The fascination with special car number plates has grown into a global phenomenon. From Pakistan to the Gulf Arab states, car owners are willing to spend enormous amounts of money to secure personalized or prestigious license plates, which are often seen as status symbols. These custom plates, featuring exclusive combinations of numbers or letters, represent much more than a legal requirement. They have become a symbol of wealth, power, and individuality, with people going to great lengths to acquire them.
In Pakistan, the craze for special car number plates has gained momentum. Recognizing the growing demand for premium plates, the Sindh Excise Department recently launched an online bidding process for plates in three exclusive categories: platinum, gold, and silver. This initiative aims to cater to the elite and the growing community of individuals willing to pay hefty sums for the privilege of owning unique license plates.
Earlier this year, the Sindh government successfully held its first-ever auction for premium number plates, which proved to be a significant financial success. In July, the auction included bidding for 40 exclusive plates, generating a staggering Rs675.4 million for the provincial government. The popularity of the event underscored the fact that many Pakistanis are eager to flaunt their wealth and status through personalized license plates.
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon further emphasized the significance of this initiative by announcing a “major fundraising event” scheduled for October 12 in Karachi. The event is expected to draw an even larger crowd of eager buyers, ready to compete for the most coveted numbers in the platinum, gold, and silver categories.
The Gulf States: Home to the Most Expensive Plates
While Pakistan is witnessing a rise in demand for special number plates, the Gulf Arab states have long been at the forefront of this trend. In countries like the UAE, owning an exclusive number plate is seen as an ultimate expression of prestige and wealth. In cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, auctions for personalized plates often see bids reaching astronomical sums, with the rich and famous competing for numbers that represent luxury, exclusivity, and power.
One of the most famous auctions took place in 2016 in Abu Dhabi, where the number plate “1” was sold for an astounding AED 52.2 million (approximately $14.2 million). The buyer, Emirati businessman Saeed Abdul Ghaffar Khouri, made headlines globally for setting a new record for the highest price ever paid for a number plate.
In Dubai, the fascination with exclusive plates is no different. In 2018, an auction saw the number plate “D5” sell for AED 33 million (around $9 million). The buyer, Balwinder Sahni, a property developer, expressed his satisfaction with the purchase, explaining that it was about more than just the number—it was about making a statement. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Owning something as unique as this plate is priceless,” Sahni said. He further added that owning such an exclusive number gives him a sense of distinction and pride every time he’s on the road.
Other examples of high-priced plates include the number “AA9,” which sold for AED 23.3 million in Abu Dhabi in 2021, and the plate “R7,” which fetched AED 16 million at a Dubai auction the same year. For many wealthy buyers, the value of these plates far exceeds their monetary worth—they are seen as investments, akin to rare art or luxury real estate.
The allure of special number plates is not just about status; it is also seen as a valuable financial asset. In the UAE, owning a unique plate is viewed as an investment that can increase in value over time. Many buyers expect to sell these plates at a higher price in the future, making the purchase an opportunity for profit.
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a collector of exclusive number plates, shared his experience of buying a plate for AED 18 million in 2017. “It’s more than just a show of wealth,” he said. “These plates hold sentimental value, but they are also a solid investment. Over time, their value appreciates just like any other valuable asset.”
The same sentiment is shared by many collectors in Pakistan, where the premium number plates auction has drawn significant attention. One of the buyers from the Sindh auction, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “It’s not just about having a fancy number. It’s about setting yourself apart and knowing you have something unique that only a few can own. Plus, these numbers tend to increase in value over time, so it’s also a smart financial move.”
From Pakistan to the UAE, the obsession with special number plates shows no signs of slowing down. The increasing demand for unique combinations of letters and numbers reflects a broader cultural trend where individuals seek to assert their identity and status through luxury items, including personalized plates.
This practice, once limited to the wealthy elite, is now spreading across various economic strata. People from different walks of life are joining the bidding process, whether for the thrill of competition or the desire to own something rare and prestigious.
As the trend continues to grow in Pakistan, particularly with the Sindh government’s online bidding platform, it is likely that the craze for special car number plates will only intensify. With the upcoming fundraising event in Karachi and the success of past auctions, more and more individuals are expected to participate in what has become a symbol of luxury and success.
The phenomenon of personalized car number plates has transcended borders, becoming a global obsession. Whether in the bustling streets of Dubai or the avenues of Karachi, these plates are much more than simple identifiers—they are coveted symbols of wealth, prestige, and individuality. As long as people are willing to pay a premium for exclusivity, the craze for special number plates is here to stay.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance
