Sharjah

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Postal Services

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Overview of Postal Services in Sharjah

The postal services in Sharjah are managed by Emirates Post, the official postal operator in the UAE. Emirates Post offers a wide range of services, including domestic and international mail, courier services, PO Box rentals, and other logistical solutions. The system is efficient, reliable, and widely used by residents, businesses, and visitors.

Types of Services Available

  1. Mail Services:

    • Domestic Mail: Sending letters, documents, and small parcels within the UAE.
    • International Mail: Sending letters, documents, and parcels to over 190 countries worldwide.

  2. Courier Services:

    • Domestic Courier: Fast delivery of packages within the UAE.
    • International Courier: Express delivery to international destinations.

  3. PO Box Services:

    • Since there is no door-to-door mail delivery in the UAE, residents and businesses typically rent a PO Box to receive mail.
    • PO Boxes are available for individuals and companies.

  4. E-commerce and Logistics:

    • Emirates Post partners with e-commerce platforms for package delivery.
    • Services include cash-on-delivery options for online shopping.

  5. Other Services:

    • Bill payments (e.g., utilities, telecom).
    • Government services (e.g., document attestation, visa applications).
    • Money transfer services (in partnership with financial institutions).

Costs of Services

The cost of postal services depends on the type of service, weight, and destination. Below is a general breakdown:

  1. Domestic Mail:

    • Letters and small parcels: Starting from AED 3-5.
    • Courier services: Starting from AED 20-30 for small packages.

  2. International Mail:

    • Letters: Starting from AED 10-15.
    • Parcels: Starting from AED 50-100, depending on weight and destination.

  3. PO Box Rental:

    • Individual PO Box: AED 300-500 per year (depending on the location).
    • Corporate PO Box: AED 1,000-2,000 per year.

  4. Courier Services:

    • Domestic courier: AED 20-50 for small packages.
    • International courier: AED 100-500, depending on the destination and weight.

Note: Prices are subject to change, so it’s best to check the Emirates Post website or visit a post office for the latest rates.

Procedures for Sending and Receiving Mail or Packages

  1. Sending Mail/Packages:

    • Visit the nearest Emirates Post office.
    • Fill out the required forms (available at the counter).
    • Provide the recipient’s full address, including PO Box (if applicable), city, and country.
    • Pay the applicable fees.
    • You will receive a receipt with a tracking number for courier services.

  2. Receiving Mail/Packages:

    • If you have a PO Box, check it regularly for incoming mail.
    • For courier deliveries, you will typically receive a notification (via SMS or email) to collect your package from the designated post office or delivery point.
    • Bring a valid ID (e.g., Emirates ID or passport) to collect your package.

  3. Customs for International Packages:

    • For international shipments, customs clearance may be required.
    • You may need to pay customs duties for certain items. Emirates Post will notify you if this applies.

Locations of Post Offices in Sharjah

Sharjah has several Emirates Post branches conveniently located across the city. Here are some key locations:

  1. Sharjah Central Post Office:

    • Location: Al Soor Area, near Rolla Square.
    • Services: Full range of postal and courier services, PO Box rentals.
    • Contact: +971 600 599 999.

  2. Al Khan Post Office:

    • Location: Al Khan Area, near Al Qasba.
    • Services: Mail and courier services.

  3. Muweilah Post Office:

    • Location: Muweilah Commercial Area.
    • Services: Mail and courier services, PO Box rentals.

  4. Industrial Area Post Office:

    • Location: Industrial Area 10.
    • Services: Primarily for businesses in the industrial zones.

Tip: Use the Emirates Post website or mobile app to find the nearest post office and its services.

Operating Hours

  • General Hours:

    • Sunday to Thursday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
    • Saturday: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
    • Closed on Fridays and public holidays.

  • Ramadan Hours:

    • Operating hours may be reduced during Ramadan. Typically, post offices open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 9:00 PM to midnight.

Note: Always check the specific branch’s hours before visiting, as timings may vary.

Cultural and Local Considerations

  1. PO Box System:

    • Unlike many countries, the UAE does not have a door-to-door mail delivery system. Renting a PO Box is essential for receiving mail.

  2. Language:

    • Most postal staff speak English and Arabic, so communication is generally easy for expatriates.

  3. Prohibited Items:

    • Certain items are prohibited from being sent via mail, such as alcohol, pork products, and items that violate Islamic values. Check the Emirates Post website for a full list of restricted items.

  4. Public Holidays:

    • Post offices are closed on UAE public holidays, including Islamic holidays. Plan your visits accordingly.

  5. Tracking and Notifications:

    • Emirates Post provides tracking services for courier shipments. You can track your package online or via the Emirates Post app.

  6. Customer Service:

    • Emirates Post has a dedicated customer service line: 600 599 999.
    • You can also use their website (www.emiratespost.ae) or mobile app for inquiries, tracking, and service updates.

Practical Tips for Newcomers

  • Rent a PO Box Early: If you plan to stay in Sharjah for an extended period, renting a PO Box is highly recommended.
  • Use Courier Services for Urgent Deliveries: For time-sensitive shipments, opt for Emirates Post’s courier services or private courier companies like DHL, FedEx, or Aramex.
  • Verify Addresses: Ensure the recipient’s address is complete and includes a PO Box number if applicable.
  • Plan Ahead: Avoid visiting post offices during peak hours (e.g., late afternoons) to save time.

By following this guide, you should be well-equipped to navigate the postal services in Sharjah. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to ask!