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Dubai Number Plate Sells for Record $14.9 Million at Auction

Expensive car plate broke a record at a charity auction (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Expensive car plate broke a record at a charity auction (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Dubai Number Plate Sells for Record $14.9 Million at Auction

Expensive car plate broke a record at a charity auction (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Expensive car plate broke a record at a charity auction (Asharq Al-Awsat)

A Dubai charity auction dedicated to support the inauguration of a Ramadan sustainable food aid endowment fund raised Dh97.9 million ($26.6 million).

The auction hit a record by selling the ‘P 7’ plate, the most expensive license plate in the world for Dh55 million ($14.9 million), breaking the former record of Dh52.2 million ($14.2 million).

Dubai's “Most Noble Numbers” charity auction for special numbers, held on April 8, and whose proceeds will go to the One Billion Meals campaign, managed to sell 35 special numbers including 14 license plates, 10 Du phone numbers, and 11 Etisalat phone numbers.

The proceeds from the auction will go to the “One Billion Meals" campaign aimed at finding sustainable solutions for hunger and malnutrition in vulnerable communities, and to implement targeted programs, projects and initiatives within systematic plans and specific targets to eradicate hunger.

The charitable bids on vehicle plate numbers hit a total of Dh91.5 million ($24.9 million), and the Etisalat phone numbers raised about Dh3.3 million ($904,500), while Du numbers amounted to Dh3 million ($818,800).

According to the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the “Most Noble Numbers” charity auction supporting the One Billion Meals campaign, offers philanthropists an innovative opportunity during the Holy Month of Ramadan to contribute to establishing a food safety network that starts in the UAE and serves the vulnerable categories in unfortunate communities.

The One Billion Meals campaign, held under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives Foundation, aims to revive the endowment as a development tool for societies, ensure the sustainability of giving, and contribute to global hunger eradication efforts, considered one of the most significant development goals.

Alongside the charity auction, the One Billion Meals campaign has five other contribution outlets: the official website, call center, shareholding in the endowment, and bank transfers. The campaign also receives donations via text messages.

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Thick Fog Disrupts Some Flights on One of the UK’s Busiest Weekends for Travel

Pedestrians cross the Millennium Bridge as a red London bus passes over Blackfriars Bridge with Tower Bridge disappearing into the fog behind on the River Thames in London on December 27, 2024. (AFP)
Pedestrians cross the Millennium Bridge as a red London bus passes over Blackfriars Bridge with Tower Bridge disappearing into the fog behind on the River Thames in London on December 27, 2024. (AFP)
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Thick Fog Disrupts Some Flights on One of the UK’s Busiest Weekends for Travel

Pedestrians cross the Millennium Bridge as a red London bus passes over Blackfriars Bridge with Tower Bridge disappearing into the fog behind on the River Thames in London on December 27, 2024. (AFP)
Pedestrians cross the Millennium Bridge as a red London bus passes over Blackfriars Bridge with Tower Bridge disappearing into the fog behind on the River Thames in London on December 27, 2024. (AFP)

Travelers flying to or from the UK faced further disruptions Saturday as thick fog and low visibility restricted air traffic on one of the year's busiest weekends.

Gatwick Airport in London warned that some flights may be delayed throughout Saturday and apologized for the inconvenience. Flights were delayed by up to three hours late Friday because of poor weather conditions, and at least 40 flights from the airport, mostly short haul to Europe, were delayed Saturday morning.

Heathrow Airport, one of Europe's busiest, also advised passengers to check with their airlines regarding potential delays.

The UK's weather forecasters, the Met Office, said thick fog patches could reduce visibility to just 100 meters (328 feet) in some areas across the country. It said travelers should allow “a little bit longer” for journeys and warned drivers to be extra careful.

Conditions are expected to improve Sunday, the Met Office said.

The country's main air traffic control organization said the restrictions would remain in place in areas with low visibility.

“Restrictions of this sort are only ever applied to maintain safety," it said. “Our teams are working closely with the airports and airlines to minimize disruption.”

The restrictions came at a busy time of year when many people travel following the Christmas holiday and ahead of the New Year.