Sharjah: Sharjah’s second electronic auction for vanity license plate numbers was a huge success, raking in Dh16,483,000 — a 49 per cent increase over its first edition.

The auction, organised by Sharjah Police in collaboration with Emirates Auction from November 20 till December 2, attracted the attention of bidders from across the UAE and beyond, and saw heated competition until the very last second before its closure at 9pm on Friday.

The electronic auction saw the participation of over 620 bidders from the UAE and beyond, taking part in over 7,000 bids on unique plate numbers. The auction was also viewed by over 450,000 people via Emirate Auction’s mobile app and website.

The auction witnessed intense bidding on 150 vanity plate numbers, including the single-digit number plate 2; four two-digit numbers: 11, 21, 33, and 63; as well as more than 60 of 5-digit numbers.

The first edition of the electronic auction was held last October, recording Dh11.015 million, with 537 bidders and 390,000 viewers.

The single-digit number recorded the highest bids, closing on Dh2,650,000, followed by the number 11 recording Dh2 million, 21 recording Dh1,115,000, and 33 recording Dh1,755,000. The two-digit 63 number recorded AED 880,000.

The highest bid on three-digit numbers went to plate number 999, which recorded Dh901,000.

Brigadier Saif Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, expressed thanks to all bidders, wishing them all success. He also hailed the auction’s strategic partner Emirates Auction for their role in the success of this event.

“The success of the second edition of the electronic auction, in accordance with goals set forth by Sharjah Police, especially those pertaining to customer’s happiness and the quality of service provided to them, proves once again our ability to work in line with the highest international standards in excellence and innovation,” Al Shamsi said.

Abdulla Matar Al Mannaei, chairman of Emirates Auction, said, “The great participation we saw at the auction from the UAE and abroad indicates our success in fulfilling the auction’s goal of availing opportunities for all interested people to take part in the auction, by means of our smart apps, regardless of their geographic location.”

All Emirates Auction app users will be automatically enrolled in a draw to win a brand new 2017 BMW, while those who register for auctions will enter the draw for a 2016 Bentley. The draw on both cars will take place on December 17.