In Umm Al Quwain and generally the UAE, mail relies on P.O. Box numbers and digital location numbers, so there is no postal code. This, in a way, reflects the country’s rapid urban development and desire for a centralised and tech-oriented solution.
As cities expanded rapidly in the late 20th century, networks of buildings and streets evolved more quickly than any conventional postal system could keep up with. Instead of introducing fixed postal codes, the government introduced the concept of P.O. Box rentals through Emirates Post. This system provided businesses and residents with a reliable method for receiving their correspondence.
- Role of postal code in Umm Al Quwain
- How mail delivery works in Umm Al Quwain
- How to rent and use a P.O. box for business or personal mail
- Common Scenarios & Tips for Umm Al Quwain Postal Code
- Interactive postal code resources & maps
- Key takeaways
- FAQs

Role of postal code in Umm Al Quwain
In Umm Al Quwain, postal codes do not correspond to specific streets. Instead, they use P.O. Boxes and building identifiers to guide mail sorting. Businesses and individuals use P.O. Boxes for secure receipt of correspondence.
Typically, the couriers rely on full address details and phone numbers to finalise deliveries. More recently, to address modern needs such as navigation, emergency services, and e-commerce deliveries, Dubai Municipality introduced the Makani system. Under this, every building in Dubai gets allotted a 10-digit digital number. It is a measure to ensure pinpoint location accuracy in a city where constant growth makes a traditional street-based system difficult to maintain.
As a result, the UAE has a hybrid addressing system. It comprises P.O. Box mail delivery and GPS-based digital location tools. This very factor makes it stand out from other countries. Residents, businesses, and anyone involved in mail or logistics need to understand this system to maximise its benefits.
Why do they use P.O. Boxes instead of traditional zip codes?
In the UAE, including Umm Al Quwain, P.O. Boxes are preferred. It offers a single and stable delivery point for the recipients. Many buildings, whether residential or commercial, lack street delivery points. So, having a centralised system becomes almost inevitable.
Additionally, P.O. Boxes minimise the probability of lost mail. They offer an added protection for sensitive or confidential documents. Beyond security, this method also seamlessly integrates into the UAE’s existing postal infrastructure, which has long been geared towards the P.O. Box system.
Does Umm Al Quwain have a postal or zip code?
Like the rest of the UAE, Umm al Quwain does not have a postal code. So, you will not see the traditional postal or zip code mechanism nationwide. Residents typically enter “00000” or “N/A” on official forms that require a code. Sometimes, they prefer leaving it blank. This practice is widely accepted and works with most online and offline forms.
What substitute works in Umm Al Quwain?
Umm Al Quwain uses P.O. Boxes for mail sorting and delivery. A distinct number identifies each rented box. It corresponds to a specific post office.
Mail is sorted by the P.O. Box number. It is then dispatched to the relevant collection point. The recipients must then collect the mail from this point of correspondence.
How mail delivery works in Umm Al Quwain
Mail in Umm Al Quwain is collected and sorted at the Emirates Post facilities. Sorting is primarily based on P.O. Box numbers; this number serves as the key identifier.
Once sorted, it is dispatched to the relevant post office that holds the box. Recipients can then collect their mail directly from their P.O. Box. For those who live far from collection points, Emirates Post also offers optional home delivery services.
Why are P.O. Boxes used?
The P.O. Box number is a necessary detail. It offers a consistent and secure delivery point for individuals and businesses. Several commercial properties and residences in Umm Al Quwain do not have any assigned street delivery. Therefore, using the P.O. Boxes makes it easy to navigate.
P.O. Boxes can:
- Help avoid confusion
- Ensure safe handling of confidential documents, such as legal notices or contracts
How to rent and use a P.O. box for business or personal mail
To rent a P.O. Box, visit the nearest Emirates Post branch in your area. Individual applicants must bring along:
- Proof of address
- Emirates ID
Businesses will have to present:
- Copies of the trade license
- Manager identification
Once you finalise the application and pay the fee, you will receive the keys for your P.O. Box.
The rentals for your P.O. Box start from 1 January and end on 31 December every year. However, if you rent your P.O. Box later in the year, the fee will be prorated accordingly. Please renew your P.O. Box in time. It is necessary to avoid service interruption and late penalties.
Examples of central P.O. Box numbers

In Umm Al Quwain, the Central P.O. Box 660 at Al Ras Central Post Office is a prevalent reference point. Other Emirates also provide public P.O Box numbers.
For instance:
- 32223 is the number for Sharjah.
- 3838 or 111188 are often used for Abu Dhabi.
- 111311 is used for Dubai
These numbers serve as the central collection references.
How to address mail correctly

To ensure proper delivery, follow this format when addressing mail:
Example:
Mr Ali Ahmed
P.O. Box 12345
Umm Al Quwain
United Arab Emirates
Hence, it is important to include:
- Full name of the recipient
- P.O. Box number
- City
- Emirate
- Country
We also recommend including the phone number. It can help couriers reach you correctly.
Common Scenarios & Tips for Umm Al Quwain Postal Code
- Always include your P.O. Box number whenever possible.
- Add building names and area details if using courier services.
- Provide a valid phone number to assist with delivery.
- Renew P.O. Box subscriptions promptly to keep the service active.
- When filling in forms requiring a zip code, use “00000”, “N/A”, or leave the field blank if allowed. If possible, use your P.O. Box instead.
- Most online platforms request a postal code. You can enter “00000” or your P.O. Box number. For government forms, always provide your P.O. Box if asked for an address.
- Couriers and cargo shipments in Umm Al Quwain rely on full addresses, building details, and phone numbers.
- Cargo services may require business and import documentation. Traditional mail continues to use the P.O. Box system and post office collection.
Interactive postal code resources & maps
Residents and businesses can use Makani, a digital addressing system. It is a crucial detail to find the 10-digit location numbers for buildings.
Emirates Post also provides information on P.O. Box availability. To confirm an official P.O. Box number, check directly with your local post office.
Where to find the area codes
To find the area codes in Dubai and the UAE digitally, you can use:
- Emirates Post portal
- Makani app
Property owners and building managers also provide P.O Box number when selling or renting the units. Businesses provide the number in public records and trade licenses.
You can find the location details on the Makani app. To know the corresponding digital number, you will have to provide the building address. However, P.O. boxes are visible on the Emirates Post’s website. There you can see the available options. Alternatively, you can also confirm the same at your nearest branch. Before using it on the official document, always double-check the details.
Key takeaways
There is no Umm Al Quwain postal code. Instead, P.O. Boxes and digital tools such as Makani ensure mail is delivered safely and efficiently. For reliable mail handling, it is always best to rent a P.O. Box through Emirates Post and keep your details updated.
Meaning that P.O. Boxes are the primary method of mail delivery. Finally, enter “00000”, “N/A”, or your P.O. Box number when a form requires a code.
FAQs
No. You can use “00000” or “N/A” when a postal code is required.
To send an mail, include the following details:
Recipient’s P.O. box
City
Emirate
Country
Adding a phone number is helpful for courier partners to reach you safely.
Provide your P.O. Box number or use “00000” when it is mandatory to input the postal code.
No. Home postal codes do not exist. P.O. Boxes remain the only standard.
Apply at your nearest Emirates Post branch with the required documents. Pay the rental fee and collect your keys.