Abu Dhabi Zip Code

Abu Dhabi did not traditionally use postal or ZIP codes in street addresses. Mail was delivered via Emirates Post to P.O. Boxes at post offices. In 2021, the emirate launched a new Onwani addressing system that assigns every building a unique address including a postal code. Previously, most UAE residents simply entered “00000”, “N/A” or their P.O. Box number when asked for a zip code. The Onwani system (meaning “my address” in Arabic) modernizes this: it names streets, numbers buildings, and appends a unique code to every location.

Onwani Addressing System

Under Onwani, the Department of Municipalities and Transport assigns each street and building a standardized address and code. This system was designed to meet global best practices while celebrating Emirati heritage through culturally significant street names. For example, DMT explains that Onwani gives “unique names reflecting Emirati culture” to streets and “adds a postal code for each location throughout the emirate.” In practice, this means every address ends with a five-digit postal code. For instance, one example address in Khalifa City is shown as “Abu Dhabi 23251,” where “23251” is the new Onwani postal code. The Onwani data is integrated into global mapping apps (Google, etc.) and is accessible via the OnwaniClick mobile app, so any address can be searched by building number, street, and code.

Address Components

Abu Dhabi street addresses now follow a fixed format under Onwani. In every official address, you will see five parts: building number, street name, city name, area/district, and postal code. For example:

• Building Number – the specific number of the building on the street.

• Street Name – the officially named street (often reflecting local history or landmarks).

• City Name – typically Abu Dhabi for addresses in the city.

• Area/District – the neighborhood or district (e.g. Khalifa City, Al Reem Island, etc.).

• Postal Code – a unique numeric code for that building under Onwani.

Residents can even scan a QR code on building signs to pull up the address details and location on a map. This standardized structure ensures all relevant address info (including the postal code) is clear.

Postal Codes by District

In practice, each neighborhood or district in Abu Dhabi has its own postal code range as part of Onwani. For example, some key area codes are:

• Abu Dhabi City (central) – 20000

• Al Reem Island – 20008

• Khalifa City A – 20009

• Yas Island – 20014

• Abu Dhabi International Airport – 20048

These codes were compiled by residents and reflect the new Onwani assignments. (For context, you may see searches like “dubai business bay postal code” online; this similarly shows that Dubai’s Business Bay has no unique code and residents use PO boxes instead.) Including the correct postal code in an address is now essential; it helps delivery drivers and services quickly pinpoint the exact location within Abu Dhabi’s grid.

P.O. Boxes and Mail Delivery

Many people still rely on Emirates Post P.O. Boxes for mail. Each residence or business can rent a personal P.O. Box at a local post office. Mail addressed to an individual or company is often sent to that box (the owner’s number is used in lieu of a street address). Even with Onwani codes, PO boxes remain common. Emirates Post describes the P.O. Box as “a secure, personal mailbox” where mail is collected directly by the user. In fact, because UAE-wide postal codes were only introduced recently, many forms still instruct people to use their P.O. Box or enter a placeholder (like “00000”) if no street code is available.

Key Tips for Using Abu Dhabi Postal Codes

• Always Include the Code: When writing an address or shipping label, put the five-digit Abu Dhabi postal code on the last line before the country name. This ensures mail and packages reach their destination without delay.

• Verify Accuracy: Double-check the building number, street name, and postal code. Even a small error can misroute a delivery. Use the official Onwani map or app to confirm your address details and code.

• Clear Formatting: Write or type the address legibly. Poor handwriting or misprints can defeat the purpose of the postal code and lead to misdelivery.

• Return Address: Always include your own address and postal code in the sender/return section. This way undeliverable items can be sent back to you.

• Use Official Tools: Use the DMT’s OnwaniClick app or online portal to look up the exact address and code for any location in Abu Dhabi. These tools let you search by map or by entering known street details.

• Legacy Placeholder: If a system asks for a zip code and you don’t know it yet, “00000” or “N/A” are commonly accepted placeholders in Abu Dhabi forms. However, for actual mailing, the Onwani code is preferred whenever known.

Abu Dhabi’s new addressing system makes getting mail and deliveries much more reliable. By using the Onwani postal codes and following these guidelines, residents and businesses can ensure efficient mail delivery, accurate navigation, and faster emergency response. Embrace the Onwani system (and a correct “Abu Dhabi zip code”) to fully benefit from the emirate’s smart addressing innovation.