Dubai is a dazzling city of innovation, luxury, and culture—but when it comes to postal codes, it can surprise many newcomers. Unlike cities in Europe or North America, Dubai doesn’t follow a conventional postal code system. This can make things a little confusing for first-time visitors, expats, or anyone trying to send or receive mail in the UAE.

In this guide, we break down what you need to know about Dubai’s approach to postal addresses, how to manage deliveries, and why the system works the way it does.