Timeline of UAE postal history
From the first post office in Dubai to the first federal stamps, with the sources for each date.
19 August 1909 · British India
First post office in Dubai
The office was Indian in origin, under the Sind circle. Indian stamps with Dubai Persian Gulf cancellations stayed in use until 1947.
Wikipedia: Postage stamps and postal history of the United Arab EmiratesThe National: Postage stamps (heritage)
31 March 1948
Pakistani stamps in use
Indian stamps stayed in use until 1947, then Pakistani stamps until 31 March 1948.
Wikipedia: Postage stamps and postal history of the United Arab Emirates
7 January 1961 · Trucial States
The first Trucial States stamps
The British postal agency issues stamps carrying the name Trucial States, in two designs, priced in rupees.
The National: Postage stamps (heritage)Wikipedia: Postage stamps and postal history of the United Arab Emirates
30 March 1963 · Abu Dhabi
British agency in Abu Dhabi
The agency opens in Abu Dhabi City and uses British agency stamps.
Wikipedia: Postage stamps and postal history of the United Arab Emirates
15 June 1963 · Dubai
Dubai’s own stamps
Dubai begins issuing stamps in its own name. The National gives 15 June 1963 as the date.
10 July 1963 · Sharjah
Sharjah’s first stamp
A purple stamp with a map of the emirate and a portrait of Sheikh Saqr bin Sultan Al Qasimi.
30 March 1964 · Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s first stamps
Eleven values showing Sheikh Shakhbut, in Indian currency. The British agency office closes on 29 March 1964.
Wikipedia: Postage stamps and postal history of Abu DhabiWikipedia: Postage stamps and postal history of the United Arab Emirates
22 September 1964 · Fujairah
Fujairah’s first stamps
Fujairah begins issuing stamps in its own name. The National gives 22 September 1964 as the date.
1966 · Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi changes to fils
At the end of 1966 the currency changes to 1000 fils to the dinar, with surcharges and replacement definitives.
6 January 1966 · Abu Dhabi
Das Island post office
Until then the island was served through Bahrain. A British agency had opened there in December 1960.
1 January 1973 · United Arab Emirates
First federal stamps
The UAE issues its first federal stamps, from 5 fils to 10 dirhams.
The National: Postage stamps (heritage)Wikipedia: Postage stamps and postal history of the United Arab Emirates