Saudi Arabia Postal Code: Complete Guide to ZIP Codes in All Cities (2025)

Sending mail or packages to Saudi Arabia? The right postal code makes all the difference between timely delivery and frustrating delays. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Saudi Arabia postal codes, from major cities to understanding the system that keeps millions of shipments moving across the Kingdom.

Understanding Saudi Arabia Postal Codes

Saudi Arabia uses a 5-digit postal code system managed by Saudi Post (SPL). Each code identifies a specific geographic area, enabling efficient mail sorting and delivery across the Kingdom’s vast territory.

Unlike some countries where postal codes are optional, Saudi Arabia requires them for reliable service. Missing or incorrect codes can send your package on a wrong route, adding days or weeks to delivery time.

How the 5-Digit System Works

Each digit in a Saudi postal code has a specific purpose:

First Digit – Main Region

The opening digit tells you which major region the address belongs to. Riyadh Region starts with 1, Makkah Region with 2, Eastern Province with 3, Madinah Region with 4, and so on through the Kingdom’s administrative divisions.

Second Digit – Major City

This narrows down to the specific city within that region. For example, within Makkah Region (starting with 2), Jeddah uses 22 while Makkah city itself uses 24.

Last Three Digits – Delivery Zone

These final numbers identify the exact district or neighborhood where your mail needs to go.

Take postal code 22233 as an example. The first 2 indicates Makkah Region, the second 2 points to Jeddah city, and 233 specifies the Al Balad historic district. This logical structure helps postal workers route mail quickly and accurately.

Postal Codes for Major Saudi Cities

Riyadh Postal Code: 12271

As Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh hosts government ministries, international embassies, and major corporations. The central business district around Kingdom Centre uses postal code 12271, which is often listed as Riyadh’s main postal code.

The city spreads across more than 100 distinct postal zones. Al Olaya district, home to luxury hotels and corporate headquarters, uses 12633. The Diplomatic Quarter where embassies cluster has code 12556. King Saud University campus operates under 12584.

For residential areas, Al Muruj uses 12552, Al Wurud has 12575, and the traditional Al Malaz neighborhood carries 12546. The modern King Abdullah Financial District, a hub for banking and finance, uses 12574.

When sending mail to Riyadh, always include both the district name and postal code. The city’s rapid expansion means similar street names can appear in different districts, making that postal code essential for accurate delivery.

Jeddah Postal Code: 22233

Jeddah serves as Saudi Arabia’s commercial gateway and main Red Sea port. The historic Al Balad district, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, carries postal code 22233, which many consider Jeddah’s primary postal code.

The city’s commercial heart in Al Hamra uses 23324, while the medical district of Al Salamah has 23524. Residential neighborhoods like Al Rawdah (23435) and Al Zahra (23522) house thousands of families.

The famous Jeddah Corniche, running along the Red Sea waterfront with its hotels and restaurants, operates under postal code 23612 in the Al Shati district. Al Aziziyah, one of the densest residential areas, uses 23337.

Jeddah’s ongoing expansion means new districts receive postal codes regularly. For addresses in developing areas north and south of the city, verify the current code through Saudi Post to avoid delivery issues.

Makkah Postal Code: 24231

The holiest city in Islam, Makkah hosts millions of pilgrims annually. The area immediately surrounding Masjid al-Haram uses postal code 24231, critical for deliveries to hotels and services near the Grand Mosque.

Al Aziziya district, packed with hotels and pilgrim services, uses 24236. Al Tandeem, where many pilgrims enter ihram at the miqat, has postal code 24263. The area around Jabal Al Nour, where the Cave of Hira is located, uses 24238.

Residential districts spread across the surrounding hills. Al Rusaifa in the east uses 24372, while Al Awali to the south has 24371. Central areas like Al Shuhada use 24321.

During Hajj and Umrah seasons, precise postal codes become even more crucial as temporary facilities operate across the city. Hotels and service providers rely on these codes to receive supplies and documents when millions of pilgrims fill the streets. You can fet complete information about Makkah Bus Route.

Dammam Postal Code: 34223

Dammam serves as the capital of Eastern Province and a major industrial center. The Al Hussam district, hosting government offices and business centers, uses postal code 34223.

The commercial district of Al Faisaliyah has code 32272, while the waterfront Al Shati area uses 32412. Al Khalidiyah, a popular residential neighborhood, carries 32221.

Dammam’s strategic location near Saudi Aramco headquarters and major ports means business mail flows constantly through the city. Companies shipping documents or supplies to offices here need accurate postal codes to avoid delays in time-sensitive deliveries.

Al Khobar Postal Code: 34714

Al Khobar connects Saudi Arabia to Bahrain via the King Fahd Causeway. The causeway toll area and surrounding district use postal code 34714, making it essential for businesses operating in this cross-border zone.

The city’s modern districts include Al Aqrabiyah (34421) and Al Aziziyah (34424). Downtown Khobar, with its shopping centers and corporate offices, uses 34427. The nearby Dhahran area, home to many expatriate compounds, has postal code 34441.

Jubail Postal Code: 35713

Jubail ranks among the world’s largest industrial cities. The industrial area housing Saudi Aramco’s massive refinery and petrochemical facilities uses postal code 35713.

Residential areas serve the thousands of workers employed in these facilities. Al Fanateer uses 35811, while Al Deffi has 35812. The King Fahd Industrial Port, handling massive cargo volumes, operates under postal code 35516.

Companies shipping equipment or materials to Jubail’s industrial facilities must use correct postal codes, as security checkpoints require proper documentation with accurate addresses.

Madinah Postal Code: 42311

The Prophet’s city, Madinah holds deep religious significance. The main postal code 42311 covers central areas near Al-Masjid an-Nabawi.

Hotels and residential areas around the Prophet’s Mosque rely on this postal code for receiving supplies and correspondence. During religious seasons, when the city’s population swells with visitors, postal services depend heavily on these codes to sort the increased mail volume.

Taif Postal Code: 26511

Taif sits in the mountains east of Makkah, offering cooler temperatures that have made it a traditional summer retreat. The city’s main postal code is 26511.

During summer months, government offices traditionally relocated here, making reliable mail delivery essential. The city’s rose farms and honey production also generate commercial shipping needs.

Yanbu Postal Code: 46477

Yanbu Al Sinaiyah, the industrial city on the Red Sea coast, uses postal code 46477. This area hosts petrochemical plants and the LUBEREF refinery.

The residential Royal Commission Area uses 46443, while the older Yanbu Al-Bahr district has postal code 46411. The industrial port handles international shipping, making accurate postal codes important for customs documentation.

Abha Postal Code: 62521

Abha, capital of Asir Province in the southwestern mountains, uses postal code 62521. The high-altitude city attracts tourists escaping coastal heat, creating seasonal shipping demands.

Other Major Cities

Tabuk in the northwest uses postal code 47311, serving as a gateway to Red Sea beach developments. Buraydah, the Qassim Region capital, has code 52318. Khamis Mushait near Abha uses 62461.

In the south, Najran has postal code 66262, while the Red Sea port of Jizan uses 82723. The northern city of Sakakah carries 72345, and Al Bahah in the southwestern highlands has 65526.

Why Postal Codes Matter in Saudi Arabia

Speed and Efficiency

Saudi Post processes millions of items daily. Postal codes enable automated sorting machines to route mail quickly. A package with the correct code might arrive in two days, while one missing the code could take two weeks as workers manually determine its destination.

Avoiding Returns

Incorrect or missing postal codes rank among the top reasons packages return to sender. This wastes money on return shipping and frustrates both sender and recipient. Businesses particularly feel this impact when time-sensitive documents fail to arrive.

Government and Business Requirements

Many government services require postal codes on applications. Banks need them for account opening. Online retailers won’t complete checkout without a valid postal code. Immigration paperwork, vehicle registration, and business licenses all demand this information.

Emergency Services

The National Address System links postal codes with GPS coordinates. When someone calls emergency services, operators use postal codes to dispatch help quickly. In a country as large as Saudi Arabia, this connection between postal codes and physical locations saves lives.

Saudi National Address System (Wasel)

The Kingdom launched the National Address System, known as Wasel, to modernize mail delivery. This system works alongside traditional postal codes to create a comprehensive addressing framework.

How Wasel Works

Wasel assigns every building in Saudi Arabia a unique address based on GPS coordinates. Each address includes a building number, street name, district, city, and postal code. This creates a standardized format that works whether you’re ordering food delivery or receiving government mail.

Benefits for Users

Delivery apps integrate directly with Wasel, meaning drivers find your exact location without phone calls for directions. Emergency services reach you faster. Online shopping becomes simpler as your Wasel address auto-fills forms.

Registration Process

Visit Wasel.sa or download the Wasel mobile app. The system uses your location to generate your official address, including the correct postal code for your building. Registration takes minutes and immediately improves your mail delivery reliability.

Many Saudis now use their Wasel address for everything from job applications to package deliveries. The system eliminates the old confusion of describing locations by nearby landmarks.

How to Find Your Postal Code

Saudi Post Website

Visit SPL.com.sa and look for the postal code finder tool. Enter your city name and district. The system displays your postal code along with the nearest post office location.

Wasel Platform

When you register with the National Address System, Wasel automatically provides your postal code as part of your official address. This method guarantees accuracy since it’s the government’s official addressing platform.

Building Management

Your building’s property manager or security desk usually knows the postal code. This works especially well in apartment buildings or office towers where management handles mail regularly.

Utility Bills

Check your electricity bill from Saudi Electricity Company, your water bill, or phone bill. These typically display your service address including the postal code. Keep one handy for reference when filling out forms.

Neighborhood Services

Local shops or businesses that receive regular deliveries know their area’s postal code. A quick question at your neighborhood grocery store or pharmacy can provide the answer.

Writing Addresses Correctly

Proper address format ensures your mail arrives without confusion. Saudi Post recommends this structure:

Recipient name on the first line

Start with the person or company receiving the mail. Use their full name as it appears on official documents.

Building number and street name on the second line

Include the specific building number, followed by the street name. If you have a Wasel address, use the exact format provided by the system.

District name on the third line

Name the district or neighborhood. This helps postal workers narrow down the location even if the postal code is hard to read.

City and postal code on the fourth line

Write the city name, followed by the 5-digit postal code. Leave a space or comma between them.

Country name on the last line

For international mail, write SAUDI ARABIA or KSA in capital letters.

Here’s a complete example:

Ahmed Mohammed Al-Mansour
Building 1234, King Fahd Road
Al Olaya District
Riyadh 12633
SAUDI ARABIA

For local mail within Saudi Arabia, you can skip the country line, but including all other elements remains important.

Common Postal Code Mistakes to Avoid

Using outdated codes

Districts sometimes merge or split as cities grow. A postal code that worked five years ago might route mail to the wrong place today. Always verify codes through official channels before important mailings.

Transposing digits

Double-check each number. Postal code 32272 and 32227 look similar but represent completely different locations in Dammam. A simple typo sends your package kilometers off course.

Leaving the field blank

Never skip the postal code on forms or shipping labels. Some automated systems reject incomplete addresses entirely. Others guess, which rarely ends well.

Mixing up city and district codes

Make sure the first two digits match your actual city. Riyadh codes start with 12, not 13 or 11. Getting the region or city wrong means your mail goes to the wrong sorting center.

Ignoring district boundaries

Large streets sometimes cross multiple postal code zones. Your building at one end of King Fahd Road might have a different postal code than your friend’s building at the other end. Use your specific building’s code, not just the street name.

Postal Codes for Business and Industry

Saudi Aramco Facilities

The oil giant operates across multiple locations, each with distinct postal codes. Dhahran headquarters uses 31311, crucial for supplier correspondence. Jubail refinery operates under 35713. Ras Tanura facilities use 32816.

Businesses shipping to Aramco need precise codes as security protocols require exact address matching on delivery documentation.

Universities and Education

King Saud University in Riyadh uses postal code 12584 for its main campus. King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah has 21589. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran uses 34464.

Students receiving packages from family abroad need these codes. University mail rooms process thousands of items daily, and postal codes keep everything organized.

Shopping and Commercial Districts

Riyadh’s Tahlia Street shopping area uses postal code 12243. Jeddah’s Red Sea Mall vicinity operates under 23323. Khobar’s Dhahran Mall area has 34742.

Retailers shipping inventory to stores need accurate codes to track deliveries. During sale seasons, thousands of packages move through these commercial zones daily.

Ports and Customs

Jeddah Islamic Port, handling most of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea cargo, uses postal code 21463 for customs documentation. Dammam’s King Abdul Aziz Port operates under 34241.

Import-export businesses interact with these postal codes regularly on shipping manifests and customs forms. Incorrect codes can delay cargo clearance by days.

International Shipping to Saudi Arabia

Sending packages from outside the Kingdom requires extra attention to postal code accuracy. International carriers rely heavily on these codes since their drivers lack local knowledge.

Required Information

Include the full 5-digit postal code without abbreviation. Write the city name in English, using common spellings (Riyadh, not Riyad). Add the recipient’s mobile phone number, which helps customs officers contact them for clearance.

Customs Considerations

Items valued over certain thresholds require customs processing. Customs officials use postal codes to route packages to the correct clearance facility. Jeddah port handles most Red Sea shipments, while Dammam processes Persian Gulf cargo.

Recipients need their national ID or Iqama number ready when customs calls. The postal code on the package should match the one on their ID documents to avoid complications.

Carrier Requirements

DHL, FedEx, Aramex, and other international carriers all mandate postal codes for Saudi deliveries. Their systems won’t accept a booking without one. Some even validate the code against their database to catch errors before shipping.

Delivery Timeframes

Express shipments with correct postal codes typically clear customs and deliver within three to five business days. Packages missing postal codes might sit in sorting facilities for weeks while workers try to determine the destination.

Regional Postal Code Patterns

Riyadh Region (1xxxx)

Covers not just Riyadh city but surrounding towns like Diriyah (13732) and Ad-Dilam (16323). As the political heart of Saudi Arabia, this region handles enormous government mail volumes.

Makkah Region (2xxxx)

Stretches from the Red Sea coast inland to the holy cities. Includes Jeddah (22xxx), Makkah (24xxx), Taif (26xxx), and the coastal industrial city Rabigh (25732).

Eastern Province (3xxxx)

Home to Saudi Arabia’s oil industry. Dammam (32xxx and 34xxx), Khobar (34xxx), Jubail (35xxx), and Dhahran (31xxx and 34xxx) all fall here. The region sees heavy commercial and industrial shipping.

Madinah Region (4xxxx)

Besides Madinah city (42xxx), includes the Red Sea industrial port of Yanbu (46xxx). Religious tourism and heavy industry coexist here.

Qassim Region (5xxxx)

Agricultural heartland with Buraydah (52xxx) as the main city. Dates, wheat, and other crops generate significant commercial shipping.

Asir Region (6xxxx)

Mountainous southwest with cooler climate. Abha (62xxx) and Khamis Mushait (62xxx) anchor the region, popular for domestic tourism.

Northern Regions (7xxxx-8xxxx)

Tabuk (47xxx), Sakakah (72xxx), and other northern cities. Lower population density means fewer but more dispersed postal codes.

Postal Services in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Post (SPL)

The national postal operator runs post offices throughout the Kingdom. Services include domestic and international mail, express delivery, registered mail, and P.O. boxes. Post offices also handle government document delivery and bill payment services.

Branch hours typically run from 8 AM to 4 PM Saturday through Wednesday, with shorter hours on Thursday. Many branches close on Friday.

Wasel Express

This Saudi Post subsidiary focuses on fast domestic courier service. Integration with the National Address System enables same-day delivery in major cities. Businesses use Wasel Express for time-sensitive documents when standard mail seems too slow.

Private Couriers

International companies like DHL, FedEx, and Aramex operate throughout Saudi Arabia. Domestic carriers like SMSA and Aramex have strong networks. All require postal codes for efficient delivery.

Many online retailers partner with these couriers, automatically validating postal codes during checkout to prevent shipping errors.

Mobile Apps for Postal Services

Wasel App

The official National Address app lets you register your address, find postal codes, and share your location with others. Available free on iOS and Android, it’s become essential for anyone living in Saudi Arabia.

The app displays your exact postal code and generates a short code you can share with delivery drivers. It also shows nearby landmarks and street names in both Arabic and English.

Saudi Post App

Track packages, find the nearest post office, calculate shipping costs, and schedule pickups through the SPL mobile app. You can also pay for services and access your P.O. box information.

The app includes a postal code finder tool that works offline once you’ve downloaded regional data, useful when traveling in areas with weak cellular signals.

Maps Applications

Google Maps and Apple Maps show postal codes for many Saudi locations. Search for a specific address and the postal code often appears in the location details. This works best in major cities where mapping data is most complete.

Maps apps also help verify you have the right postal code by showing the exact geographic area it covers. If your building falls outside that zone, you know to search for a different code.

Future of Saudi Postal Services

Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation plan, includes ambitious goals for postal infrastructure. The Kingdom is digitizing its entire addressing system, linking every building to GPS coordinates while maintaining traditional postal codes.

Smart sorting centers with advanced automation are being built in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. These facilities will process packages faster, reducing delivery times across the Kingdom.

Integration between Wasel and private delivery services continues expanding. Eventually, any company operating in Saudi Arabia will access the same addressing database, eliminating confusion between different systems.

The combination of traditional postal codes and modern GPS addressing creates a hybrid system that works for both automated mail sorting and last-mile delivery by human drivers. As Saudi cities grow rapidly, this flexibility ensures mail delivery keeps pace.

Postal Codes and Saudi Culture

Understanding postal codes connects to broader changes in Saudi society. Traditionally, addresses relied on descriptions relative to landmarks—”the blue building near the mosque” or “across from the bakery.” This worked in smaller communities where everyone knew the area.

As cities expanded and populations grew more mobile, that informal system broke down. Postal codes brought standardization necessary for modern commerce and government services.

The National Address System represents another step in this evolution. Younger Saudis who grew up with smartphones embrace Wasel naturally. Older residents sometimes struggle with the transition from landmark-based directions.

This generational shift mirrors broader changes across Saudi Arabia. Postal codes might seem like a technical detail, but they reflect the Kingdom’s transformation into a modern, digitally connected society while maintaining its cultural identity.

Practical Tips for Residents

Keep your postal code handy

Save it in your phone’s notes app or write it on a card in your wallet. You’ll need it more often than you expect—job applications, online shopping, government forms, and utility setup all require it.

Share your Wasel address

When telling friends or businesses your address, send your Wasel short code. They can enter it directly into delivery apps, eliminating confusion from street names that exist in multiple districts.

Verify before important mailings

Before sending critical documents like visa applications or legal papers, double-check the recipient’s postal code. A quick call or message prevents delays that could have serious consequences.

Update your address everywhere

When you move, update your postal code with your bank, employer, phone company, and government services. Months later, you don’t want important mail arriving at your old address.

Use registered mail for valuables

When sending documents or items with monetary value, pay for registered mail with tracking. The postal code enables tracking at each sorting facility, showing exactly where your item is in the delivery process.

Common Questions About Saudi Postal Codes

Can I use a P.O. Box instead of a postal code?

P.O. Boxes have their own numbers but still require the postal code of the post office where the box is located. You need both pieces of information for complete addressing.

Do postal codes change?

Rarely, but it happens when districts are redeveloped or administrative boundaries shift. Saudi Post announces changes through their website and local media. When in doubt, verify through official channels.

What if my area doesn’t have a postal code?

Every area in Saudi Arabia now has a postal code. If you can’t find yours, register with Wasel—the system will assign you one. Very remote locations might share postal codes with nearby communities.

Are postal codes required by law?

While not legally mandated for all mail, government regulations require postal codes on official correspondence, business documents, and import/export paperwork. Practically speaking, you need them for reliable service.

How do rural areas work?

Rural communities have postal codes that often cover larger geographic areas than urban ones. The last three digits might represent an entire village rather than a single neighborhood. Mail typically goes to a central post office for resident pickup rather than home delivery.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s postal code system forms the backbone of the Kingdom’s mail and package delivery infrastructure. Whether you’re sending a document across Riyadh or shipping a package from abroad, the right 5-digit code ensures it arrives on time.

The integration of traditional postal codes with the modern Wasel addressing system creates a robust framework for the future. As Saudi Arabia continues its rapid development under Vision 2030, postal codes will remain essential for commerce, government services, and daily life.

Keep your postal code accessible, verify it when needed, and use it consistently across all services. This simple habit prevents delivery delays and keeps you connected in an increasingly digital Kingdom.