How to Tell your Address in the United Arab Emirates - UAE

The United Arab Emirates has no postal code system except for Dubai. Yes, you heard it right and you might be surprised to find that telling your address here isn’t quite like how you might do it back home. In fact, it’s a bit complicated, and unique and can be tricky for newcomers.

If you are one of the following, new to the UAE, an expat, planning to relocate to UAE, a tourist, or sending or receiving mail/something in the UAE, then here’s a simple guide to help you navigate the process.

The UAE Mailing / Address System: What You Need to Know

The mailing and address system of the UAE is unique and does not follow the common postal systems such as Zip codes or Postcodes. Unlike countries where mail is delivered directly to homes or offices, the UAE relies heavily on PO Boxes. Residents and businesses rent PO Boxes from Emirates Post to receive mail. In most cases, there are no postmen delivering mail directly to your doorstep, which is the norm in places like the USA or UK.

Here the locations are often described by landmarks, area names, or even building names. The postal code system isn’t there at all except for Dubai which is still different then the rest of the world. So you’re more likely to hear people give specific directions or refer to landmarks when providing their address.

Since Emirates Post focuses on PO Box services, private couriers like Aramex, DHL, and FedEx dominate door-to-door deliveries. These companies often rely on phone calls or WhatsApp messages to confirm addresses due to inconsistent formal addressing.

Dubai introduced Makani, a 10-digit location code linked to GPS coordinates. This system provides precise navigation for locations that may not have traditional street addresses. It’s unique to Dubai and is increasingly being adopted by delivery services.

In areas without detailed street names or numbers, directions often reference landmarks (e.g., “near Dubai Mall” or “behind Al Noor Mosque”). This is a workaround for regions with incomplete address systems.

Here are some points to help you in telling your Address in the UAE

1. Start with the Area or Community Name

Most addresses in the UAE start with the name of the area or community you’re located in. For example, if you live in Dubai, your address might start with something like “Downtown Dubai” or “Jumeirah 1.” Likewise, if you are in Sharjah, it could be something like “Abu Shaghara” or Al Musalla”. Some areas are huge, so it’s important to be specific.

2. Mention Your Building or Street Name

After the area name, you’ll mention the building or street where you live. In places like Dubai or Abu Dhabi, many apartment complexes and villas are given unique names, so you’ll often refer to those. For example, “Al Wasl Tower” or “Bahar 3 Tower, Jumeirah Beach Residence – The Walk”. Bahar 3 Tower is the building name and The Walk is the Street Name. Jumeirah Beach Residence includes a few buildings such as Bahar 1, 2, 3 etc so it makes sense to point them out.

3. Include the Nearest Landmark (if necessary)

In the UAE, landmarks are crucial. If you don’t have a clear street address or building name, you’ll need to provide a nearby landmark. For instance, if you’re living near the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, you might say, “Near the Burj Khalifa” or “Behind the Dubai Mall.”

4. Provide the Floor or Apartment Number

If you live in a multi-story building or apartment complex, it’s essential to include your floor number and apartment number. For example, you might say, “Apartment 504, 5th Floor, Emirates Towers.” It’s all about making it as easy as possible for someone to locate you.

5. Don’t Forget Your PO Box (if relevant)

Although, as mentioned earlier the UAE doesn’t have a typical postal code system, people use a PO Box offered by the National Postal service provider, Emirates Post. This is particularly important if you’re receiving official mail. When giving your address, include your PO Box number after the street or building name. For example, “PO Box 12345” could follow your building’s name or landmark.

Example Address

Here’s an example of how an address in Dubai might look:

Area Name: Downtown Dubai

Building Name: Burj Khalifa

Landmark: Near Dubai Mall

Floor/Apartment Number: 30th Floor, Apartment 305

PO Box: 56789

In this example, the address is pretty clear: it’s located in Downtown Dubai, near the famous Burj Khalifa, and the building is near the Dubai Mall. The person’s apartment is on the 30th floor, and they’ve got a PO Box for any mail.

6. Be Prepared for Directions

When someone asks for your address, especially for deliveries or taxis, you might also need to provide some directions. Taxi drivers, in particular, might ask you for more details, especially if you live in an area that isn’t commonly known.

For example, you might say: “Take the road past the Dubai Mall, and I’m the building on your left with the blue sign.”

7. Important Notes for Expats and Visitors

Expat Communities: Many expats live in gated communities or compounds. If you’re in a compound, mention the community name first, like “Mirdif Hills” or “Arabian Ranches.”

Language: While most people in the UAE speak English, Arabic is the official language. It’s helpful to know the basic Arabic names for landmarks, especially if you’re dealing with taxi drivers or local services.

GPS: The UAE is known for its advanced navigation systems, so it’s common to rely on GPS coordinates. Many people simply send their location via WhatsApp or other apps, which makes it super easy to get around.

How to Ship International Purchases to Dubai or Abu Dhabi or UAE

If you’re shopping online and wondering how to get your international purchases delivered to you in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain or anywhere in the UAE, don’t worry—here is how to do it!

First off, UAE-based online stores don’t use Zip Codes, so you’ve probably never needed one while shopping locally. But when buying from international retailers like Amazon, eBay, or AliExpress, the checkout process often asks for a Zip Code. Here’s what to do:

Leave the Zip Code field blank (if the website allows).

Enter 00000 or N/A if it’s a mandatory field.

No need to stress—this won’t affect your delivery. International couriers like DHL, UPS, and FedEx are fully aware that the UAE doesn’t have Zip Codes. What matters most is entering your home address correctly and in full.

However, if you’re planning to receive a parcel through registered mail, things are a little different. You’ll need to sign up for a PO Box number—it’s essential for receiving mail this way in the UAE.

Understanding Dubai Addresses: How to Share Yours

In other emirates, such as Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, traditional descriptions like area names and landmarks are more commonly used, with less reliance on a centralised system like Makani. While other emirates are adopting similar technologies, Dubai’s Makani system remains the most advanced but I don’t know about how much it is in use.

What is the Makani Number?

Makani number is a unique identifier assigned to properties by the Dubai government. While it’s not necessary for mail delivery, it can be extremely helpful for local deliveries or online orders.

How Does Makani Number Work?

The Makani Number is easy to find. It’s usually displayed on buildings, near entrances, or can be looked up via the Makani mobile app or website.

Simply share the 10-digit Makani Number with couriers or service providers—it eliminates the guesswork of trying to describe your location.

It integrates seamlessly with GPS systems, ensuring accurate directions without needing additional details like area names or landmarks.

What is the Zip code or Postcode for Dubai?

Dubai does NOT have a Zip Code or Postal Code. If you are required to provide a Zip code or Postcode for Dubai, you can just fill in 00000 (5 Zeros) in the input field to bypass the requirements.

Putting It All Together: An Example

Here’s a simplified address in Dubai:

PO Box 12345

The Palm Jumeirah Apartments

(Optional: Palm Jumeirah Street)

Jumeirah Beach Residence

Dubai, UAE

P.S. The Tech-Savvy Option: GPS Coordinates

Feeling a bit more high-tech? Some services in Dubai allow you to use GPS coordinates instead of the traditional address system. It’s becoming more common, so consider experimenting with this for more convenience.

Happy navigating, Dubai adventurers!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Telling Your Address in the UAE

How is an address structured in the UAE?

In the UAE, an address usually includes the building name or villa number, street name, community or area name, city, and emirate. A nearby landmark is often mentioned for easier identification.

Is it common to use landmarks when giving your address?

Yes, it is very common. Many people describe their location relative to a nearby landmark like a mall, petrol station, or hotel to make it easier for others to find them.

What is a Makani number and why is it important?

A Makani number is a unique 10-digit code that identifies the exact location of a building in Dubai and some other Emirates. It is very useful for deliveries, navigation, and emergencies.

How can I find my Makani number?

You can find your Makani number using the Makani mobile app or by visiting the official Makani website. You can search by building name or drop a pin on the map.

Do people still use P.O. Boxes in the UAE?

Yes. P.O. Boxes are still widely used, especially by businesses and individuals who want to receive postal mail. Home postal delivery is growing but not yet as widespread.

How do I tell my address if I live in shared accommodation or a bed space?

Mention the villa or building number, street name, area name, and a nearby landmark. You can also specify the flat number and room number if applicable.

Is it acceptable to share a Google Maps location instead of a full address?

Yes, sharing your Google Maps location is very common in the UAE, especially for coordinating with delivery drivers, friends, or taxis.

Do delivery services require a complete address?

Yes. Delivery companies prefer a full address, including building name, street, nearest landmark, and sometimes a Google Maps location or Makani number for accuracy.

What is the best way to explain my address over the phone to a delivery driver or taxi?

Speak slowly and clearly. Start by mentioning the closest landmark, followed by the building or villa number, street name, and area. Always stay available for a call if they need further guidance.

Are address formats the same across all Emirates?

Not exactly. Dubai uses the Makani system, Abu Dhabi has the Onwani system, and other Emirates like Sharjah still rely heavily on landmarks and community names.

What is an Onwani address system in Abu Dhabi?

Onwani is Abu Dhabi's official addressing system that provides each building, villa, or location with a unique number and QR code for easy identification, similar to Dubai's Makani.

Can I use my building name alone when telling my address in the UAE?

It depends. In well-known areas, mentioning the building name along with the community might be enough, but for accuracy, it's best to include the street and nearby landmarks too.

What should I do if my street does not have a clear name or number?

If your street is unnamed or not well-known, describe your location using nearby landmarks, building numbers, or share a Google Maps location to guide people easily.

Is it important to know my area or community name in the UAE?

Yes, knowing your area or community name is crucial. It helps delivery drivers, visitors, and services locate you faster, especially in large cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Do taxi drivers rely on building names or street names more?

Taxi drivers often rely more on building names, hotel names, malls, or major landmarks rather than street names, especially in older areas where streets might not be clearly marked.