Unlike many countries, Sharjah does not use a traditional postal or zip code system. Instead, all mail is handled through P.O. Box numbers, managed by Emirates Post.
This system means that every business or resident who wants to receive physical mail must rent or share a P.O. Box. Mail cannot be delivered directly to homes or buildings based on street names or numbers.
- Sharjah Postal Codes and Alternatives
- The P.O. Box System in Sharjah
- New Postal Code Initiatives and Digital Systems
- Comparison: Postal Code vs. P.O. Box vs. Makani Number
- How to Use the Correct Format for Online Forms
- How the P.O. Box, PCS, and Makani Work Together
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
In recent years, Sharjah has begun introducing digital addressing systems such as Makani numbers and the new Postal Code System (PCS), both designed to modernise navigation and improve mail delivery efficiency.
If you’re completing an online form or sending mail to Sharjah, this guide explains exactly what to enter, how to find your P.O. Box number, and what’s changing in the postal system.
Sharjah Postal Codes and Alternatives
Sharjah operates differently from most global cities when it comes to postal identification. Unlike countries that use area-based postal or zip codes, Sharjah relies on a centralised P.O. Box system managed by Emirates Post. This means there are no fixed postal codes assigned to neighbourhoods or streets. Instead, each individual or business receives mail through a unique P.O. Box number linked to a post office branch.
For residents completing online forms or international shipments, a few placeholder postal codes, such as “00000” or “SHJ,” are widely accepted. Additionally, Makani numbers and the upcoming Postal Code System (PCS) are providing new digital alternatives for accurate address identification. These systems, while not replacing P.O. Boxes, enhance navigation accuracy and location tracking across the emirate.
Learn more about local trends using DataGuru to explore Sharjah’s community insights and transaction patterns.
Why Sharjah Doesn’t Have a Standard Postal Code
Sharjah relies entirely on the P.O. Box system. Unlike in the US or Europe, where every street or district has a postal or ZIP code, Sharjah uses a single placeholder format for all addresses.
The reason is historical and logistical. Since the UAE’s founding, Emirates Post has centralised mail handling at post offices, not doorsteps. This approach ensures security, efficiency, and privacy, but it also means residents must know the correct P.O. Box number for each recipient.
When international or online forms request a postal or zip code, you’ll need to use a placeholder code instead.
Common Placeholder Formats for Sharjah Postal/Zip Code
Because Sharjah does not follow a conventional postal or zip code system, many residents and businesses encounter confusion when completing online forms that require one.
Whether you’re setting up an e-commerce account, applying for a visa, or registering for utilities, most international websites request a numeric postal code even though the UAE’s mail system relies entirely on P.O. Boxes.
To resolve this, several placeholder formats have become widely recognised across government portals, courier services, and online registration systems. These formats are not official postal codes but accepted substitutes that help ensure smooth digital processing and prevent form submission errors. Using them correctly saves time and reduces the chance of delivery delays or rejected applications.
These are the most widely accepted formats when filling out forms or making deliveries:
- 00000 → The most common placeholder used for Sharjah (five zeros).
- SHJ → Occasionally accepted as a postal abbreviation for Sharjah.
- N/A or blank → Accepted on some international or government forms.
- Makani number → Use this if the form requests a “building code” or “location ID.”
Tip: Always check the form’s country format. For example, US-based sites typically require five digits, so entering 00000 is the safest choice.
If you’re purchasing or renting property in Sharjah, you can use the Mortgage Costs Calculator to estimate expenses.
Area-by-Area Examples
All districts and neighbourhoods in Sharjah share the same placeholder postal code: 00000. However, each may have unique P.O. Box numbers for businesses, offices, or branches.
Examples:
- Al Nahda: 00000
- Al Mamzar: 00000
- Al Ghafiya: 00000
- Al Majaz: 00000
- Al Taawun: 00000
- Al Qasimia: 00000
- Al Aber: 00000
These codes are interchangeable for online use, but for actual deliveries, always rely on the P.O. Box number.
The P.O. Box System in Sharjah
Sharjah’s reliance on the P.O. Box framework means that every piece of mail, whether a letter, parcel, or government document, must pass through an Emirates Post facility before reaching its intended recipient. Each branch manages a network of P.O. Boxes that residents and businesses rent annually, creating an organised and secure channel for correspondence.
This system eliminates the need for street-level delivery and ensures that postal operations remain consistent even in new or rapidly developing communities. Before exploring the step-by-step process of how it functions, it’s helpful to understand why the P.O. Box remains the most reliable and recognised method of mail delivery across the emirate.
If you want easy access to post offices, browse apartments for rent in Sharjah near your preferred branch.
How the P.O. Box System Works
In Sharjah, mail delivery is centralised through Emirates Post’s network of branches. Each recipient, whether an individual, company, or organisation, must have a unique P.O. Box number linked to a specific post office.
Mail addressed to street names or landmarks will not reach its destination. Post offices act as collection hubs where owners or authorised representatives retrieve mail.
Business often display their P.O. Box numbers on signage, websites, and stationery, as this is considered their official mailing address.
Example:
Company Name LLC
P.O. Box: 12345
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
How to Obtain a P.O. Box in Sharjah
You can easily rent a P.O. Box either in person or online:
- Visit an Emirates Post branch: Bring your Emirates ID and proof of address.
- Apply online via the Emirates Post website.
- Choose your P.O. Box location, selecting a branch or convenience point near your home or workplace.
- Pay the rental fee: Minimum rental period of 12 months.
- Collect your key or digital access credentials.
There are personal and corporate P.O. Box options, each with annual fees depending on delivery frequency and location.
For residents relocating or setting up a business, explore moving and setup guides on Property Finder for step-by-step relocation support.
Format for Addressing Mail to Sharjah
Mail sent to Sharjah should always follow this standard format:
Recipient Name
P.O. Box: [NUMBER]
Sharjah
United Arab Emirates
Omitting the P.O. Box will almost always result in undelivered or returned mail. International senders should double-check that “Sharjah, United Arab Emirates” appears in the last line.
New Postal Code Initiatives and Digital Systems
Sharjah’s authorities have taken significant steps to modernise how addresses are identified and managed. As the emirate continues to expand, the need for accurate and internationally compatible postal systems has become increasingly important. To meet these goals, new initiatives are being introduced to link physical mail services with digital mapping and smart city technologies.
Two of the most notable systems leading this transformation are the Postal Code System (PCS) and the Makani number, both designed to improve efficiency, navigation, and accessibility across Sharjah.
These updates align with the UAE’s broader smart city vision, which also influences investment opportunities and developments in Sharjah.
The Sharjah Postal Code System (PCS)
To modernise its infrastructure, Sharjah is gradually rolling out the Postal Code System (PCS), developed by the Sharjah Urban Planning Council.
This new system assigns each district and block a unique code linked to GIS coordinates, allowing for more accurate delivery and faster navigation.
The PCS also integrates with digital maps and GPS applications, bridging the gap between traditional P.O. Boxes and precise geolocation tools.
- Each zone will receive a unique postal identifier.
- Signboards will display new codes for reference.
- Integration with government and logistics systems will follow in phases.
Expected rollout continues through 2026, with full implementation in urban areas first.
Makani Number System
In parallel, Sharjah uses the Makani number system, a digital addressing tool shared across the UAE.
Each building is assigned a unique 10-digit Makani number that pinpoints its exact location on official maps.
These numbers are instrumental for:
- Government forms requiring a building identifier
- Emergency services and navigation apps
- Courier deliveries (especially same-day or parcel services)
Makani numbers can be found on building plaques or by visiting makani.ae, and learn how Makani usage varies by area in Community Insights.
Note: Makani is not a postal code but a digital location code for mapping and verification purposes.
Comparison: Postal Code vs. P.O. Box vs. Makani Number
Sharjah’s addressing system combines traditional and digital methods, making it useful to understand how each component functions. While the postal code is mainly a placeholder for online forms, the P.O. Box remains the official channel for receiving mail through Emirates Post. The Makani number, meanwhile, serves as a digital tool for identifying the exact location of buildings across the UAE. Together, these systems ensure accuracy, accessibility, and consistency in communication and delivery.
Here’s a quick comparison to understand how each system functions across Sharjah:
| System | Sharjah Usage | Primary Purpose |
| Postal Code / Zip Code | Not formally used; “00000” accepted as a placeholder | Online forms, international databases |
| P.O. Box | Mandatory for receiving physical mail | Mail delivery for residents and businesses |
| Makani Number | Assigned to all buildings | Location identification and navigation |
How to Use the Correct Format for Online Forms
Many residents face confusion when filling out online forms that require a zip code. Here’s the PF-approved guidance:
- For e-commerce, banking, or visa forms → use 00000.
- For corporate registration → enter 00000 or your P.O. Box number.
- For official courier or document services → include P.O. Box and Makani number.
If unsure → leave the postal code blank or write “N/A”.
Example: Property Finder, P.O. Box 12345, Sharjah, UAE – Postal Code: 00000
How the P.O. Box, PCS, and Makani Work Together
Sharjah’s postal network is gradually evolving into an integrated, multi-layered system.
The P.O. Box remains the foundation for all physical mail, ensuring every resident or business has a secure delivery point.
The Postal Code System (PCS) adds a new layer of geographic precision by linking postal zones to digital mapping to enhance compatibility with international standards.
Meanwhile, the Makani number provides pinpoint accuracy for navigation and emergency services by identifying each building’s exact coordinates.
Together, these systems bridge traditional mail handling and modern location technology, improving efficiency, accessibility, and reliability across Sharjah’s expanding urban landscape.
- P.O. Boxes remain the official system for mail delivery.
- Makani improves digital identification for navigation and government services.
- PCS aims to bridge the gap for international compatibility.
In the future, all three systems are expected to integrate, creating a hybrid model for postal efficiency, logistics, and digital correspondence.
Key Takeaways
Sharjah does not use a conventional postal or zip code system; instead, all mail delivery is managed through P.O. Box numbers rented from Emirates Post. For most online forms or international deliveries, the placeholder code “00000” is widely accepted. Modern tools such as Makani numbers and the upcoming Postal Code System (PCS) are transforming how locations are identified across the emirate. However, they do not yet replace the traditional P.O. Box system for mail receipt. To ensure successful delivery, always include the recipient’s full name, P.O. Box number, and “Sharjah, United Arab Emirates” in the address.
Understanding this system helps residents, businesses, and visitors navigate Sharjah’s evolving postal landscape confidently and avoid common delivery errors.
FAQs
You can safely enter 00000 when a postal or zip code is required. Some online forms may also accept SHJ, “N/A,” or your Makani number if the system allows it.
No. All mail in Sharjah must be sent to a registered P.O. Box number. Deliveries to residential or street addresses are not possible through Emirates Post.
Visit any Emirates Post branch or apply online through the official website. Provide your Emirates ID, select a preferred branch location, and pay the annual rental fee to activate your P.O. Box.
A Makani number is a unique 10-digit code assigned to every building in the UAE. It identifies the exact geographical location and is mainly used for navigation, emergency services, and courier deliveries—not for receiving mail.
A new Postal Code System (PCS) is being gradually introduced by the Sharjah Urban Planning Council. It will assign unique area codes linked to GIS coordinates, but P.O. Boxes remain essential for regular mail delivery.
The correct format is:
– [Your Name]
– P.O. Box [Number]
– Sharjah
– United Arab Emirates
Still have questions about living or investing in Sharjah? Explore Property Finder’s Sharjah Blog for more community guides, cost breakdowns, and area insights.
