What Is the Ras Al Khaimah Postal Code? Zip Code, and P.O. Box Number Guide

If you’ve ever tried to complete an online form, courier label, or business registration in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), you’ve likely paused at one tricky question: what is the postal code? The answer is simple: there isn’t one.

Like the rest of the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah does not use a street-level postal or ZIP-code system. Instead, the emirate operates a P.O. Box-based network managed by Emirates Post, where every home, business, and government entity receives mail through a unique P.O. Box number.

• Is there a postal or ZIP code in Ras Al Khaimah?
• Why are postal codes not used?
• How the P.O. box system works in Ras Al Khaimah
• How to address mail in Ras Al Khaimah
• Finding local P.O. box numbers & office locations
• Practical tips for residents & businesses
• Understanding mail infrastructure in Ras Al Khaimah
• Online shopping & courier deliveries in RAK
• How to apply for a P.O. box in Ras Al Khaimah (Step-by-Step)
• Addressing international mail to Ras Al Khaimah
• Common mistakes to avoid
• For businesses in free zones & economic areas
• Key takeaways
• FAQs

Is there a postal or ZIP code in Ras Al Khaimah?

No, Ras Al Khaimah does not have an official postal or ZIP code system. When an online form or courier website asks for a postal or ZIP code, you can enter “00000”, “N/A”, or leave the field blank if permitted. This placeholder is universally accepted for UAE addresses, including in RAK, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates. Each emirate follows this same standard, and the ISO administrative code for Ras Al Khaimah is AE-RK.

Why are postal codes not used?

You might ask why RAK doesn’t use postal codes like other countries. Unlike many countries, where postal codes identify specific neighbourhoods or buildings, Ras Al Khaimah (and the wider UAE) uses a centralised P.O. Box system instead of a street-level delivery network.

This is because the UAE’s postal system relies on P.O. Boxes rather than street delivery. Mail is sent to post offices, and residents collect it from their registered P.O. Box. So the P.O. Box number is the key address, making a general placeholder like ‘00000’ acceptable.

For example, if you live in Al Hamra Village or work in RAKEZ Free Zone, your mail will reach you only if your P.O. Box number is listed correctly, regardless of any postal-code field.

How the P.O. box system works in Ras Al Khaimah

Since Ras Al Khaimah doesn’t use postal codes, all mail delivery is handled through P.O. Boxes managed by Emirates Post. Every resident, business, or institution that wants to receive mail must rent a P.O. Box from a local post office.

This system ensures that correspondence is delivered safely and efficiently, regardless of your location.

To receive mail in Ras Al Khaimah, you must obtain a P.O. Box from the local post office. The process is as follows:

• Visit the Emirates Post website (or visit a local branch). 
• Choose the type: Personal or Corporate/Business. 
• Submit required documentation: Emirates ID, passport, and (for companies) trade licence. 
• Pay the annual rental fee. 
• Once approved, you receive your unique P.O. Box number, which becomes your official mailing address.

Why this matters

Every incoming letter or parcel must have the correct P.O. Box number to reach you. Without it, delivery can fail. The postal-code field (00000) is only a placeholder; the delivery mechanism rests on the P.O. Box.

How to address mail in Ras Al Khaimah

When sending mail to someone in Ras Al Khaimah or registering your own address for deliveries, the P.O. Box number is the most essential element. Since postal codes are not used, this number ensures that Emirates Post can sort and deliver your mail correctly.

Here’s the standard address format used across the emirate:

• Recipient Name  
• Organisation (if applicable)  
• P.O. Box [Number]  
• Ras Al Khaimah  
• United Arab Emirates

Sample address

• Ahmed Al Suwaidi  
• RAKEZ Headquarters  
• P.O. Box 10055  
• Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

Key points to note

• Always include the P.O. Box number.
• Use “Ras Al Khaimah, UAE” as the city/region line.
• For online forms with a “postal code” field, use 00000 or N/A.
• Do not rely solely on street names, as they may not guarantee delivery.
• For international senders: include the UAE as the country.

Finding local P.O. box numbers & office locations

Each P.O. Box in Ras Al Khaimah is unique to its user, whether a resident, a company, or a government department. If you’ve recently moved into a new home or registered a business, it’s essential to confirm or rent your own P.O. Box to ensure uninterrupted mail delivery.

You can verify or obtain your P.O. Box details in a few ways:

• Visit the “Find Us” page on Emirates Post for Ras Al Khaimah post-office locations. 
• Check your rental receipt: it will list your P.O. Box number and branch.
• Ask your building’s management or business centre for the P.O. Box associated with your unit.
• Consult the government or free-zone eDirectory (e.g., RAKEZ directory).
• Confirm your P.O. Box number is correctly entered in all official documents and online profiles.

Using the correct P.O. Box number ensures that your mail is delivered; the “00000” postal-code placeholder is merely a system formality.

For residents moving to apartments for rent in Ras Al Khaimah or setting up new businesses, ensuring a valid P.O. Box is registered is key to receiving official mail.

Practical tips for residents & businesses

Whether you’re a long-term resident, a new expat, or a business setting up in Ras Al Khaimah, following a few key practices will ensure that your mail and deliveries reach you on time.

• Always include your P.O. Box in all addresses on invoices, contracts, shipping labels, and personal registration.
• When requested for “postal/ZIP code”, simply enter 00000, N/A, or leave blank if allowed. 
• Renew your P.O. Box annually through Emirates Post to avoid disruptions to mail services.
• For e-commerce or courier deliveries, also provide:
  • Your mobile number
  • A landmark
  • Clear instructions or a Google Maps link
• Businesses must ensure the P.O. Box number is displayed on letterheads, websites, and as part of regulatory compliance.
• Please keep your Emirates ID, trade license, or tenant agreement easily available if you’d like to visit a post office branch.
• If you relocate within Ras Al Khaimah, you may keep the same P.O. Box or apply for a new one.
• For questions or updates, refer to Emirates Post’s FAQs.

Understanding the mail infrastructure in Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah’s mail system is part of the UAE’s nationwide postal network, operated by Emirates Post. Instead of door-to-door delivery, mail is directed to post offices across the emirate, where residents and businesses collect it from their assigned P.O. Boxes.

Major branches:

• Central Post Office – e.g., Al Marifa Street, Dahan. 
• Al Nakheel Post Office. 
• Additional outlets in Al Jazirah Al Hamra, Al Rams, etc. 
• Services now include not only P.O. Box rental and mail collection, but also parcel/drop-off services, e-commerce partner pick-ups, and online tracking

The system is designed to accommodate the region’s landscape of villas, economic zones, free zones, and high-rise apartments, making a universal postal-code system unnecessary.

Online shopping & courier deliveries in RAK

As e-commerce continues to thrive across the UAE, residents of Ras Al Khaimah are increasingly relying on couriers rather than traditional mail for their online orders. While Emirates Post manages the country’s formal postal network, private courier companies handle most parcel deliveries from platforms like Amazon, Noon, Namshi, and Shein.

Tips for smooth online deliveries

• Use your correct P.O. Box in the address field, especially for formal documents or official correspondence.
• In the “postal code” field, enter 00000 or N/A; UAE courier systems accept both.
• Add your mobile number for SMS delivery updates.
• Include landmarks or building names such as “near Manar Mall” or “opposite RAK Hospital.”
• For apartments or gated communities, note your tower name, floor, and flat number.
• Use Google Maps pins when sharing locations with couriers for more straightforward navigation.

How to apply for a P.O. box in Ras Al Khaimah (Step-by-Step)

If you live or operate a business in Ras Al Khaimah, having a P.O. Box is essential to receive official correspondence, bills, or parcels. The process is straightforward, and Emirates Post offers both online and in-person registration options.

• Visit the Emirates Post website → “Rent Personal/Corporate P.O. Box” page. 
• Select the correct box type: personal (for residents) or corporate (for businesses).
• Upload/submit required documents: Emirates ID, passport, proof of address.
• Choose your preferred branch location.
• Pay the annual fee and submit your application.
• You’ll receive your P.O. Box number, along with digital access, and you can begin using it.
• Ensure the number appears on all your address details.

Addressing international mail to Ras Al Khaimah

Sending mail or parcels from outside the UAE to Ras Al Khaimah is straightforward, as long as you use the correct P.O. Box format, which serves as the delivery identifier.

If someone abroad is sending mail or parcels to you in RAK, the process is straightforward:

• The sender does not need to know a “ZIP code” per se.
• Include your correct P.O. Box number.
• Use the following format:
• Mr. John Smith
• Organisation (if applicable)  
• P.O. Box [Number]  
• Ras Al Khaimah  
• United Arab Emirates
• If a “postal code” field is mandatory on the form, the sender may enter 00000 or leave it blank.
• Encourage them to include your mobile number and clear delivery instructions.
• For courier parcels, the courier may still require a physical address or landmark, so ensure you provide that information.

Common mistakes to avoid

Although the postal system in Ras Al Khaimah is straightforward once you understand it, many residents and new businesses make minor errors that can delay or misplace their mail. Here are the most frequent mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Omitting the P.O. Box number: this is the most frequent reason for failed delivery.
• Using a foreign/invalid postal code: these will cause errors or rejection. 
• Using only street names: Since door-to-door delivery is not standard in RAK, street names alone may not be sufficient.
• Forgetting to renew your P.O. Box: lapsed accounts may halt mail delivery.
• Misplacing your official box number on business stationery: all official, legal correspondence must list the correct P.O. Box.
• Entering “00000” but forgetting to add “P.O. Box [number]”: the code alone doesn’t replace the box number.

For businesses in free zones & economic areas

Ras Al Khaimah is one of the UAE’s fastest-growing business hubs, home to Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, Al Hamra Industrial Zone, and RAK Maritime City. Each of these areas plays a vital role in the emirate’s economic expansion, and all require valid P.O. Box registrations as part of corporate compliance.

Why businesses need a P.O. box

Every registered company in Ras Al Khaimah is required to have an official P.O. Box for government correspondence, legal documentation, and commercial transactions. It acts as your business’s verified mailing address, ensuring that official notices, licence renewals, and client communication reach you securely.

Having a valid P.O. Box also:

• Builds credibility with suppliers, partners, and clients.
• It is required for the issuance and renewal of trade licenses.
• Ensures you can receive banking correspondence, invoices, and legal documents.
• Allows access to corporate mail services, including digital notifications and extended pickup hours.

Key takeaways

Ras Al Khaimah doesn’t use street-level postal or ZIP codes; when a code is required on a form, enter “00000” or “N/A.” All mail relies on a P.O. Box rented via Emirates Post, so always include your correct P.O. Box number in the address.

Residents and businesses can apply online or in person at a branch and must renew their registration annually to avoid disruptions. For international or e-commerce shipments, the format is straightforward: Recipient, P.O. Box [number], Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. Using 00000 as a placeholder keeps systems happy, while the P.O. Box ensures timely delivery.

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