Captain Khalid Al Suwaidi, UAE Armed Forces, Unit 7, P.O. Box 98765, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Mohammed Al Hammadi, Near Al Ain Oasis, Al Mutaredh District, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Writing the correct address on a parcel is important to make sure it reaches the right place on time. In many countries, people use house numbers and postal codes, but the UAE has a different system. Most people and businesses use P.O. boxes, and many deliveries depend on efficient courier services that need clear details like phone numbers and landmarks. If the address is not clear, the parcel may get delayed or not delivered.
Whether you are sending a package to a home, office, or another country, it is important to write the address in the right way. Adding all the needed details helps the delivery service find the location easily. This guide will help you write a correct UAE address and avoid common mistakes.
Addressing a Parcel for Domestic Shipping in the UAE
The UAE doesn’t rely on a traditional postal code system like many other countries. Instead, it uses a mix of emirate names, area details, and a modern address system called Makani. If you’re sending a package, using a local courier service in the UAE ensures that your parcel reaches its destination efficiently. Here’s how to address a domestic parcel correctly:
- Recipient’s Full Name: Start with the recipient’s complete name. Include their first name and family name to avoid confusion, especially if it’s a business or organization.
- Building and Street Details: Include the building name or number, street name, and any additional identifiers like villa or apartment numbers. In some areas, landmarks (e.g., "near Burj Al Arab") are still commonly used.
- Area or Neighborhood: Specify the neighborhood or district within the emirate, such as "Jumeirah" or "Downtown Dubai."
- Emirate: Clearly state the emirate (e.g., Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah). This is crucial since the UAE is a federation of seven emirates, each with its own postal operations.
- P.O. Box (Optional but Common): Many UAE residents and businesses use P.O. Boxes for mail and parcels. If applicable, include the P.O. Box number, which often replaces detailed street info.
- Country: End with "United Arab Emirates" (or UAE) to confirm the destination country, even for domestic shipments.
- Makani Number (Optional): The UAE introduced the Makani system, a 10-digit code linked to specific locations, to simplify navigation. If you have it, include it—many couriers like Emirates Post recognize it.
Sample Domestic Addresses:
Residential Address Format: For homes, include the recipient’s name, building/villa details, street, neighborhood, and emirate.
Example:
Ahmed Al Maktoum
Villa 12
Al Wasl Road
Jumeirah 1
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Business Address Format : For companies, add the business name and, if applicable, a department or floor.Example:
Sara Al Kaabi
SEO Department
Emirates Trading LLC
Office 504
Burjuman Business Tower
Al Mankhool, Dubai
UAE
Example:
Fatima Al Nuaimi
P.O. Box 54321
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
Example:
Mohammed Al Hammadi
Near Al Ain Oasis
Al Mutaredh District
Al Ain
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
Military Address Format: For UAE Armed Forces personnel, include rank, unit, and a military P.O. Box if provided.Example:
Captain Khalid Al Suwaidi
UAE Armed Forces
Unit 7
P.O. Box 98765
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
Government Office Address: For government entities, specify the office or ministry, often with a P.O. Box.
Example:
Aisha Al ZaabiMinistry of EducationP.O. Box 2951SharjahUnited Arab Emirates
Special Considerations for Domestic Addresses:
Makani System: If you have the 10-digit Makani code, include it, it’s increasingly used by couriers like Emirates Post for precision.
Phone Numbers: Many UAE couriers request the recipient’s contact number, especially for residential or rural deliveries.
Language: English or Arabic is fine, but ensure consistency (don’t mix scripts).
Makani System: If you have the 10-digit Makani code, include it, it’s increasingly used by couriers like Emirates Post for precision.
Phone Numbers: Many UAE couriers request the recipient’s contact number, especially for residential or rural deliveries.
Language: English or Arabic is fine, but ensure consistency (don’t mix scripts).
Key Tips for Formatting:
Write clearly and legibly, handwritten labels should be in block letters.
Place the recipient’s details in the center of the parcel and your return address in the top left corner.
Double-check P.O. Box numbers or Makani codes with the recipient
Write clearly and legibly, handwritten labels should be in block letters.
Place the recipient’s details in the center of the parcel and your return address in the top left corner.
Double-check P.O. Box numbers or Makani codes with the recipient
Addressing a Parcel for International Shipping from the UAE For international shipments, the sender’s address follows UAE formatting, while the recipient’s address must align with the destination country’s postal standards.
Sender’s Information (Return Address)
Fatima Al Nuaimi, Apartment 305 Sheikh Zayed Road Al Barsha Dubai P.O. Box 54321 United Arab Emirates
Recipient’s Information
John Doe 123 Maple Street Austin TX 78701 UNITED STATES
3. Customs Declaration
Attach a customs form (e.g., CN22 or CN23) with details of the package contents, value, and sender signature.
Special Considerations for International Shipping
Restricted Items: Some products (e.g., perfumes, electronics) may require additional documentation.
Phone Number: Adding a contact number can help couriers in case of delivery issues.
Restricted Items: Some products (e.g., perfumes, electronics) may require additional documentation.
Phone Number: Adding a contact number can help couriers in case of delivery issues.
Key Tips for Formatting:
Write the country name in bold or all capital letters (e.g., UNITED KINGDOM).
Avoid abbreviations for country names (e.g., write "Germany" instead of "DE").
Use sturdy packaging to withstand international transit.
Write the country name in bold or all capital letters (e.g., UNITED KINGDOM).
Avoid abbreviations for country names (e.g., write "Germany" instead of "DE").
Use sturdy packaging to withstand international transit.
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