If you live in or visit the United Arab Emirates, you might need a reliable way to receive mail. Not everyone has access to a personal or company PO Box. Emirates Post offers an easy solution through its Public PO Box service. This guide explains what Public PO Boxes are, how to use them, and where to find them across the UAE.
What Is a Public PO Box in the UAE
A Public PO Box is a shared postal address provided by Emirates Post Group (EPG). Anyone — resident, expatriate, or visitor — can use it to receive mail or parcels in the UAE. Mail is sent to a central post office, such as Karama CPO in Dubai or Madinat Zayed CPO in Abu Dhabi, and held there for collection.
Public PO Boxes are different from Private PO Boxes, which are registered to individuals or companies.
Benefits of Using a Public PO Box
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No need to rent or maintain a private PO Box
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Suitable for visitors, freelancers, and temporary residents
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Ideal for online shopping deliveries (Amazon, AliExpress, etc.)
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Convenient for short-term stays or business trips
How to Use a Public PO Box Address in the UAE
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Select the nearest Public PO Box from the table below.
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Use this address format:
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Include your UAE mobile number on the parcel. You may receive an SMS notification when it arrives.
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Bring your original Emirates ID or passport when collecting mail.
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Pay the collection fee at the post-office counter.
Collection Fees and Requirements
| Year | Collection Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2003–2016 | AED 0.50 – 3.00 | Early range |
| 2017 | AED 5.00 | Updated EPG rate |
| 2018–2019 | AED 10.00 | Private PO Boxes |
| 2025 | AED 15.00 | Current estimated fee |
Documents Required
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Original Emirates ID or passport
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SMS or tracking number (if provided)
Photocopies may not be accepted; always carry the original ID.
Public PO Box Numbers and Collection Locations in the UAE
| Emirate / City | Public PO Box | Collection Location |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | 3838 / 111188 | Madinat Zayed CPO |
| Ajman | 6263 | Al Bustan CPO |
| Al Ain | 88888 | Central PO |
| Dubai (Bur Dubai) | 111311 | Karama CPO |
| Dubai (Deira) | 88878 | Deira Main PO, Hor Al Anz East |
| Fujairah | 3999 | Central PO |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 30999 | Central PO |
| Sharjah | 32223 | Central PO |
| Umm Al Quwain | 660 | Al Ras CPO |
Historical PO Box Number Updates
| Emirate / City | 2003 List | 2007 List | 2016 List | 2019 Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | 111188 | 3838 | 3838-111188 | 3838 / 111188 |
| Ajman | 666688 | 6263 | 6263 | 6263 |
| Al Ain | 222288 | 88888 | 88888 | 88888 |
| Dubai (Karama) | 333388 | 111311 | 111311 | 111311 |
| Dubai (Deira) | 444488 | 88878 | 88878 | 88878 |
| Fujairah | 888888 | 3999 | 3999 | 3999 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 999988 | 30999 | 30999 | 30999 |
| Sharjah | 555588 | 32223 | 32223 | 32223 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 777788 | 660 | 660 | 660 |
Key Tips for Using UAE Public PO Boxes
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The UAE does not use ZIP or postal codes. Enter 00000 or your mobile number if required by online forms.
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Parcels are held for 1–3 weeks before being returned.
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Uncollected items may be returned to sender or discarded.
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Staff may offer optional courier upgrades for faster delivery.
Recent Emirates Post Announcements
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2019: Emirates Post waived admin fees for private PO Box subscribers. Public PO Box users still pay collection charges.
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2017 & 2016: Press releases confirmed every UAE post office has a unique Public PO Box number for residents and visitors.
Emirates Post Head Office Information
Emirates Post Group Head Office is located in Garhoud, Deira, with PO Box 99999. This number is not for public use. Mail sent there may be delayed or redirected to another post office.
Conclusion
The Public PO Box service in the UAE provides a simple and affordable way to receive mail without needing a private mailbox. Whether you live in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, or another emirate, you can easily collect mail from your nearest Emirates Post office.
Always confirm the latest PO Box details on the official Emirates Post website before using them to ensure accuracy and avoid delivery issues.