UAE — Stamps & Postal Service

Postal Service Overview

Emirates Post is the United Arab Emirates’ national postal operator. The UAE was formed in December 1971 through the federation of seven Trucial States: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah, and Fujairah. Before federation, each state issued its own stamps — creating a complex and philatelically controversial set of issues, as several states (particularly Ajman and Fujairah) issued enormous quantities of thematic stamps primarily for the collector market rather than genuine postal use. UAE stamps since 1972 have taken a more restrained approach.

Notable Stamp Issues

Abu Dhabi began issuing stamps in 1964 — its Trucial State stamps featuring Sheikh Shakhbut and subsequent Zayed are classic Gulf philatelic items. Dubai’s 1963 first stamps featured the distinctive dhow and desert scenes. Sharjah issued stamps from 1963. The more controversial Ajman, Fujairah, and Umm al-Quwain stamps of the 1960s–1970s were massive topical stamp production for collector revenue. UAE federation stamps began 1 January 1972. Modern UAE stamps feature Burj Khalifa, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and falcon falconry culture.

Collecting Tips

Scott Asia catalogue covers Trucial State and UAE stamps separately. Abu Dhabi and Dubai stamps (1963–1972) are the most genuine and philatelically respected pre-federation issues. Ajman and Fujairah stamps require caution — many were imperforate miniature sheets with no postal validity. UAE stamps since 1972 are mainstream and well-catalogued. Falcon stamps from the UAE and Gulf states are popular with falconry thematic collectors. Dubai’s modern architecture has appeared on recent commemoratives.

Part of the Asia Postal Directory.