Plate codes and formats
Every UAE private car plate has a number, and most have a code. The emirate, the code and the number together identify a plate: the same code and number in another emirate is a different plate.
The basics
- Numbers have 1 to 5 digits, in every emirate.
- Codes are letters in Dubai, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, and numbers in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
- Codes repeat across emirates. Sharjah's codes 1 to 4 also exist in Abu Dhabi, for example, so always check the emirate.
- Some plates have no code. When a listing doesn't show the code, Plate Watch says “Code not shown by the seller”: it isn't known, so don't assume the plate has none.
Dubai
- Codes
- Letters: one letter, or a doubled letter such as AA or BB.
- Plate design
The design the RTA introduced in November 2017: the Dubai brand wordmark at the left, with the code under it, then the number.
Abu Dhabi
- Codes
- Numbers: one or two figures, such as 1 or 14.
- Plate design
The code is shown in white on a red panel at the left, then the number. On short plates the red panel runs across the top.
Sharjah
- Codes
- Numbers. Some Sharjah plates have no code.
- Confirmed
- 1, 3 and 4.
- Seen in sellers' listings only
- 2; and 5 in one ad, not confirmed.
- Plate design
Sharjah Police introduced a new design in February 2025, on a silver-grey plate. A further changeover started on 16 February 2026.
Ajman
- Codes
- Letters.
- Confirmed
- A, B, C, D, E, H and K.
- Seen in sellers' listings only
- F.
- Plate design
The code and the number, with the UAE flag over the coloured “AJMAN” wordmark.
Umm Al Quwain
- Codes
- Letters.
- Confirmed
- A to I, and J, K, M, N and X.
- Seen in sellers' listings only
- L and Z.
- Plate design
Umm Al Quwain Police announced a new design in April 2026, with the emirate's round blue mark over “UMM ALQUWAIN”. The December 2020 design is still on the road.
Ras Al Khaimah
- Codes
- Letters.
- Confirmed
- A, C, D, I, K, M, N, S, V, X, Y and Z.
- Seen in sellers' listings only
- B and E.
- Plate design
The emirate's name in calligraphy at the left, then the code and the number. Older Ras Al Khaimah plates are still on the road.
Ras Al Khaimah announced custom plates of up to 7 characters in February 2026. Whether they are issued yet is not confirmed.
Fujairah
- Codes
- Letters. Some Fujairah plates have no code.
- Confirmed
- B, C, D, H, I, J, K, L, M, R and S.
- Seen in sellers' listings only
- A, E, G and N.
- Plate design
The design Fujairah Police launched in April 2021: the code, the emirate's name in calligraphy (red or black) over “FUJAIRAH”, then the number.
Where this comes from
“Confirmed” means an official body, the news or Emirates Auction (the official sales agent) states the code; “seen in sellers' listings only” means only sellers' ads show it. The lists come from our research of 17 Oct 2026 and are not complete.
Before you buy, check the plate with the emirate's authority: How to transfer a plate links to each one.