$14 Million Goes To Charity
I think its a good strategy by the Emarati government to auction exclusive vanity plates to ridiculously wealthy people and use the money for a good cause. The plates cost the government nothing, and the money would go to another vain luxury otherwise. In the latest charity auction in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, a vanity license plate with nothing but the number "1" on it went for a record $14 million. Proceeds from the auctions go to a rehabilitation center for victims of traffic accidents.
"I bought it because it's the best number," said Saeed Khouri, whose family made its fortune in real estate. "I bought it because I want to be the best in the world."
Ordinary automobile license plates issued to drivers here — and even most other vanity series plates — carry both Arabic and Western numerals and script, defining the issuing city and country. Khouri's plate, however, has only the Western numeral and no letters.
"I bought it because it's the best number," said Saeed Khouri, whose family made its fortune in real estate. "I bought it because I want to be the best in the world."
Ordinary automobile license plates issued to drivers here — and even most other vanity series plates — carry both Arabic and Western numerals and script, defining the issuing city and country. Khouri's plate, however, has only the Western numeral and no letters.
