United Arab Emirates – Postal Service

Who runs the postal service in the UAE, and who are the main providers?

Emirates Post serves as the UAE’s designated national postal operator and functions as a subsidiary within the Emirates Post Group structure. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 21 of 2019, ownership of Emirates Post Group Company is vested in the Emirates Investment Authority — the federal body responsible for holding and managing the federal government’s investments across various companies and sectors. This arrangement places Emirates Post in a category similar to other large state-run postal bodies worldwide, such as Australia Post or France’s La Poste: a government-owned organisation carrying a broad national mandate rather than operating as a purely commercial or privatised enterprise.

Oversight of the UAE’s wider postal sector falls to the Postal Sector Regulatory Committee, which is established by a Cabinet decision following a proposal from the Emirates Investment Authority. This committee is tasked with drafting regulatory frameworks for the postal sector and submitting them to the Cabinet for approval. While Emirates Post commands the dominant market position, the courier and logistics sector as a whole remains open and competitive.

Emirates Post operates as a diversified postal corporation, providing both postal and non-postal services through its network of 109 post offices across the UAE. In 2007, the company became a subsidiary of Emirates Post Group, formalised under a Federal decree in 2013. The group also encompasses the Electronic Document Centre (EDC) and Wall Street Exchange as fellow subsidiaries — meaning document management and financial services are directly integrated into the broader postal offering.

Emirates Post supports international e-commerce through tailored logistics solutions, inbound and outbound mail processing, and express mail services (EMS), facilitating deliveries to more than 200 countries through its international postal partnerships and agreements. In parallel, major international courier operators — including DHL, FedEx, UPS, and regional heavyweight Aramex — maintain a strong presence across the UAE, and a significant proportion of residents rely on these companies for parcel delivery in preference to the national postal service.

How fast and reliable is postal delivery in the UAE?

Delivery speeds within the UAE depend largely on the service tier selected. Emirates Post offers economy, standard, and express options for both domestic and international shipments. For deliveries within the country, costs are considerably lower than for cross-border shipments, reflecting the relatively compact geography of the UAE. The Emirates Post website includes a package calculator that allows users to adjust variables and obtain estimated costs and delivery times for both national and international parcels. It is always advisable to consult the Emirates Post website at emiratespost.ae directly for up-to-date pricing and delivery estimates, as these are subject to periodic revision.

Emirates Post maintains close cooperation with postal services worldwide through its membership of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), which underpins the timely handling of international shipments. The UAE further cemented its engagement with global postal standards by hosting the 28th Universal Postal Congress in Dubai in 2025, at which member countries unanimously adopted updated Universal Postal Union commitments.

Tracking is available for registered and express items sent via Emirates Post, and a tracking portal is accessible through the operator’s website. When parcels depart the UAE, they typically pass through several logistics providers before arriving with a local carrier in the destination country. For businesses or individuals requiring seamless end-to-end visibility, private couriers with more comprehensive tracking infrastructure are generally preferred for international consignments.

Successful delivery within the UAE depends on precise addressing details being provided — specifically a complete address accompanied by a local mobile number and the recipient’s email address. Since the UAE applies zero VAT de minimis, carriers routinely contact recipients via SMS, telephone, or WhatsApp to coordinate delivery, making a UAE mobile number indispensable. Expats expecting inbound international mail should ensure their UAE number is clearly displayed on any incoming packages to enable timely delivery notifications and contact from the postal operator.

What additional services are available at post offices in the UAE?

Emirates Post branches offer a considerably wider range of services than simple letter and parcel handling — a characteristic that sets the UAE postal network apart from the mail-only models found in some other countries. In addition to its core postal, domestic delivery, and express services, Emirates Post also delivers logistics and financial solutions.

Non-postal offerings cater to individuals, businesses, and communities alike, encompassing government services, utility bill payments, retail insurance products, international money remittance, travel bookings, and direct mail advertising. In practical terms, a single visit to your local Emirates Post branch can serve multiple purposes — settling a DEWA electricity account, sending money overseas, or obtaining government documentation, for instance.

The full portfolio of Emirates Post services spans traditional mail delivery, domestic and international parcel handling, express courier options (EMS), PO Box rentals, money transfer, bill payment facilities, and an expanding range of e-commerce and logistics solutions aimed at both businesses and private customers. The Wall Street Exchange subsidiary, operating under the same group umbrella, provides currency exchange and money transfer at numerous locations, reinforcing post offices as convenient all-in-one financial service destinations.

The range of services available can differ between branches. Central post offices in prominent cities — such as the Karama branch in Dubai, the Abu Dhabi main office, and the Sharjah branch — tend to carry the complete service portfolio, while smaller outlets may offer a more limited selection. It is worth checking the Emirates Post website or contacting the customer care line (600 599 999) to confirm what is available at your nearest branch before making a trip.

Does the postal service deliver to every address in the UAE, and what happens if it doesn’t?

The UAE does not operate a universal door-to-door delivery network of the kind found in countries such as Germany or Japan, where postal workers deliver to every residential address. There is no home mail delivery in the UAE. In contrast to Europe or North America, letters are not dropped off at individual apartments or villas. If someone sends you physical mail, it must be addressed to a PO Box, and you are expected to collect it in person.

The country instead relies on a PO Box framework to handle all mail distribution. Anyone wishing to receive correspondence — whether a private individual, a business, or a government department — needs to be registered with a PO Box number held with Emirates Post. This requirement applies equally whether you live in central Dubai or in a more remote part of Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah: the PO Box functions as your official postal address throughout the country.

If you do not have a personal PO Box, cannot access an employer’s box, or are only in the UAE temporarily, it is possible to have mail sent to a post office address for collection. These are known as public PO Boxes. Each major post office across the seven emirates holds a designated public PO Box number that is open to anyone as a collection point. When collecting from a post office counter, your name must correspond exactly to the identification you present — informal names or nicknames should not be used.

A common arrangement for employees arriving on work visas is access to a company PO Box through their employer. Where this is not provided, opening a personal PO Box through Emirates Post is a straightforward and affordable process. For a MyBox or MyHome postal box, annual rental fees start from AED 300 and AED 995 respectively (as of 2023 — verify current fees at emiratespost.ae).

Parcel delivery through private courier companies operates under a different set of rules. Couriers can deliver packages to physical locations using mobile numbers and building details, but official letter mail through Emirates Post requires a registered PO Box. Companies such as DHL, Aramex, and FedEx deliver directly to physical addresses by combining GPS coordinates, building names, and phone contact, making them a practical supplement to the PO Box system for receiving goods purchased online.

How do you write a postal address in the UAE?

The UAE does have a postal code structure that assists with mail sorting and routing, though it does not feature as prominently in everyday addressing as postcodes do in many other countries. Emirates Post provides coverage across urban, suburban, and rural areas throughout all seven emirates, including major urban centres such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. In practice, however, the PO Box number remains the single most important component of any UAE mailing address.

The standard format for writing a UAE postal address is as follows:

1. Recipient’s full name (as it appears on their Emirates ID or passport)
2. PO Box number (e.g., P.O. Box 12345)
3. City / Emirate (e.g., Dubai)
4. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (in capitals, for international mail)
5. Recipient’s UAE mobile number (highly recommended — see below)

A realistic example address would look like this:

Arabic is the UAE’s official language, but addresses destined for international delivery should be written using Latin script, with “UNITED ARAB EMIRATES” appearing in capital letters. In rural areas where formal street names may not yet be established, including the village name and the nearest larger town will help ensure proper mail routing.

A frequent error is omitting the PO Box altogether and providing only a physical building address or apartment number. Street-level delivery is not used for official mail in the UAE — only designated Post Office Boxes serve as valid mail delivery points. For courier shipments, building details and a contact number are sufficient, but for letter mail sent via Emirates Post, the PO Box is non-negotiable. Senders should also be asked to include the recipient’s UAE mobile number on the address label (beginning with +971), as this enables an SMS notification when the item is ready for collection.

How do you find or look up a postcode or PO Box number in the UAE?

The UAE does not have a conventional postcode or ZIP code system. This often comes as a surprise to newly arrived expats accustomed to systems where every street carries a unique code — such as the alphanumeric postcodes used in the UK or the five-digit PLZ system in Germany. In the UAE, the geographic routing function that postcodes perform elsewhere is instead handled by the PO Box number. Individuals and businesses rent a PO Box and all mail is directed there rather than to a physical street address.

This becomes relevant when completing online forms that require a postcode. In most cases within the UAE, residents enter 00000 or leave the field empty when no postcode is needed. It is important to understand that “00000” carries no official postal meaning — it is purely a workaround for online systems that demand a numeric code. It should never be used as a genuine postal routing reference.

The Dubai government has developed a supplementary digital addressing tool called Makani — a unique 10-digit number assigned to every building entrance. Government agencies, courier companies, and other service providers use Makani numbers to pinpoint buildings and physical locations with precision. That said, Makani does not replace the PO Box system. Postal routing continues to depend entirely on registered box numbers; Makani serves only as a navigation aid.

To find or apply for a PO Box, visit the Emirates Post website, which allows you to search for nearby post offices and submit a PO Box application online. The process requires submission of an Emirates ID or trade licence, payment of the annual fee, and you will then be assigned your unique PO Box number. Applications can also be made in person at any Emirates Post branch. Once registered, your PO Box number becomes your official mailing address throughout the UAE.

What should expats know about receiving parcels and international mail in the UAE?

Receiving items from overseas is something most expats will need to do regularly, and the process works rather differently here than in many other parts of the world. With no universal home delivery in place, both Emirates Post and courier companies will generally contact you via telephone or SMS when a parcel arrives — reinforcing once again why providing your UAE mobile number on all incoming mail labels is so important.

When a parcel cannot be delivered or collected from a PO Box directly, it is typically held at the relevant post office or sorting facility and the recipient is notified. For Emirates Post items, collection takes place at the post office linked to your PO Box. For private couriers such as DHL or Aramex, redelivery can usually be arranged by contacting their customer service teams or using their mobile apps.

Customs duties are levied on goods arriving in the UAE from abroad. The standard rate is 5% of the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) of most imported goods, covering a broad range of general cargo including mobile phones, computers, and other electronic devices (as of 2025 — verify current rates with the Federal Customs Authority). From 1 January 2023, Dubai Customs reduced the duty-free threshold for goods arriving via courier services from AED 970 to AED 300. Certain categories — including printed materials, items for the visually impaired, and standard mail — remain exempt from duty regardless of their declared value.

All non-document express shipments entering the UAE attract 5% VAT on the value of goods, irrespective of the shipment’s total value. Goods in the information technology category are exempt from customs duties, though a surcharge of 1% on the CIF value is applied. Alcoholic beverages carry a customs duty of 50% of their CIF value, while tobacco products are subject to a duty of 100% of their CIF value. These figures are current as of 2025 — the Federal Customs Authority website should always be consulted for the latest rates.

Certain items are entirely prohibited from importation into the UAE, while others may only be imported with the appropriate permit from the relevant Emirati customs authority — examples include food consignments, audio-visual media such as CDs and tapes, and mobile phones. Permitted and restricted goods lists can also differ between individual emirates, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah each maintaining separate regulations. Always consult the UAE Government’s official customs guidance before sending or receiving any goods internationally.

From 29 February 2024, the UAE National Advance Information Centre (NAIC) requires that all goods being imported into the UAE are accompanied by 6-digit HS codes. If you are expecting a shipment from overseas, make sure the sender is aware of this requirement to prevent unnecessary customs delays.

Are there reliable alternatives to the national postal service in the UAE?

The UAE hosts one of the most mature private courier markets in the entire Middle East region, and a large proportion of expats rely on private operators for most of their parcel and document shipping requirements. Emirates Post coexists alongside regional powerhouses such as Aramex and global operators including DHL, UPS, and GEODIS, all of which maintain a substantial physical and digital footprint across the country.

Aramex is a leading regional courier company with its headquarters in the UAE, offering domestic and international courier, freight forwarding, and logistics services. The company is particularly well regarded for its “Shop and Ship” programme, which assigns expats a forwarding address in various countries — enabling them to purchase from international retailers that do not ship directly to the UAE. This service has become extremely popular among the expat community.

DHL Express and FedEx both maintain extensive operational networks throughout the UAE and are the preferred choice for dispatching time-critical documents and high-value international shipments. Both companies offer door-to-door delivery, live tracking, and customs clearance assistance — considerable advantages over Emirates Post standard services when delivery certainty is a priority.

Within the UAE, a growing ecosystem of app-based on-demand courier platforms — including Fetchr and comparable services — has emerged, offering same-day or next-day delivery using GPS location data rather than PO Box references. These platforms are particularly well suited to e-commerce businesses and individuals receiving online shopping orders who want packages delivered to a physical apartment or office rather than collected from a post office.

When deciding between Emirates Post and a private courier, the following factors are worth considering:

• Cost: Emirates Post is typically the most economical choice for standard domestic letters and documents. Private couriers charge more but deliver added speed and tracking capability.
• Speed: Private express couriers such as DHL and FedEx generally achieve next-day or two-day international delivery, compared with several days or longer for Emirates Post standard services.
• Tracking: Private couriers provide more detailed end-to-end tracking, which is especially valuable for international shipments passing through multiple handlers en route.
• Valuables: For shipments of high-value items, private couriers offer superior insurance options and more reliable handling procedures.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a PO Box as soon as I arrive in the UAE?

Not on your first day, but you will need one promptly if you intend to receive official correspondence such as bank statements, government notices, or deliveries via Emirates Post. Many employers provide staff with access to a company PO Box, which addresses this requirement for the duration of employment. If your employer does not offer this, applying for a personal PO Box through any Emirates Post branch or via the website is a simple process. Bring your Emirates ID and be ready to pay the annual rental fee (from AED 300/year for a personal MyBox, as of 2023 — confirm current fees directly with Emirates Post).

Will my rental property have a mailbox at the door?

In most cases, no. Because the UAE operates on a PO Box model rather than street-level delivery, the majority of residential buildings — flats and villas alike — do not feature individual letterboxes at the entrance in the way that properties across Europe typically do. Some newer developments include communal mailbox installations in building lobbies, but this is far from standard. As a general rule, you should expect to collect your mail from the post office linked to your PO Box rather than finding it delivered to your doorstep.

How long does an international letter from abroad take to arrive in the UAE?

Transit times for international mail depend on a number of factors, including the country of origin, the service type selected, and the time taken for any customs inspection. Standard international letter post from Europe typically takes somewhere between five and fourteen days, though delays can occur during busy periods or when items are held for customs processing. Express courier services from operators such as DHL, FedEx, or Aramex usually deliver internationally within one to five business days. For the most accurate current estimates, check both with the originating postal service and Emirates Post directly.

How do I redirect mail if I move within the UAE?

Emirates Post does not offer a residential mail redirection service equivalent to those operated by postal services in some other countries, such as Royal Mail’s redirection product in the UK. Since mail is sent to your PO Box rather than your home address, relocating within the UAE has no automatic effect on your incoming mail — your PO Box remains unchanged wherever you live, provided you keep it active and continue to collect from the same post office. Should you need to change your PO Box — for example, if you move to a different emirate — you will need to inform all relevant senders of your new PO Box number yourself.

How do I send valuables or important documents safely?

Sending valuable items through Emirates Post using registered mail or an express service provides a tracking reference and a signature upon delivery. For particularly high-value goods or urgent documents, private couriers such as DHL, FedEx, or Aramex offer more comprehensive insurance coverage, continuous end-to-end tracking, and a higher level of handling accountability. When sending internationally, always ensure that the contents and value are accurately declared on customs documentation, and verify in advance that the item does not appear on any restricted or prohibited goods lists.

What happens if a parcel is too large for my PO Box?

When a parcel exceeds the capacity of your PO Box, Emirates Post will leave a collection notice and retain the item at the post office for a set period. You then attend the counter in person, bringing valid identification, to collect it. Private couriers approach oversized deliveries differently — they will typically attempt delivery to a physical address or call you directly to arrange a convenient delivery window. To make this process as smooth as possible, always ensure your UAE mobile number is prominently displayed on any incoming shipments.

Are there any items I cannot send to or from the UAE by post?

Yes. The UAE enforces strict regulations on prohibited and restricted imports. Certain goods — among them narcotics, pornographic content, material deemed offensive under UAE law, and specific food products lacking the required permits — are entirely forbidden. Other categories, including food consignments, mobile phones, and tobacco products, may be permitted only with the relevant authorisation or attract elevated customs duties. Regulations can also differ from one emirate to another, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah each applying their own specific rules. Always review the UAE Government’s official customs page and the Emirates Post international shipping guidelines before dispatching or expecting any goods.

Can I use online shopping sites that don’t ship to the UAE?

Yes — forwarding services such as Aramex’s “Shop and Ship” exist precisely to solve this problem. They provide subscribers with forwarding addresses in various countries, including the US and UK, allowing you to order from retailers that do not offer direct international shipping. Once your purchases arrive at the Aramex hub, they are forwarded on to your UAE address. Bear in mind that delivery charges and applicable import duties will be added to the overall cost, so it is worth factoring these in before committing to a purchase through a forwarding service.