Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) set a new record at its 118th open auction for exclusive vehicle number plates, held on Saturday, at the Grand Hyatt Dubai.

The auction raised an incredible Dh98.83 million, the highest amount ever collected in the history of RTA’s plate auctions.

The top-selling plate was CC 22, which was snapped up for Dh8.35 million. Other big sellers included BB 20 for Dh7.52 million and BB 19 for Dh6.68 million. Plates AA 707 and AA 222 also attracted high bids, selling for Dh3.31 million and Dh3.3 million respectively.

90 Premium Plates on Offer

A total of 90 premium number plates were auctioned, with two- to five-digit combinations across 14 different codes, including AA, BB, CC, I, J, O, P, T, U, V, W, X, Y, and Z. Although the original combined value of the plates was Dh16.565 million, fierce bidding pushed the final total to nearly six times higher.

The huge success of the event highlights the strong demand for unique number plates in Dubai and shows the trust people have in RTA’s fair and transparent auction system.

Both Emirates and Etihad Airways are making significant strides in their growth strategies, with major fleet upgrades and new aircraft set to enhance the passenger experience and expand their global networks in the coming months.

Emirates Rolls Out Refurbished A380s and Boeing 777s to New Cities

Emirates is introducing refurbished Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft to eight new cities, enhancing its service with upgraded cabins. The airline will roll out its refreshed A380s to destinations including Bangkok, Hong Kong, Nice, and Perth, while the upgraded Boeing 777s will fly to Madrid, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, Frankfurt, and Dublin.

The airline’s ongoing retrofit programme, which has been advancing rapidly since its launch in November 2022, aims to complete an update on one wide-body aircraft every three weeks. By the end of this year, Emirates will have advanced its cabin improvements, focusing particularly on introducing its new Premium Economy seats, offering a more luxurious experience to travellers.

The airline is committed to offering premium experiences across over 70 cities worldwide, with plans to solidify its leadership in Premium Economy deployment over the next two years.

Additionally, Emirates will receive its first long-range A350 later this year, debuting on flights to Adelaide starting December 1.

Etihad Airways Expands Fleet and Routes

Meanwhile, UAE’s flag carrier Etihad Airways has launched its new Airbus A321LR aircraft, a key step in its strategy to double its fleet and triple passenger numbers by 2030. The new aircraft will bring Etihad’s luxury experience to shorter and medium-haul flights, with the introduction of the First Suite, private luxury spaces that are typically available only on long-haul aircraft. These suites, available in limited numbers on each plane, will offer high-end service on more routes, elevating the airline’s premium offering.

The first Airbus A321LR is set to begin flying on August 1 and connect Abu Dhabi with key destinations including Athens, Bangkok, Milan, Riyadh, and Zurich..

The new A321LR aircraft will make luxury air travel more accessible to passengers on shorter routes, as part of Etihad’s broader effort to expand its market reach.

Dubai has officially been recognised as the first Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere. This achievement highlights the city’s efforts to make its tourism more accessible and inclusive for everyone, including residents and visitors with autism and sensory needs.

The certification, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), was a result of extensive collaboration between the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and various local partners. Key initiatives included staff training, improved support at attractions, and the introduction of sensory guides and special lanyards to help visitors with hidden disabilities.

This milestone supports Dubai’s economic goals, which include enhancing talent development, social inclusion, and quality of life for all. It also aligns with the UAE Year of Community, promoting inclusive spaces and shared experiences.

As part of the certification process, more than 70,000 people have received autism and sensory awareness training, including employees from over 300 hotels and more than 15 attractions across the city. Notable sites, such as Dubai International Airport and Expo City Dubai, have earned recognition for their efforts to support visitors with autism.

Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai’s tourism corporation, said the recognition reflects the city’s commitment to accessibility, and it’s part of the ongoing effort to make Dubai a top global destination for both business and leisure.

The city’s commitment to accessibility extends to airlines as well. Emirates has become the world’s first Autism Certified Airline™, with over 30,000 staff trained to assist autistic travellers.

Additionally, all certified locations in Dubai will be featured on the IBCCES Accessibility App, which provides real-time information about sensory-friendly spaces and recommended destinations for those with special needs.