New Dubai number plates go under the hammer

The National -- Some of them are single numbers, others have five, but all the new exclusive car number plates to be issued in Dubai are likely to cost you around seven digits in cash.

The next generation of plates has been unveiled by Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and some of them are more distinctive then others.

These will be auctioned on December 9 at the Westin Hotel in Habtoor City, and if previous sales are any guide, the winnings bids may be in the millions of dirhams.

The ten special numbers include 7, 10, 12, 100, 333, 786, 1000, 8888, 77777 and 55555. All new plates feature a double code, beginning with AA.

The RTA has overhauled the design of plates and existing numbers can be replaced beginning in February at a cost of Dh35 for short plates and Dh50 for long ones. A plate with the Dubai brand in colour will cost Dh400.