Nobody thinks about their local post office until the moment they urgently need it. A visa-related document. A parcel that didn’t get delivered. A PO Box to set up before your residency papers arrive. And that’s exactly when you realise you have no idea about the hours, the exact address, or whether they actually do what you need.
If you’re in or near Al Bateen — one of Abu Dhabi’s older, quieter residential districts — Al Butain Post Office is your closest Emirates Post branch. It handles the essentials well. But this office is smaller than the Central Post Office, closes earlier than most people expect, and sits inside a postal system that works very differently from what expats coming from Europe, South Asia, or North America are used to.
This guide covers the verified details — address, hours, services — alongside the less obvious things competitors skip: what changes during Ramadan, why the UAE has no postal codes, how to actually receive a parcel when home delivery isn’t standard, and when Al Butain is the right branch versus when you need to go somewhere else. Everything you need to know, nothing you don’t.
Have A Look On It: All UAE Postal Codes
- Quick Overview
- Where Is Al Butain Post Office?
- Opening Hours: The Details That Actually Matter
- Services at Al Butain Post Office
- The PO Box System: Why It Exists and How It Works
- How to Track a Parcel Sent Through Al Butain
- Al Butain vs. Other Abu Dhabi Post Offices — Which One You Actually Need
- Things to Know Before You Go: The Practical Stuff
- Sending Parcels to India, Pakistan, and the Philippines from Al Butain
- Mistakes People Make: Worth Knowing Before You Go
- Key Facts at a Glance
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Office Name | Al Butain Post Office (مكاتب بريدية) |
| Operator | Emirates Post (Empost) |
| Street Address | Al Mataf Street 28, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi |
| District | Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi |
| PO Box | 61700 |
| Phone | 600 599 999 |
| custservice@emiratespost.ae | |
| Working Hours | Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Saturday / Sunday | Closed |
| GPS Coordinates | 24.462139°N, 54.358609°E |
| Website | emiratespost.ae |
Where Is Al Butain Post Office?
The office is on Al Mataf Street 28, in the Al Bateen district of Abu Dhabi. Al Bateen is one of the city’s established residential neighbourhoods — calm, accessible, and not buried inside a mall or an industrial estate. The building sits at ground level, making it easy to spot.
For navigation: searching “Al Butain Emirates Post” on Google Maps brings it up reliably. The 2GIS listing places it at building W17_03 in Al Bateen. If you want to drop a pin directly, the GPS coordinates are 24.462139°N, 54.358609°E.
Getting There
- By car: Al Mataf Street connects to several main roads through Al Bateen. Parking in the neighbourhood is generally easier than central Abu Dhabi — no multi-level carpark searching required.
- By taxi or ride-hailing: Tell the driver “Al Butain Post Office, Al Bateen” — it’s well known. Sharing the coordinates avoids any confusion.
- Closest major landmark: The office is within a few kilometres of Abu Dhabi Central Post Office on Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street. That’s the bigger, longer-hours hub if you ever need it.
Google Map Location
Opening Hours: The Details That Actually Matter
Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Straightforward enough. But a few things catch people off guard every time.
The 3:30 PM cut-off is early
Most office jobs in Abu Dhabi run until 5 or 6 PM. Which means Al Butain is effectively unreachable on weekdays for the typical working resident. This is not a quirk — it’s standard for smaller Emirates Post branches. The Central Post Office on Sultan Bin Zayed Street runs until 8:00 PM and is the better choice if you can’t get away during the day.
Fridays are completely closed
Post offices across Abu Dhabi observe Friday as a rest day. If you’re coming from a country with a Saturday-Sunday weekend, this isn’t obvious at first. Al Butain does not open on Fridays.
Ramadan hours are reduced
During Ramadan, Emirates Post branches shorten their hours — typically running approximately 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, though this varies year to year. Always call 600 599 999 the day before your planned visit during Ramadan to confirm.
UAE public holidays mean full closure
Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, UAE National Day, Islamic New Year — all result in closures. Some larger branches operate reduced hours the day before a major holiday; Al Butain, as a smaller neighbourhood office, typically closes entirely. Check the Emirates Post website or a local news source the evening before a holiday.
Services at Al Butain Post Office
Al Butain is a neighbourhood-level branch. It handles day-to-day postal needs efficiently, but it is not the full-service hub the Central Post Office is.
Domestic Mail & Parcels
Sending letters and packages within the UAE — standard service takes a minimum of 3 working days, though premium options can be same-day or next business day for urgent domestic shipments.
International Shipping
Emirates Post connects to 200+ countries through its global network, including UPU partnerships and commercial arrangements with FedEx and Emirates SkyCargo. From Al Butain, you can send:
| Service | Destinations | Transit Time |
| Standard International | 180+ countries | Up to 15 working days |
| Express International | 190+ countries | 2–5 business days |
| Premium International | 200+ countries | 1–3 working days |
| International Air Cargo | India, Pakistan, Nepal, Philippines, others | Varies |
| International Sea Cargo | Personal and business shipments | Varies (budget option) |
Weight and size limits: Max 30 kg per international parcel. Max combined length + girth of 1.5 metres. Anything larger goes through a freight service.
PO Box Services
This is arguably the most important service Emirates Post offers for Abu Dhabi residents — and it’s available at Al Butain.
- Personal PO Box — private, lockable mailbox; requires Emirates ID; billed annually
- Corporate PO Box — for businesses needing a formal mailing address
- PO Box renewal — done in-branch or online at emiratespost.ae
- 24/7 physical access to your box once registered (even outside office hours)
Once subscribed, Emirates Post sends digital notifications whenever mail arrives. You can also manage preferences and view mail history through an online account at epbox.ae.
MyHome & Home Delivery Options
Can’t visit the post office regularly? Emirates Post offers two home delivery subscriptions:
- MyHome — assigned PO Box address with scheduled weekly home delivery
- MyHome Instant — upgraded plan with up to 60 next-day deliveries per year
These services mean you don’t need to physically visit Al Butain every time something arrives. You apply once, and parcels come to you.
Parcel Collection
If you’ve received a delivery notification but weren’t home when the courier called, the parcel is held at the post office linked to your PO Box — which for Al Bateen residents is typically Al Butain. Bring:
- The delivery notification slip (physical or the SMS)
- Your Emirates ID (passport works as a backup but Emirates ID is strongly preferred)
Critical: Parcels are held for approximately 7–14 days before being returned to the sender. Don’t leave it longer than a week.
Emirates ID Collection
This is one of the services most competitors forget to mention. When the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) issues or renews your Emirates ID, it doesn’t send it to your home, it sends it to the Emirates Post branch closest to your registered address. You receive an SMS from ICP with your application number and the specific branch location. Take that SMS plus your passport to collect.
Additional Services at the Counter
- e-Dirham top-up
- Utility bill payments (ADDC, DEWA, and selected others)
- International money transfer
- FedEx drop-off (at branches with the FedEx partnership active)
- International Driving Licence (IDL) applications — bring your UAE driving licence, passport, Emirates ID, and one photo
- Registered communications — legally certified electronic correspondence service
- Courier licensing — issuance and renewal of Postal Activity Licenses for courier operators
The PO Box System: Why It Exists and How It Works
This is the part most newcomers to Abu Dhabi genuinely don’t understand, and no amount of guessing makes it clearer until someone explains it properly.
The UAE has no postal codes. No ZIP codes, no pin codes, no area codes. Zero. The entire country runs on PO Boxes as the primary mailing address system.
What this means practically:
- If someone sends you a letter, it goes to your PO Box number — not your apartment door
- Your “mailing address” is essentially: Your Name, PO Box [number], Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Standard mail does not arrive at your home. You go to the post office and collect it from your box.
The only exceptions are if you subscribe to MyHome delivery or use a private courier like DHL or Aramex for specific shipments.
What to write when a form asks for a postal code
Every online shopping site, bank form, visa application, and government portal in the world demands a postal code. Abu Dhabi doesn’t have one. The standard workaround that actually works: enter 00000. It’s not an official code — it just satisfies the required field. It’s what every UAE resident does.
The Makani System
Abu Dhabi has introduced Makani — a GPS-based 10-digit addressing code assigned to every building entrance. It’s integrated into Google Maps and navigation apps, and increasingly used by delivery drivers to find exact locations. It doesn’t replace the PO Box for formal mail, but adding your Makani code when ordering from e-commerce platforms genuinely helps couriers find you faster.
How to Track a Parcel Sent Through Al Butain
Understanding the Tracking Number
Every trackable Emirates Post shipment has a 13-character tracking number:
- Two letters at the start (service type — EE, EP, CU, etc.)
- Nine digits in the middle (unique parcel identifier)
- “AE” at the end (country code)
Example format: EE123456789AE
This number is on your receipt. Keep it.
How to Track
- Go to emiratespost.ae → Track Shipment
- Enter the full tracking number exactly as printed
- Or use the EMX app (iOS and Android) for real-time push notifications
One thing many people don’t know: Emirates Post does not provide tracking for International Ordinary Mail — the cheapest international option. If you need to track a shipment internationally, you must send it as Registered, Express, or Premium. Ask at the counter specifically for a trackable service.
Common Tracking Statuses Explained
| Status | What It Actually Means |
| Shipment Received | Parcel accepted at the branch |
| In Transit | Moving through the network |
| Out for Delivery | Courier has it and is heading to you |
| Delivered | Handed over successfully |
| Held at Customs | Under customs inspection (international shipments) |
| Delivery Failed | Attempt made, no one was available |
If tracking hasn’t updated for several days but is still within the estimated delivery window — don’t panic. Gaps happen at transit hubs and during customs processing, especially for international parcels. If it’s been more than a week past the estimated delivery date, call 600 599 999.
Al Butain vs. Other Abu Dhabi Post Offices — Which One You Actually Need
Not every branch is equal. Choosing the wrong one wastes a trip.
| Branch | Address | Hours (Mon–Fri) | Best For |
| Al Butain | Al Mataf Street 28 | 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM | Al Bateen residents, basic services |
| Abu Dhabi Central | Sultan Bin Zayed St 444, Al Danah | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Full services, late access, business accounts |
| Bani Yas | Al Mifliqah Street 23 | 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM | Best extended-hours option outside central |
| Al Zahiyah | 10th Street, Tourist Club Area | 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM | Tourist Club / Al Zahiyah residents |
| Khalidiya | Al Shoulah Street 44 | 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM | Khalidiya district |
| Hamdan | 3rd Street 507 | 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM | Central Abu Dhabi |
The honest recommendation: If you work standard hours and physically cannot leave before 3:30 PM, Al Butain does not serve you well on weekdays. Abu Dhabi Central Post Office (open until 8:00 PM) is the right branch for you. If you want extended hours without going all the way to central Abu Dhabi, Bani Yas Post Office closes at 6:30 PM.
Al Butain is genuinely useful for:
- Al Bateen residents with flexible daytime hours
- PO Box holders in the Al Bateen area
- Quick domestic mail drops, parcel collections, Emirates ID pickup
Things to Know Before You Go: The Practical Stuff
What to bring
- Emirates ID — mandatory for most services; passport alone may not be sufficient for all transactions
- Cash or card — most Emirates Post branches accept both; card is reliable but having AED cash avoids surprises
- Notification slip or SMS — for parcel collection
- Original documents — for registered or certified mail
- Your tracking number, if you’re following up on a shipment
Best time to visit
- 8:00–9:30 AM is consistently the quietest window
- Late morning and post-lunch gets busy — avoid if possible
- Last 15 minutes before closing — staff start wrapping up; avoid expecting full service at 3:25 PM
Sending internationally — prepare before you arrive
- Pack your parcel securely at home; repacking at the counter is inconvenient and slows the queue
- Know the approximate weight — Emirates Post charges based on the greater of actual or volumetric weight
- Fill customs declaration forms honestly; underdeclaring causes clearance problems at the destination
- Customs duties on incoming parcels: Standard rate is 5% of CIF value for most goods entering the UAE (as of 2025). Electronics in the IT category are duty-exempt. Alcohol carries 50% customs duty, tobacco 100%. All non-document express shipments into the UAE attract 5% VAT regardless of value.
- Check whether your destination country restricts specific items before sending — regulations can differ significantly, especially for food, electronics, and media
The Emirates Post scam alert worth knowing
Emirates Post has an active fraud warning on their website: they do not ask for debit or credit card details via SMS, WhatsApp, or email. Phishing messages impersonating Emirates Post asking you to “confirm delivery” or “pay a small customs fee” via a link are fraudulent. Report them to fraud@emiratespost.ae or call 600 599 999.
Sending Parcels to India, Pakistan, and the Philippines from Al Butain
A large portion of Abu Dhabi’s population sends parcels regularly to South Asia and Southeast Asia. Emirates Post’s International Air Cargo service was built specifically for these corridors — covering India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and the Philippines — and is available at branches including Al Butain.
For heavy shipments (multiple boxes, household items, large volumes), International Sea Cargo is the most economical route. Transit times are longer, but the cost difference on anything over 5–10 kg is substantial.
For lighter, time-sensitive packages, Express International (2–5 business days) strikes the best balance between speed and cost for most South Asian destinations.
One practical tip that counters often don’t volunteer: ask staff to compare the air cargo rate against the express parcel rate for your specific weight and destination. The pricing tiers are not always intuitive, and for heavier packages, the dedicated cargo service can actually be cheaper than standard express post.
Mistakes People Make: Worth Knowing Before You Go
Showing up on Friday. It bears repeating because it catches people regularly. Al Butain is closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Bringing only a passport. Emirates ID is the primary document for UAE residents. Some transactions won’t proceed without it even if you have a valid passport.
Sending ordinary mail internationally and expecting to track it. You can’t. Only registered, express, and premium international services include tracking.
Assuming the parcel will wait indefinitely. Uncollected items are returned to the sender after roughly 7–14 days. Some items have been returned after less time. Don’t delay collection.
Not declaring contents accurately. Underdeclaring the value or misclassifying items on a customs form doesn’t save money — it creates customs holds, delays, and potential confiscation at the destination.
Thinking Al Butain offers everything the Central Post Office does. Smaller branches have a more limited service range. For international freight accounts, business logistics, advanced shipping solutions, or anything complex — the Central Post Office is the appropriate branch.
Don’t Forget To Read It: Naif Police Station postal code
Key Facts at a Glance
- Address: Al Mataf Street 28, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–3:30 PM only
- Phone: 600 599 999
- Email: custservice@emiratespost.ae
- Website: emiratespost.ae
- No postal codes in Abu Dhabi — use your PO Box number, or 00000 as a placeholder on online forms
- Emirates ID is your most important document at the counter
- Parcels held 7–14 days — collect promptly after notification
- Tracking only works on Registered, Express, and Premium services — not on standard ordinary mail
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact address of Al Butain Post Office?
Al Mataf Street 28, Al Bateen district, Abu Dhabi, UAE. The GPS coordinates are 24.462139°N, 54.358609°E. It’s operated by Emirates Post (Empost).
Is Al Butain Post Office open on Fridays or weekends?
No. The branch is closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It operates Monday through Friday only, from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
What is the postal code or zip code for Al Butain, Abu Dhabi?
There is no postal code for Al Butain or any other area in Abu Dhabi. The UAE does not use a postal code system. For online forms requiring one, enter 00000 as a placeholder. For official mail, use your PO Box number.
Can I rent a PO Box at Al Butain Post Office?
Yes, personal and corporate PO Box rentals are available at the branch. Bring your Emirates ID and payment for the annual fee. Applications can also be started online at emiratespost.ae.
How do I track a parcel sent from or received through Al Butain?
Use the 13-character tracking number from your receipt (format: EE123456789AE). Track it at emiratespost.ae under “Track Shipment,” or via the EMX app. Note: ordinary standard mail has no tracking — only registered, express, and premium services do.
My parcel wasn’t delivered to my door. What do I do?
Emirates Post will send a delivery notification via SMS. Take that notification and your Emirates ID to the post office linked to your PO Box (for Al Bateen residents, that’s typically Al Butain). Parcels are held 7–14 days before being returned to the sender.
Can I collect my Emirates ID from Al Butain Post Office?
Yes. New and renewed Emirates IDs are sent to the Emirates Post branch closest to your registered address. You’ll receive an SMS from ICP with your application number and the branch name. Bring that SMS and your passport to collect.
Is Al Butain the right branch if I work regular office hours?
Honestly, no. The 3:30 PM closing time makes it inaccessible for most people working standard hours. Abu Dhabi Central Post Office (open until 8:00 PM) or Bani Yas Post Office (open until 6:30 PM) are better alternatives if daytime access isn’t possible.
