So You Want the Golden Ticket... to Dubailand? How Much Does the Plate "1" Really Cost?
Ever dreamed of cruising down the Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai with a license plate that says simply "1"? It's the ultimate signifier of wealth and, well, maybe a slightly inflated ego. But before you start emptying your bank account to snag this prestigious piece of metal, let's talk about the price tag. It's enough to make your wallet weep, faint, and then need smelling salts.
How Much Is The 1 License Plate In Dubai |
Buckle Up, Buttercup: The "1" Plate ain't Cheap
In 2008, a Dubai businessman dropped a cool 52.2 million UAE dirham (that's about $14.3 million USD) to claim the coveted "1" plate. Yes, you read that right. Fourteen million dollars for a piece of aluminum with a single digit. That's enough to buy a private island, a fleet of fancy cars (to put under said fancy plate, of course), and maybe even a small country (depending on the real estate market).
Is the "1" Plate Still the Most Expensive?
Nope! Dubai loves a good license plate bidding war. In 2021, a two-letter plate, "P7," shattered the record, selling for a whopping 55 million dirham (around $15 million USD). So, the "1" plate, while still insanely expensive, has been relegated to the "also ran" category of the super-plate world.
Tip: Keep scrolling — each part adds context.
Moral of the story? In Dubai, if you gotta have the best, be prepared to pay more than most people pay for a house.
So, How Do I Afford a Fancy Dubai Plate?
Well, unless you're swimming in oil money, you're probably out of luck for the "1" plate or its super-expensive cousins. But fear not, there are other options!
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
- Play the Lottery (the Regular Kind, Not the Plate Lottery): Hit the jackpot and suddenly, that fancy plate might be within reach. Just remember, the odds of winning are slimmer than a supermodel on a juice cleanse.
- Become a Social Media Influencer and Shill Products You Don't Actually Use: Hey, if it works for the Kardashians...
- Marry Rich (or, More Likely, Find a Sugar Daddy/Mommy with a penchant for Status Symbols): This might not be the most romantic route, but it's definitely the most efficient.
But honestly, a regular plate with a cool bumper sticker is just as effective. It might even get you more compliments (and save you a fortune)
FAQ: Your Burning Dubai Plate Questions Answered (with a Wink)
How to win a Dubai license plate auction?
Answer: Practice your poker face and have a bottomless bank account.
QuickTip: Read with curiosity — ask ‘why’ often.
How to get a Dubai license plate number? Answer: The normal kind? Apply through the Roads and Transport Authority. The super expensive kind? See answer #3 from the "So, How Do I Afford..." section.
How much does a normal Dubai license plate cost? Answer: A fraction of a fancy one. You can probably afford it with your regular salary (unless you spend it all on avocado toast).
Tip: Don’t just scroll to the end — the middle counts too.
How to flip a Dubai license plate for a profit? Answer: This isn't a get-rich-quick scheme. Unless you have a crystal ball and can predict the next hot plate trend, you're better off sticking to your day job.
How to look cool while driving in Dubai without a fancy plate? Answer: Get a killer sound system, blast your favorite tunes, and wear the most fabulous sunglasses you can find. Confidence is key (and way cheaper than a fancy plate).
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.