The Abu Dhabi postal code is an integral part of the Onwani system of addressing that Abu Dhabi uses to designate the buildings, street names, city names, areas and postal codes. It is important to note that there is no single ZIP code in Abu Dhabi that is used by all properties throughout the city.
Onwani is under the control of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) and has an official website where address information can be found. For example, DMT publishes this address: 26, Al Seray Street, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi 23251. This is a particular address record’s code, not a code for every property in Khalifa City.
What Is the Abu Dhabi Postal Code?
There is no universal ‘ZIP’ code that exists throughout the entire City of Abu Dhabi. Rather, it has its own system that uses postal codes as part of a structured address.
This distinction is important when completing an online form, arranging a parcel delivery, or giving your address to a business. A code that is posted on a website that is not official may not indicate the specific building.
Five elements make up the official Onwani address:
- Building number
- Street name
- City name
- Area
- Postal code
This structure is used for DMT to standardise addresses throughout the emirate and to help identify locations. The system also enables navigation, delivery services and operations and emergency response in the public sector.
How to Find Your Exact Onwani Code
The easiest way to look for the postal code of a property is from the official Onwani platform.
- Go to the official Onwani website.
- Use the search field to find your street, building, or location, or click on the appropriate location on the map.
- Look at the address that appears in the selected property.
- Before using the code, verify that the building, street and area are correct.
- If you can’t find the address or the information is wrong, please reach out to DMT with the information published on the Onwani page.
Users can also scan the QR code on a sign with a building number to view that address on a map, as well as to get directions to that location and share the address.
Official example: 26, Al Seray Street, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi 23251
This is an example of a published address for 23251. Don’t assume it can be used elsewhere in Khalifa City.
Postal Codes for Abu Dhabi Areas
People frequently search for the Abu Dhabi postal code of Al Reem Island, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Khalifa City and other communities. But an area name is not enough to create a specific building code.
Whereas unverified area-code lists are to be avoided, the following lookup approach can be used.
| Area | What to check |
| Abu Dhabi City | Exact building or street address |
| Al Reem Island | Building or residential tower |
| Yas Island | Specific property or destination |
| Saadiyat Island | Building or property address |
| Khalifa City | Street and building details |
| Al Bateen | Exact street or property |
| Al Mushrif | Building or street address |
| Mohammed Bin Zayed City | Specific property |
| Musaffah | Exact location and delivery address |
| Al Ain | Address on record for the relevant property |
| Al Dhafra Region | Specific location in the official system |
These are search instructions and NOT postal codes. According to DMT, Onwani is an integrated addressing solution for the whole of Abu Dhabi Emirate and its municipalities. Please check the actual code using the official search.
What Should You Enter in an Online ZIP Code Form?
Sometimes, websites for international shopping, registration platforms and payment services will still ask for a ZIP/postal code even if the address fields do not completely match the UAE address format.
The correct entry will vary based on the instructions for the website.
If the form accepts your official Onwani code: Type in the verified code that corresponds to your address.
If the postal code field is optional: Do not enter anything if the platform allows it.
If the website accepts N/A: Follow the platform’s instructions rather than inputting an arbitrary number.
If the form requires five digits: Refer to the website instructions or contact their support team to determine what they accept for a UAE address.
If the form is for a delivery: Adhere to the address specifications of the seller/courier and include all the physical address and contact information.
Is 00000 the official Abu Dhabi ZIP code?
Online, it is suggested that 00000 is used to fill in a site that calls for 5 digits, but it is not an official universal postal code for Abu Dhabi.
It may be accepted as a technical solution by some websites. Others may reject it or may have a different value. Any number entered into a form is not proof that it is your property.
Don’t try random numbers, but check the country settings, address instructions, or customer support guidance of the website if it does not accept the value.
Onwani Postal Code vs P.O. Box
The Onwani postal code and P.O. box number are different.
| Feature | Onwani address | P.O. Box |
| Identifies | A physical location through structured address details | A particular postal mailbox |
| Main information | Building, street, city, area and postal code | Assigned mailbox number |
| Main purpose | Address identification and navigation | Receiving mail through a postal mailbox |
| Official service | DMT | Emirates Post |
The Onwani addressing system is handled by DMT and the P.O. Box service for individuals and businesses is handled by Emirates Post. Both of them cannot be used in place of the other.
How to get a P.O. Box
Emirates Post provides personalised box subscriptions – MyBox, MyHome and MyHome Instant. There are varying services and costs associated with these services. For personal subscriptions, an Emirates ID is required as official service information.
View the current options by visiting Emirates Post P.O. Box service.
How to Write an Address for Mail and Parcels
The correct address format is dependent on whether you’re using a physical address for a courier or a P.O. Box for postal mail (PO).
The Emirates Post published instructions for addressing mail to the UAE clearly state the name of the person, the P.O. Box number, the physical address, the emirate and the telephone number. It also requires the complete address, along with the apartment or unit number, street, postal code or P.O. Box, city, country and contact number for international shipping guidelines.
Physical address example
Follow the pattern below, substituting your details with the sample address.
Recipient Name
Apartment 302, Building 15
Street Name
Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
Contact number
Enter your Onwani code, if requested in the form or by the delivery party.
P.O. Box address example
Recipient Name
P.O. Box [assigned number]
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
Contact number
Bracketed text is fill-in text. Please use the P.O. Box number as designated for the recipient.
Details to check before shipping
Be sure to provide the recipient’s name, building/unit number if applicable, street, area, city, country and working telephone number. Increase the P.O. box or postal code as required by the carrier.
A P.O. Box might not be enough for a private courier who wants to find a residential building. For the service you choose, adhere to the directions on the shipping label or air waybill.
How Onwani Helps Residents and Businesses
DMT created Onwani to enable the consistent naming of streets and building numbers and address information across the entire Abu Dhabi Emirate. It also has uses other than postal delivery.
Navigation: Building signage with structured address details and QR codes aids users’ destination recognition, directions and location sharing.
Deliveries and logistics: Delivery teams can find the properties more easily and plan delivery routes more accurately with consistent address information.
Emergency response: Building and street identification is useful for emergency services to locate destinations.
Public services: DMT states that the unified addressing system will be used in the government services provided to the public in Abu Dhabi.
Urban planning: Standardised address information is helpful in planning, public services and location-based data management.
The advantages relate to the use of the appropriate address record. A misspelt code or a partial building address can still confuse.
These benefits are for using the right address record. Even if the code is wrong or the address in the building is not complete, this can still be confusing.
Common Mistakes When Using an Abu Dhabi Postal Code
The most common error is believing that there is one code applicable to all areas. The number assigned to one address should not necessarily apply to a whole island or residential community.
Some other errors include a P.O. Box number entered as an official postal code, an Onwani code entered instead of a postal code, an area name entered without the apartment number or without the telephone number in a delivery address.
If shipping overseas, ensure that the carrier’s shipment requirements are met before providing the air waybill. Emirates Post will specifically ask for full details of the sender and recipient (address, contact number).
Conclusion
The most reliable way to find an Abu Dhabi postal code is to search for your exact property through the official Onwani system. If the form on another site accepts an answer of “generic”, that doesn’t necessarily mean it will match your building.
If the form is online, follow the directions on the site – do not assume that 00000 is valid on any site. When sending mail and parcels, be sure to include the complete address, including the P.O. Box or Onwani number needed by the service provider. The address is crucial in determining where you’re going.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Abu Dhabi postal code?
Abu Dhabi has the official Onwani addressing system, including location-specific postal codes. Verify your exact address using the official Onwani system.
Does Abu Dhabi have a ZIP code?
There’s no single ZIP code for the entire city of Abu Dhabi. The postal code depends on the address.
Can I use 00000 as my Abu Dhabi postal code?
00000 is not an official universal postal code for Abu Dhabi. Only use it if a website has explicitly said it is OK to use a placeholder.
What is the postal code for Khalifa City?
According to the official website of DMT, an example address in Khalifa City has the code 23251. This does not mean that the same code is in effect at all properties in the area.
How can I find the postal code for Yas Island or Al Reem Island?
Use Abu Dhabi’s Onwani addressing system to search for the exact building or property. Not all of the addresses on the island are coded the same.
Is a P.O. Box the same as an Onwani code?
No. An Onwani code is a part of a physical address and a P.O. Box number is a postal mailbox number. Provide the information needed by your postal service or courier.
What address details are needed for international shipping to Abu Dhabi?
Fill out the recipient’s name, the recipient’s building or apartment information, street, area, city, country and contact number. Add the postal code/P.O. Box number needed by your courier.
What should I do if my address is missing from Onwani?
Search by street name or click on the location on the map. If you still can’t find it, please reach out to the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi at onwani_info@dmt.gov.ae or 02 301 3333.
