A Surprising Truth About PO Box Numbers in the UAE

Did you know: there is no single, universal PO Box number for the UAE—every post office branch has its own distinct number, depending on its location and the service level. The notion of a “national postal code” is essentially obsolete here. Instead, your PO Box number becomes your address when receiving mail in the UAE.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know: how PO Box services work in each emirate, how to obtain or renew one, public vs. private boxes, and how to use the right variant of “PO Box number” in UAE addresses. By the end, you’ll understand how mail truly flows in this part of the world.

What Exactly Is a “PO Box Number” in the UAE?

In many countries, street-level mail delivery is the default. But in the UAE, PO Box numbers serve as virtual addresses for both domestic and international mail—used in place of building or street addresses. Because postal codes (ZIP codes) are not used in normal UAE addressing, the PO Box number is the principal identifier for mail delivery.

Why the UAE Relies on PO Box Numbers

• Many residential buildings, villas, and commercial premises don’t have dedicated street-level mail delivery infrastructure.
• The system centralizes mail collection at Emirates Post offices, improving security and efficiency.
• Using PO Box numbers also simplifies mail forwarding, mail-holding, and international shipping logistics.

Thus, when someone in Dubai, Sharjah, or Abu Dhabi gives you a “postal address,” it often includes:

[Recipient Name]  
[Post Office Branch or Center Name]  
PO Box [Number]  
[City / Emirate]  
United Arab Emirates  

Public vs. Private vs. Corporate PO Boxes: What’s the Difference?

Public PO Boxes (Central / Branch Boxes)

• A public PO Box is a general mailbox at a post office that anyone can use to address mail, particularly useful for travelers or those without their own subscription.
• For example, many branches in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc., maintain a fixed public box number (e.g. “PO Box 111311 for Karama CPO, Dubai”).
• However, in recent years, Emirates Post has begun phasing out or limiting access to some public boxes in favor of its subscription services.

Public PO Boxes are not guaranteed across all branches. If mailing to such address, always confirm the box number with the local post office.

Private / Personal PO Boxes (Subscription-Based)

These are subscription-based mailboxes meant for individuals or households. Users sign contracts and pay annual fees. Emirates Post offers multiple plans under the “Personal PO Box” umbrella, e.g.:

• MyBox – basic box access at a post office branch.
• MyHome – home delivery service (for villas/apartments) tied to a PO Box number.
• MyHome Instant – same as MyHome but with next-day express service.

Under this model, you legally “own” the address (within the contract), and the assigned PO Box number becomes your mailing address for all correspondence.

Corporate / Business PO Boxes

For companies, Emirates Post offers tailored business subscriptions with enhanced services such as 24/7 self-access, mail forwarding, and virtual PO boxes. Plans include:

• Basic Box – entry-level mailbox for smaller businesses.
• Premium / Premium+ – higher tiers with extra features.

Corporate terms also allow greater flexibility, but with stricter documentation requirements (e.g., trade license, NOC) and higher pricing.

Common Public PO Box Numbers (By Emirate & Branch)

Below is a snapshot of known public PO Box numbers in major UAE cities. Always verify with Emirates Post as numbers may change.

These numbers often are used for public mailing address purposes—for example, an online retailer that doesn’t require a subscription. But beware: some branches have reduced or removed public box access.

Also note: the Emirates Post Group headquarters in Dubai uses PO Box 99999 for its main address.

How to Rent or Subscribe to a PO Box Number in the UAE

1. Online Application via Emirates Post

1. Visit the Emirates Post official site and navigate to “Rent Personal PO Box” or “Subscribe Personal PO Box”.
2. Select your preferred plan (MyBox, MyHome, etc.) and the desired branch or delivery mode.
3. Provide your Emirates ID (for UAE residents) or passport, proof of residential address (for MyHome), and complete the payment.

2. In-Person Application at a Branch

1. Visit any nearby Emirates Post Customer Happiness Centre or post office.
2. Bring your Emirates ID (or passport if a foreign national) plus any additional documents.
3. Fill a PO Box subscription form, choose a plan, and pay the fees.
4. You will receive two keys (for physical boxes) and your assigned PO Box number.

3. Corporate / Business Subscription Process

• Submit your trade license, company registration documents, and authorized signatory ID.
• Choose a plan (Basic, Premium, etc.) and pay accordingly.
• Expect 1–3 working days for setup.

Usage, Address Formatting, and Hidden Nuances

How to Format a UAE Mail Address with a PO Box Number

A correctly formatted address helps prevent misdelivery:

[Your Name]
[Post Office Branch / Center Name]
PO Box [Your PO Box Number]
[City / Emirate]
United Arab Emirates
Tel: [+971 X XXXXXXX]

• Always include your mobile number (with +971) so Emirates Post can send SMS notifications.
• If an online form insists on a “postal code / ZIP code,” use 00000, your mobile number, or simply “00000” if that field cannot be left blank.
• Avoid using nicknames; the recipient name on the box should match the ID name used for collection.

Collecting & Retention Rules

• Mail items must be collected periodically. If your box overflows, Emirates Post issues a warning; uncollected items beyond the allowed time may be returned to sender.
• If the box remains full repeatedly, you may be required to upgrade your subscription.
• Keys lost? You must request a new lock and pay replacement fees. Emirates Post is not responsible for lost keys.

Cost & Fee Structure

• Personal “MyBox” service currently starts around AED 300/year.
• MyHome and MyHome Instant are higher-tier plans, often in the AED 695–995 range.
• Corporate subscription fees range far higher, depending on the plan chosen.
• Late renewal or failure to pay can cause service suspension or termination, with possible disposal or return of mail.

Government & Postal System Context

• The UAE government’s official portal confirms that to apply for a PO Box, you submit your Emirates ID and passport, along with fees.
• Emirates Post is the sole operator of PO Box infrastructure and retains full control over allocations, numbering, and relocations.
• For corporate boxes, the post may revoke or modify services if trade licenses change or misuse is detected.

Tips & Caveats from On-the-Ground Experience

• Some branches have reduced access or closed public boxes, so relying solely on public PO Box numbers is risky. As reported by users on community forums, public box access was sometimes discontinued.
• If a sender omits your PO Box, the mail may get stuck or returned. Several expatriates report that without a valid PO Box, postal delivery may not succeed.
• Always confirm the public PO Box number and availability before using it in shipping labels.
• Courier services (FedEx, DHL, etc.) often use street/delivery addresses rather than PO Boxes, so your box number may not always be relevant for express shipments.

FAQ: All Your PO Box Number Questions Answered

1. Is there a nationwide PO Box number for the UAE?

No. Each post office branch has its own distinct PO Box number. There is no single national PO Box address.

2. How do I get a PO Box number in the UAE?

Apply via the Emirates Post website or visit your local branch with your Emirates ID (or passport) and pay the required subscription.

3. What are some public PO Box numbers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

• Dubai (Karama / Bur Dubai): PO Box 111311
• Dubai (Deira): PO Box 88878
• Abu Dhabi: PO Box 3838 or 111188
  (Always verify with the post office, as changes may occur.)

4. Do I need a PO Box to receive parcels or letters?

Yes, for standard postal routes. Without a valid PO Box, your mail may not reach you. Express couriers (DHL, UPS, etc.) often bypass PO Boxes and deliver to physical addresses.

5. Can I change the PO Box number or location later?

Yes, but you may need to upgrade or transfer your subscription, and fees may apply.

6. What happens if I don’t renew my PO Box in time?

Your service may be suspended, and uncollected mail could be returned or disposed of. You might lose the box number.

7. Why does Emirates Post own all PO Boxes?

Because PO Box infrastructure is government-regulated in the UAE. All assigned numbers and boxes are controlled centrally.

8. Do corporate PO Box plans differ from personal ones?

Yes—they require business documentation, cost more, and offer advanced features like virtual mail routing and self-service access.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Shahzeen Usman

Shahzeen is a full-time content writer and passionate storyteller, dedicated to covering the latest trends, breaking news, and viral stories on TheDubaiWeb.com. With a sharp eye for what’s new and now, she delivers engaging, up-to-date content that keeps readers informed and entertained.

Latest posts by Shahzeen Usman (see all)

• Dubai Endurance City, UAE — The Beating Heart of Arabian Horse Racing Excellence - October 12, 2025
• A Surprising Truth About PO Box Numbers in the UAE - October 12, 2025
• Dalma Island, UAE — The Timeless Pearl of Abu Dhabi’s Western Waters - October 10, 2025