Some Emiratis consider UAE number plates more than a piece of metal.  It is indeed a profitable investment provided you have a sharp eye and good know-how of the market. On November 19, a UAE number plates auction was held at Emirates Palace hotel where a No 1 limited edition UAE license plate was sold to celebrate Abu Dhabi government’s 50th anniversary to Abdullah Al Mahri for Dh31 million, which he bought to pay tribute to the government for working so hard for the development of the UAE.

The auction was arranged by Emirates Auction with the help of Abu Dhabi Police. A staggering amount of Dh99 million was spawned in the auction.

Emirates Auction chairman, Abdullah Al Mannai said that the auction winners are awarded an ownership certificate, which acts as a permit to transfer the number plate to new owners.

Al Mannai revealed car fanatics want to own one of these coveted UAE number plates. Just last month, Balvinder Sahni, an Indian businessman, purchased a D5 plate for Dh33 million at an auction held in Dubai. He didn’t stop at this and bought another one for Dh1million.

While some buy these car registration plates to show off their wealth, others try owning them for sentimental reasons.  No matter how pricey a number plate is, it does not give anyone right to drive recklessly. So, drive safe during these National Day vacations. Happy UAE National Day!