
Why Dubai’s VIP plates are a lucrative asset
The remarkable success of these auctions highlights the intense demand and financial value attached to distinctive plates in Dubai. These numbers are frequently viewed as appreciating investment assets and key status symbols, with sales consistently generating substantial revenues for the city. For context, RTA open auctions can generate close to Dh98 million in a single event, with the most exclusive two-digit numbers like the recent “BB 88” fetching as high as Dh14 million alone. The plates’ exclusivity and symbolic value ensure they remain one of the most coveted luxury items in the UAE’s competitive market.
