Great story in the Gulf News  here in Abu Dhabi a couple of days ago about a local guy who paid 25.2 million dirhams (over $US6.8 million) for the number “5″ car number plate at an auction held to raise funds for charity.

Not only did he buy the number 5 plate, but he also splashed out and bought number 55 for over $1.7 million and number 45 for $1.35 million. 

Now, there are a few points to take from this:

1. There’s plenty of cash floating around Abu Dhabi at the moment!

2. Auctioning number plates is a fantastic way to raise money for charity

3. This guy has used his success to leave a legacy in 2 ways - the number plates for his family to use and maybe to onsell in the future, and the money he paid for the charities to use to build a better future for those in need.

By the way, the auction was held at the Emirates Palace Hotel, apparently the most expensive hotel ever built at about $3 billion.  It’s just down the road from our place, almost our local! 

Interesting place, Abu Dhabi.  Plenty of successful people building legacies in ways I’ve never even thought of.

Cheers

Richard