Dubai businessman, Balwinder Sahni, is known for making headlines for his extravagant purchases. In his most recent, he bought a phone number for approximately 4.5 million dirhams ($1.2 million) during an auction held this week at the Grand Hyatt Dubai Convention Center.
But, there's a problem with it. Just two hours after buying the number, he told Khaleej Times that there is no way he can use it for personal use.
"I can never use this number. I got it in my hands at 8.30 pm today and till now, within just 2 hours, I've received 1,000 calls."
Money is no object
Last year, the businessman - who is quite known for his over-the-top purchases - forked out 33 million dirhams for a license plate.
Such items are highly coveted in the United Arab Emirates. The “D5” plate that Sahni snagged at the October 8 auction for 33 million dirhams isn’t the first one in his bag. He bought it for one of his 6 Rolls-Royce cars, CNN reported.
“I always like to give myself a gift every year,” Sahni told CNNMoney. “When you work very hard, you need to present yourself something.”
But, it's all for charity
The money that Sahni paid, as well as the rest of the sums collected at the auction, will be going to charity.
"I went with the aim to buy this number. I only wanted this number so it's the only one I bought. I never have limits when I want something, especially when it is for charity," he confirmed.
Sahni has come under fire after people took to social media to question why he would pay so much for a number plate. But he said he will continue to give back to Dubai and it's community however he can.
Well, at least all these grand gestures are for a good cause!