DUBAI (AFP) - An Indian businessman has paid $9 million (S$12.4 million) at auction to grab a single-digit car registration plate in Dubai, feeding a passion for "unique" number plates.

Mr Balwinder Sahani, who owns a Dubai-based property management company, spent AED 33 million on the "D5" number plate, in an auction organised by the road authority, Gulf News daily reported on Sunday (Oct 9).

"I have collected 10 number plates so far and I am looking forward to having more. It's a passion. This number will go to one of my Rolls-Royces," he said.

The daily said more than 300 bidders participated on Saturday in the auction which is organised every two months. Eighty special numbers were on offer.

Auctions for "unique" car plates have become a fashion in the glitzy United Arab Emirates with auction organisers frequently netting millions of dollars.