Abu Dhabi uses a P.O. Box system instead of a traditional Abu Dhabi postal code or ZIP code format. Official mail is delivered through Emirates Post P.O. Box numbers, while everyday navigation and deliveries rely on Onwani, the emirate’s modern addressing system. Each building is assigned a unique number and QR code to guide couriers and visitors accurately. You can enter ‘00000’ or ‘N/A’ if an online form requires a postal code.
This guide explains how the Abu Dhabi postal code system works, how to use a P.O. Box for mail, and how Onwani supports navigation and courier deliveries.
- Understanding What is the Postal Code of Abu Dhabi system
- Where Abu Dhabi postal codes are required
- What is a P.O. Box, and how to use it
- Onwani addressing system overview
- Abu Dhabi postal code vs. international standards
- Special addressing considerations
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Understanding What is the Postal Code of Abu Dhabi system
Abu Dhabi does not use a traditional postal or zip code. All formal mail is sent to P.O. Box numbers rented from Emirates Post.
Alongside this, Abu Dhabi uses Onwani, a digitised addressing system that assigns each building and location a unique identifier and QR code. It helps with precise navigation, deliveries, and emergency response.
Where Abu Dhabi postal codes are required
Many online or international forms still insist on a “postal/zip code” field. Because Abu Dhabi doesn’t have an official postal code, the standard workaround is to enter “00000” or “N/A.” In practice, some platforms will accept any five-digit number for Abu Dhabi, but this won’t affect delivery – the P.O. Box is what actually routes your mail.
What is a P.O. Box, and how to use it
A P.O. Box is a secure mailbox you rent annually from Emirates Post. In the UAE, it effectively plays the role a postal code would play elsewhere. You need one to receive formal mail.
How to rent a P.O. Box
Renting a P.O. Box in Abu Dhabi is straightforward, ensuring you can securely receive official mail. Emirates Post offers online and in-person options, with plans for personal or corporate use. Here are the steps to get your P.O. Box:
- Create an account → choose a personal or corporate plan → select branch (if needed) and duration.
- Upload documents (Emirates ID, trade license for companies) and pay by card.
- Receive confirmation; collect a key at the branch if you chose MyBox.
Location
It’s located on Murour Rd, Zayed City, Beside Gold Souq – Abu Dhabi
Contact Information
Phone: 600569696
P.O. Box types and annual fees (2025)
Emirates Post offers a range of P.O. Box options to suit personal and corporate needs. Fees vary depending on the plan, and each type has different features and access levels.
- Personal: MyBox AED 300 | MyHome AED 695 | MyHome Instant AED 995
- Corporate: Basic Box AED 995 (+ registration) | Virtual AED 995 | Premium/Premium+ varies
How to address mail to Abu Dhabi
When sending mail to Abu Dhabi, including the recipient’s P.O. Box number is essential, as all formal correspondence is routed through Emirates Post. If an online form requests a postal or ZIP code, enter “00000” or “N/A”, this will not affect delivery.
Always ensure the recipient’s full name and P.O. Box are included, along with the city (Abu Dhabi) and the country (United Arab Emirates), to guarantee your mail reaches its destination without delays. Using this format helps both local and international senders avoid common delivery errors.
Standard format
- Recipient Name
- P.O. Box XXXX
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Onwani addressing system overview
As of 2025, Onwani (managed by the Department of Municipalities and Transport) is Abu Dhabi’s official physical addressing framework. It maps buildings, villas, apartments, and plots with verified addresses and QR codes, improving wayfinding, logistics, and emergency response.
Key features of the Onwani system in 2025
Onwani provides a modern addressing system for Abu Dhabi. Here are its main features:
- Unique addresses for all properties used across government and private systems.
- QR-enabled navigation linked to digital maps for instant location data.
- Delivery and logistics efficiency through precise, verifiable locations.
- Emergency services support with pinpoint address accuracy.
- Standardisation for forms such as tenancy contracts and service registrations.
How Onwani addresses are used
P.O. Boxes handle mail. Onwani specifies physical delivery locations and appears on many government forms. Find your address via the official Onwani map or compatible apps; building and street signs show the address and QR code.
Abu Dhabi postal code vs. international standards
Abu Dhabi relies on P.O. Box numbers for formal mail and Onwani for physical location. Western models usually use street addresses plus postal/zip codes for all mail. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Abu Dhabi | Typical Western Country (e.g., USA/UK) |
| Postal/Zip Code | Not used; “00000” as placeholder on forms | Mandatory numeric/alphanumeric code |
| P.O. Box system | Essential for all mail; rented from Emirates Post | Rare for individuals; primarily for businesses/privacy |
| Street delivery | Not standard for mail; couriers deliver to physical address separately | Standard door-to-door mail delivery |
| Digital addressing | Onwani unique number + QR for navigation/logistics | Varies; digital tools supplement the traditional system |
Important considerations
For international correspondence, include the P.O. Box. Onwani supports logistics and emergency access but does not replace P.O. Boxes for official mail. UAE businesses are required to maintain a P.O. Box.
Special addressing considerations
Abu Dhabi uses Onwani. Dubai and some northern emirates use Makani, a separate 10-digit geo-addressing system. Makani is not used in Abu Dhabi.
Common address examples
For P.O. Box mail
- ABC LLC
- P.O. Box 12345
- Abu Dhabi
- United Arab Emirates
For courier/physical delivery (Onwani)
- Building No., Street Name
- Onwani Number or QR Code (if available)
- Abu Dhabi
- United Arab Emirates
Key takeaways
Abu Dhabi uses P.O. Boxes for formal mail, while the Onwani system provides unique building identifiers and QR codes for accurate deliveries, navigation, and emergency services. Understanding both systems helps residents, businesses, and international senders ensure correspondence and reach the correct location.
FAQs
No. Abu Dhabi doesn’t use postal or zip codes. If a form requires one, enter “00000” or “N/A,” and use the recipient’s P.O. Box for mail.
Register with Emirates Post online or at a Customer Happiness Centre, select a personal or corporate plan, submit the required ID, pay, and receive your P.O. Box (collect a key if using MyBox).
Onwani is Abu Dhabi’s official physical addressing framework. It assigns each building a verified address with a QR code to enable precise navigation, deliveries, and emergency access.
No. Postal mail is not delivered door-to-door. Formal mail goes to P.O. Boxes. Couriers deliver parcels to physical addresses using Onwani.
Enter “00000” (or “N/A” if allowed). This won’t affect delivery, because the P.O. Box governs mail routing in Abu Dhabi.
