By Staff Reporter
BinGhatti makes bids totalling Dh44.2 million, 20 mobile numbers yield Dh7.7 million
Dubai: The sale of five premium car plate numbers fetched more than Dh75 million, including a staggering Dh35 million for the coveted DD 5, at the ‘Most Noble Number’ charity auction held at the Armani Hotel Dubai in Burj Khalifa.
Overall, the auction of special number plates under the DD code and 20 fancy mobile numbers raised Dh83.6 million. The proceeds will go toward the Fathers’ Endowment campaign to support its goal of implementing healthcare projects in underserved communities. Coinciding with Ramadan, the campaign was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. The auction was organised by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) in collaboration with Emirates Auction, with support from the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), e& UAE, and du.
BinGhatti and ‘the cub’
From the start of the auction until its conclusion, leading businessmen, humanitarians, and philanthropists keenly contested each bid with the aim of supporting the campaign. Bids for car plate numbers, starting at a base price of Dh2 million, quickly surged to Dh5 million. While bidding, serious discussions were held at each table, with consultations made over the phone with their bosses and decision-makers before raising the bid paddle.
The biggest contributor was Binghatti Holding’s Chairman, Muhammad BinGhatti, who was represented by core team members at the auction. Sitting at table number 4, they successfully raised bid paddle number 7 twice: once to secure the prized DD 5 for Dh35 million, which turned out to be the most sought-after and expensive catch of the night. Additionally, BinGhatti secured number plate DD 15 for Dh9.2 million, bringing his total bids to Dh44.2 million — more than half of the auction’s total collection.
Among both young and old participants, there was also a young child calling bids on behalf of his father. The show hosts referred to him as ‘the cub,’ as he successfully secured plate number DD 24 for Dh6.3 million.
Total bids for RTA plate numbers amounted to Dh75.9 million. Other select numbers that went under the hammer included DD 12, which sold for Dh12.8 million, and DD 77, which sold for Dh12.6 million.
20 phone numbers fetch Dh7 million
The auction featured 20 fancy mobile numbers, which raised more than Dh7 million. Bids amounted to Dh4.732 million for 10 e& UAE mobile numbers and Dh3.045 million for 10 du mobile numbers, respectively. The top two numbers were du 0584444444 (Dh1.7 million and most expensive of the night) and e& UAE 0565000000 (Dh1.6 million), totalling Dh3.3 million.
Separately, the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), which operates under the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi, will auction 444 special plate numbers. Participation in the online charity auction in Abu Dhabi is possible through the Emirates Auction app.
