Will You Bid on Dubai’s Most Exclusive Number Plates? 300 Up for Grabs in February 2026!
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is set to launch its 82nd online auction of premium vehicle number plates, giving residents a chance to secure some of the city’s most distinctive registration numbers, ranging from 2-digit classics to 5-digit modern combinations, in a seven-day digital bidding event starting February 09, 2026. The auction opens as part of Dubai’s long-running tradition of celebrating car culture, personal expression and prestige on the emirate’s roads.
What’s happening in Dubai: Dates, registration and details
Dubai’s RTA has announced that 300 premium number plates will be offered in the 82nd online auction, featuring 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-digit combinations suitable for private cars, classic vehicles and motorcycles. The plates will bear codes across a wide alphabet range including H, I, K, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z, making for a varied selection of potential combinations to suit buyers’ tastes and budgets.Registration opened on Monday, February 02, 2026 and bidding begins a week later on Monday, February 09. The auction will remain open for seven days only. All sales are subject to a 5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) and participation is open to residents who hold an active traffic file in Dubai.
تطرح #هيئة_الطرق_وا-لمواصلات في #دبي 300 رقم ثنائي وثلاثي ورباعي وخماسي، مميّز للوحات المركبات الخصوصية والكلاسيكية والدراجات النارية من الفئات:
H -I -K -M-N-O-P-Q-R-S-T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z، في المزاد رقم 82 من سلسلة مزاداتها الإلكترونية للأرقام المميّزة.ويُفتح باب التسجيل لهذا المزاد… pic.twitter.com/wOYzHNrpld
— RTA (@rta_dubai) February 1, 2026
To join the auction, potential bidders must pay a Dh5,000 security cheque payable to RTA and a non-refundable Dh120 registration fee. Registration can be completed online via the RTA website or in person at Customer Happiness Centres in areas such as Umm Ramool, Al Barsha and Deira. Successful bidders have 10 working days after the auction closes to complete payment, in cash for amounts up to Dh50,000 or by manager’s cheque or credit card for larger sums.
Why premium plates have big appeal in Dubai
Dubai’s vehicle number plates are more than just identifiers. They have become symbols of status, individuality and even investment potential. Unique or easily memorable combinations, especially those with fewer digits, often command strong interest and high bids from collectors, car enthusiasts and business owners alike. Last year’s auctions illustrate just how lucrative and competitive these events can be: distinctive numbers have historically sold for millions of dirhams, with some rare plates like AA17 fetching over Dh8 million and total auction revenues reaching into the tens of millions.These auctions not only give buyers the chance to stand out on the roads but also reflect an evolving luxury culture where plates are viewed as status symbols, similar to personalised accessories or exclusive registrations seen in other global cities. A memorable plate can boost a premium vehicle’s visual impact and even act as a conversation piece among collectors and enthusiasts.
What to expect in the 2026 Dubai auction
With 300 plates up for grabs, the 82nd online auction brings both variety and potential competitiveness. Bidders will have the opportunity to choose from combinations that reflect:
- Classic simplicity – Short, easy-to-remember numbers
- Personal touch – Initials, lucky digits or culturally meaningful combinations
- Collector appeal – Combinations likely to remain desirable over time
Since this is an online auction, participants do not need to attend in person as they can register, bid and pay through digital channels, making the event accessible even for busy residents and enthusiasts abroad.
Who participates in the 2026 Dubai auction
Traditionally, RTA number plate auctions draw a wide mix of participants, from everyday drivers seeking a unique plate to collectors and investors looking for rare combinations. Online automotive forums and owner communities frequently discuss the value of certain plates, noting that 4-digit and 3-digit numbers tend to retain value better and can sometimes be resold through private deals when market demand is high.
#RTA will offer 300 premium number plates featuring 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-digit combinations for private and classic vehicles, as well as motorcycles, through its 82nd online auction.
The auction will include plate numbers bearing the following codes: H, I, K, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T,…
— RTA (@rta_dubai) February 1, 2026
For many residents, winning a premium plate is not only about personal identity on the road, it can also be a status milestone reflecting years in the city, business success or even cultural significance when specific numbers have special meaning in local or global contexts.
Looking back: Record sales and trends in Dubai
Dubai’s plate auctions have a track record of remarkable sales and strong interest from the public. For instance, a previous auction saw the plate AA17 sell for Dh8.02 million, contributing to total auction revenues of over Dh69 million. Other combinations also commanded high bids, showing that the market for distinctive plates can be robust, especially when collectors target rare sequences.These historical successes set the stage for high expectations in the 2026 auction. Industry watchers and car culture commentators are predicting vigorous bidding on plates that resonate personally or investment-wise with potential owners.
Tips for prospective bidders at the 2026 Dubai auction
If you are planning to participate in the February auction:
- Register early – Opening began on February 02, 2026.
- Set your budget – Remember VAT and the security cheque requirement.
- Research combinations – Think about personal meaning, resale potential or rarity. Forum discussions on plate value and desirability can help.
- Use digital channels – Online bidding makes participation simple and accessible.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority is once again opening the doors to a marquee online event with its 82nd premium number plate auction, featuring 300 distinctive combinations that could become prized possessions for motorists and collectors alike. With registration opening on February 2 and bidding from February 09, bidders have just a short window to secure a plate that blends personal flair with potential investment value in one of the world’s most dynamic automotive marketplaces. Go to Source