A Record-Breaking Auction at Armani Dubai
The number plate DD5 was sold for a jaw-dropping Dh35 million at the ‘Most Noble Number’ auction held on Saturday evening in Dubai. The auction started with a base price of Dh15 million, and after intense bidding among over 20 participants, Muhammad BinGhatti, chairman of Binghatti Holding, secured the plate with bid panel number 7.
The auction host praised the winner, declaring, “This is the legend, this is the man,” before confirming the final sale.
A Young Bidder's Success
Among the bidders was a young and determined participant, 13-year-old Abdulkader Walid Asaad, who was in the race to purchase the coveted DD5 plate. Although Abdulkader couldn’t secure the winning bid, he walked away as the proud owner of another prestigious plate, DD24, which sold for Dh6.3 million. 
Raising Funds for a Noble Cause
The annual auction, held during the holy month of Ramadan, is dedicated to raising funds for the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI). The event, held at the Armani Dubai hotel in Burj Khalifa, attracted collectors bidding for 25 exclusive mobile numbers and vehicle number plates. The event successfully raised Dh83,677,000.
The funds from the auction will support the Fathers’ Endowment campaign, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The initiative aims to establish a sustainable endowment fund to provide healthcare and treatment to the less fortunate in honor of fathers in the UAE.
A Record From Last Year
In 2023, the auction broke records when a bidder purchased the number plate P7 for a remarkable Dh55 million, making it one of the most expensive number plates ever sold.
Other Notable Sales
Several other prestigious number plates also sold for impressive amounts during the auction. The number plate DD77 fetched Dh12.6 million, while DD12 sold for Dh12.8 million. DD15 went for Dh9.2 million.
Philanthropy at Its Core
The auction attracted both entrepreneurs and philanthropists, all eager to contribute to the Fathers’ Endowment campaign. The campaign promotes the values of honoring parents and fostering compassion and solidarity. This noble cause received significant support throughout the evening.
The Mobile Number Auction
The auction also included the sale of a mobile number, 058444444, which became the most expensive phone number sold during the evening, fetching Dh1.7 million. In total, 10 Etisalat and du mobile numbers were sold, raising significant funds for the charity. The RTA number plates alone brought in Dh75.9 million, while the Etisalat and du mobile numbers generated Dh4.732 million and Dh3.045 million, respectively.
