Dubai’s DD5 Plate Sells for AED 35M at Charity Auction
In a thrilling event at the Armani Dubai hotel in Burj Khalifa, Dubai’s famous "Most Noble Number" charity auction saw the iconic DD5 number plate sell for a staggering AED 35 million. The auction, held on Saturday evening, attracted over 20 enthusiastic bidders, with Binghatti Holding Chairman Muhammad BinGhatti emerging as the highest bidder with his panel number 7.
Starting at a base price of AED 15 million, the auction quickly escalated into a fierce bidding war. The host, in a moment of excitement, exclaimed, "This is the legend, this is the man," as BinGhatti's winning bid was confirmed.
One of the most memorable moments came from 13-year-old Abdulkader Walid Asaad, who made waves by bidding on the DD5 plate. While his bid wasn’t enough to clinch the prized plate, Abdulkader still walked away with a valuable lot. He successfully purchased the DD24 number plate for AED 6.3 million, marking an inspiring achievement for such a young bidder.
Raising Funds for a Noble Cause
The auction, which is held annually during Ramadan, aims to raise funds for the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI). The proceeds from this year’s event, totaling AED 83.7 million, will benefit the Fathers’ Endowment campaign. Launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, the campaign is dedicated to providing treatment and healthcare for those in need, while also honoring fathers in the UAE.
This event also included other high-profile number plates. The DD77 plate fetched AED 12.6 million, DD12 sold for AED 12.8 million, and DD15 went for AED 9.2 million. These numbers, along with the prestigious DD5, are highly coveted by collectors.
A Legacy of Record-Breaking Sales
The "Most Noble Number" auction is renowned for its history of record-breaking sales. In 2023, the auction made headlines when the P7 number plate was sold for a world record AED 55 million. This plate remains one of the most expensive number plates ever sold globally.
Mobile Numbers Also in High Demand
The evening also saw the sale of several high-demand mobile numbers. The number 058444444 sold for AED 1.7 million, making it the most expensive phone number of the night. In total, 10 numbers from both Etisalat and du were sold, contributing to the significant funds raised during the event.
The auction was held in collaboration with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Etisalat by e&, Du, and Emirates Auction. The event was not just a high-stakes auction, but also a celebration of giving, as participants aimed to support a meaningful cause.
Abu Dhabi’s Ongoing Online Charity Auction
While the Dubai event has concluded, the Most Noble Number charity auction continues online in Abu Dhabi. The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) is hosting the online auction, which features 444 special plate numbers, including sought-after numbers like 10 and 99. Bidding for this online auction will close on March 16 and 17, with participants able to place their bids through the Emirates Auction app.
A Night of Philanthropy and Prestige
The "Most Noble Number" auction has once again proven to be a significant event, not only for its impressive sales but also for its ability to raise funds for an important cause. It brings together collectors, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists who share a passion for rare numbers and a commitment to supporting those in need.