After a heated bidding war, car plate number ‘2’ sold for a record $2.7m (AED10m) at a ‘Distinguished number plate’ auction in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

A total of 20 car plate enthusiasts bid for the plate before it was sold to Emirati businessman Ahmed Al Marzuoqi, 23, for the highest bid made at any Emirates Auction.

The event, held in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Police and Emirates Auction, saw a total of 60 number plates go under the hammer, raising AED55m ($15m).

The second highest bid was made for plate number 11, raking in AED6.4m and plate number 10 selling for the third highest bid at AED5.4m. Plate number 22 was sold for AED4.5m, while plate number 17 was also sold for AED3.3m, and plate number 60 was sold for AD2.95m.

The event was held at the luxurious Emirates Palace hotel and attended by 800 people, celebrating the 60th anniversary of Abu Dhabi Police.