Complete Guide to Postal Codes for UAE | Emirates & Cities

UAE postal code

Despite the growing urban landscape and advanced infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates, one surprising fact often confuses newcomers and online shoppers the UAE does not use a traditional postal code system. Whether you’re sending mail to Dubai, ordering from an international store or filling out an online form, you’ll find yourself asking what is the postal code for UAE?

This guide explains everything about postal codes in the UAE, the use of P.O. Box numbers, how to handle mail and shipping and what you should do when asked for a postal or zip code.

Table of Contents

The Concept of Postal Codes – What Are They?

Postal codes, also known as ZIP codes in some countries, are numbers or letters used to identify specific areas. They help postal services sort and deliver mail quickly and correctly. In many places, every city, neighborhood or even street has its own postal code to make deliveries easier.

But in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), things work differently. The UAE does not use a standard postal code system. Instead, it uses P.O. Boxes. People and businesses receive mail through their personal or company P.O. Box numbers, which they register with Emirates Post.

If you’re in Dubai near DMCC Metro Station in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), you won’t find a traditional postal code for the area. Instead, people use landmarks, building names or GPS locations to receive deliveries. For mail, they rely on their registered P.O. Box numbers, not a street-based postal code.

Why the UAE Doesn’t Use Postal or Zip Codes

Unlike most countries, the United Arab Emirates does not have a formal postal code system. This applies to all Emirates, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain.

Instead of using area-specific postal codes, UAE residents and businesses rely on P.O. Box numbers to send and receive mail. This unique mailing infrastructure reflects how Emirates Post, the UAE’s national postal service has built a system tailored to local needs.

What to Use as Postal Code in UAE?

Default Postal Code for Online Forms:00000”

If you are filling out a form that requires a postal code and you live in the UAE, you can use 00000 as a placeholder. This is the unofficial but widely accepted substitute for postal codes within the UAE.

Whether you’re ordering from Amazon, applying for a visa or registering online, entering00000satisfies the system without causing any issues in delivery.

The Role of P.O. Boxes in the UAE Mailing System

What is a P.O. Box?

Since the UAE does not assign postal codes to residential addresses, it uses Post Office Boxes (P.O. Boxes) instead. A P.O. Box is a uniquely numbered lockable box located at an Emirates Post office, which individuals or businesses can rent.

All incoming mail is delivered to these boxes rather than to individual homes or buildings. Couriers, banks, government offices, and even online retailers deliver to P.O. Boxes.

Importance of P.O. Box for Residents and Businesses

For Individuals

If you want to receive registered letters or packages you’ll need a P.O. Box. While informal deliveries might reach your home through couriers like DHL or Aramex official mail and documents require a valid postal address with a P.O. Box.

For Businesses

It’s a legal requirement in the UAE for registered companies to have an active P.O. Box as part of their business license and contact details. It is also essential for invoicing, government communication and receiving legal documents.

How to Get a P.O. Box in the UAE

To obtain a P.O. Box you need to visit the nearest Emirates Post branch or register online via the official Emirates Post website.

Steps:

  1. Choose between a personal or corporate P.O. Box.
  2. Fill out the registration form and submit your Emirates ID.
  3. Pay the annual rental fee depending on the service type.
  4. Receive your unique 5-digit P.O. Box number and key or access credentials.

Cost of P.O. Box Services in UAE

The UAE offers flexible pricing for P.O. Box services depending on the delivery options.

P.O. Box Type

Annual Cost

Service Description

Personal (Basic) AED 300–350 Pickup at Emirates Post office
Personal (Premium) AED 995+ Home delivery service
Corporate AED 1,000+ Business mail with high-volume support

P.O. Box Type Annual Cost Service Description

Personal (Basic) AED 300–350 Pickup at Emirates Post office

Personal (Premium) AED 995+ Home delivery service

Corporate AED 1,000+ Business mail with high-volume support

Shipping to Dubai or the UAE from International Retailers

When ordering from international online stores, it’s important to understand that Dubai and the UAE do not use standard postal codes like many other countries. Still, deliveries are handled smoothly if the address is entered correctly.

How to Format a Shipping Address to the UAE

Include Area and City Name

Mention your building name, neighborhood, and the city (e.g., Dubai, Abu Dhabi).

Zip Code Requirement

If the checkout page requires a postal or ZIP code, you can enter00000orN/Aas a placeholder.

Add a P.O. Box (if you have one)

For Emirates Post or government mail, include your personal or company P.O. Box number.

Provide a Mobile Number

Always list a valid phone number so that couriers can confirm the location if needed.

Major Couriers That Deliver Without ZIP Codes

Courier

Delivery Type

How They Locate You

FedEx

Direct to door

Uses GPS and your phone number

DHL

Direct to door

Accepts address and contact info

UPS

International

Accepts “00000” as placeholder

Aramex

Regional expert

Depends on phone + building info

Emirates Post

P.O. Box only

Requires registered P.O. Box

Requires registered P.O. Box

With the help of local hubs, GPS tracking, and trusted chauffeur, getting around and delivering items in the UAE is easy—even without postal codes.

UAE Postal Code List – Common Areas (Use 00000)

Here are examples of how areas are handled without unique postal codes:

Dubai

  • Downtown Dubai – 00000
  • Dubai Marina – 00000
  • Jumeirah – 00000
  • Business Bay – 00000

Abu Dhabi

  • Al Reem Island – 00000
  • Yas Island – 00000
  • Khalifa City – 00000

Sharjah

  • Al Majaz – 00000
  • Al Khan – 00000
  • Al Nahda – 00000

This applies to all other Emirates as well: Ajman, Fujairah, RAK, UAQ — they all use 00000 when a postal code is required.

FAQs – UAE Postal Code System

1. What is the postal code of Dubai?

Dubai does not have a postal code. You can use00000or your P.O. Box number for all mailing and shipping needs.

2. Can I receive mail in Dubai without a P.O. Box?

You can receive courier deliveries at your home but official or registered mail from Emirates Post requires a valid P.O. Box.

3. What is the postal code of Abu Dhabi?

Abu Dhabi like other cities in the UAE does not have a postal code. Use00000or your assigned P.O. Box number.

4. How do I get a P.O. Box in the UAE?

Visit an Emirates Post branch or register online. Submit your Emirates ID and pay the rental fee.

5. Is it mandatory to have a postal code in the UAE?

Not exactly. While there are no official codes00000is used as a placeholder on forms.

6. Do online stores accept00000as a postal code?

Yes. Most international stores and couriers recognise00000as a valid UAE placeholder.

7. Can I use my building address for deliveries?

Yes, but for official mail always use a P.O. Box. Couriers may deliver to your address if you provide clear instructions and contact info.

8. What is the cost of a personal P.O. Box in Dubai?

Basic personal P.O. Boxes start at AED 300–350 annually. Premium options with home delivery cost more.

9. Do I need a postal code to receive packages from Amazon?

Yes, but you can use00000or your P.O. Box number when ordering from Amazon or other international platforms.

10. Is Emirates Post the only postal service in UAE?

Yes, Emirates Post is the official postal service provider of the UAE government. Couriers like DHL, FedEx and Aramex operate privately.

Final Thoughts – Understanding the UAE’s Postal Code System

The UAE doesn’t use a traditional postal code system. Instead, P.O. Boxes are the standard for receiving mail. If a postal code is required simply enter 00000 — this placeholder is accepted by most websites and courier services.

Knowing how the system works can save you time and confusion. Whether you’re shopping online or waiting for an international delivery, using the correct address format is essential. Courier companies like DHL, Aramex, FedEx and UPS rely on details such as building names, landmarks, and mobile numbers to ensure accurate delivery — not just ZIP codes.

For convenient, door-to-door travel across the UAE, Chauffeurs Now offers premium chauffeur services. From airport transfers to corporate rides, their professional drivers ensure smooth, on-time journeys without the hassle. No matter where you’re located, they’ll get you there — with comfort and class.

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