What is the Zip Code for Dubai?

If you are expecting to receive registered mail or have made an international purchase from Dubai, you might be asked for a Zip Code.

A Zip Code is a series of numbers and letters - usually 5 or 6 - that serves as a postal address for collecting and sorting mail. The Zip Code is also used as area identification when it comes to delivering goods to your doorstep.

So, what is the zip code for Dubai?

Well, Dubai does NOT have a Zip Code or Postal Code. If you are forced to feed a Zip Code anywhere, you should use 5 Zeros or 00000 as the input. This is just to bypass requirements in most cases and will have no bearing on where things will be shipped.

Does the entire UAE follow the same system?

You’re probably surprised by all of this but yes! All Emirates of the UAE do not use a Zip Code or a Postal Code. In fact, most neighbouring GCC countries follow the same system as the UAE.

Even if you reside in Sharjah or Abu Dhabi, you will have to use a 00000 Zip Code.

How do I use mailing addresses for Dubai and the UAE?

Dubai replaces zip codes and postal codes with something called a P.O. Box number. You will need a PO Box number if you want to receive any sort of registered mail within the country.

A PO Box number is also a 5-digit code which is why it is easy to confuse it with a Zip Code, but they could not be more different.

For starters, a unique P.O. Box number is assigned to each business or person who is ‘renting’ a post box.

How do I rent a postbox in Dubai?

Unlike some countries where post boxes are a part of homes, offices, or apartment buildings, the UAE does not offer post boxes with addresses and one must be ‘rented’ instead.

Keep in mind, renting a post box in Dubai is not a very common practice for individuals. However, for businesses established in Dubai, this is mandatory because it forms a part of the corporate identity of organizations in the UAE.

This is not to say that an individual cannot obtain a PO Box number. All you have to do is visit the Emirate Post Office, the country’s official postal operator, clear the formalities and fill out the necessary documents to get your own postbox.

The cost for a post box rental for individuals is between AED 300 and AED 995 per year depending upon the package you choose.

The difference between the packages is rather simple. The basic package means you will have to visit the post office branch to collect your mail while the premium package includes door delivery of your snail mail.

Click here to learn more.

How do I have international purchases shipped to Dubai?

Great question! UAE-based online retailers will not ask you for a Zip Code.

However, when buying items internationally, most websites including popular retailers like Amazon, eBay, and AliExpress, will ask you for a Zip Code, in this case, you can either:

• Leave the Zip Code or Postal Code field blank
• Enter 00000 or N/A if it is a required field

Once again, this will have no bearing on where or how your goods will be shipped as these items are shipped directly to your door.

Courier companies in the UAE like DHL, UP, and FedEx are well aware that there are no Zip Codes here. All you need to do is enter the rest of your home address very carefully.

If you want to receive a parcel via registered mail, you will have to sign up for a PO Box Number first. Period.

Sample postal address formats to receive registered mail or parcels

For Businesses

[Person name]

Company name

PO Box xxxxx

Emirate or City

United Arab Emirates

For Individuals

Person name

PO Box xxxxx

Emirate or City

United Arab Emirates

Conclusion

So there you have it! A detailed explanation of how Zip Codes, Postal Codes, and PO Boxes work in Dubai and the UAE. The main thing to remember is that Dubai does not have Zip Codes and you can use 00000 as the input whenever you are asked to enter one. The courier company shipping items to your doorstep will focus on other aspects of your given address.

If you want to have something delivered via registered mail - letters or parcels - you will have to rent a post box with a PO Box number via Emirates Post. However, since having a PO Box number is not mandatory in the country for individuals, very few people opt to have one.

That’s it from us at Wise Move for now. Until next time, choose wisely!