PlatePros marketplace has emerged as a growing business in Dubai, reflecting how personal interests can evolve into viable ventures. The story behind its creation highlights the influence of car culture in the UAE and the entrepreneurial vision of its founders.
Hassan Shehada, who grew up in the UAE, always noticed the cultural value residents placed on number plates. Moreover, he recognized that many people saw plates as personal identities rather than simple vehicle markers. This observation gradually shaped the idea for PlatePros marketplace, which he co-founded with his partner, Ahmed Al Nasser.
The concept began modestly through an Instagram page. However, interest grew rapidly among collectors, buyers, and investors seeking clarity on plate valuations. The founders soon realized that the market lacked accessible information about pricing, rarity, and appreciation potential. Consequently, they positioned PlatePros marketplace as a platform that blends lifestyle meaning with investment reasoning.
Buyers initially felt uncertain about determining plate value. Therefore, the team prioritized education, offering guidance on market trends, scarcity factors, historical data, and auction dynamics. Shehada explained that these early challenges improved their understanding of the industry and helped build trust within the community.
Dubai offered an ideal environment for the company’s development. The city’s strong entrepreneurial ecosystem and streamlined business processes encouraged experimentation and innovation. Furthermore, Dubai’s established luxury and automotive culture provided a natural customer base for unique and expressive number plates.
The founders’ professional backgrounds also contributed to the business. Shehada brought experience in communications within the luxury and automotive sector, while Al Nasser contributed insights from the real estate market. Together, they created a platform that approached number plates as cultural assets and financial opportunities.
Initially funded through personal savings, the business grew consistently as profits were reinvested. Over time, the founders introduced an advisory model, helping clients choose plates likely to retain or increase value. Additionally, the platform expanded from a social presence into an organized marketplace with community engagement at its core.
Looking ahead, PlatePros aims to expand across the GCC. The next phase involves developing a digital marketplace equipped with pricing tools, valuation insights, and automated recommendations. The founders envision a user-friendly interface supported by real-time market analysis.
Shehada’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs emphasizes patience and consistency. He encourages starting projects even when conditions feel uncertain, noting that adaptability and discipline contribute more to success than perfect timing.
Ultimately, the rise of PlatePros marketplace shows how cultural understanding, personal passion, and deliberate growth strategies can form a sustainable business in a competitive market.
