Dubai Stamps
Dubai, a constituent emirate of the United Arab Emirates, is located in Western Asia on the Arabian Peninsula. Prior to joining the UAE in 1971, Dubai operated under a British protectorate within the Trucial States, relying on British Indian and later British Postal Agencies for international mail services.
- Issued stamps
- 1963–1972
- Region
- Middle East, Arabian Peninsula
- Currency
- AED
- Languages
- Arabic, English
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
About Dubai stamps
Early local issues often featured Arabic script alongside English, reflecting its historical role as a major trading port. Following the formation of the UAE, Dubai's postal administration was integrated into the federal Emirates Post system, though it continues to issue distinctive stamps reflecting its rapid modernization and regional importance.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- DUBAI
How to identify Dubai stamps
- Look for 'DUBAI' clearly printed on the stamp, often in both English and Arabic script.
- Stamps issued between 1963 and 1972 are from its independent postal administration period.
- Many early issues feature local imagery such as falcons, dhows, or portraits of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
Popular series
-
Definitives (Falcon and Dhow)
1963-1968
The first definitive series featuring local motifs like the falcon and traditional dhow sailing vessel, often overprinted with new values.
-
Olympic Games Issues
1964-1968
Various sets commemorating Olympic Games, reflecting a common philatelic theme of the era for many emerging nations.
-
Flora and Fauna
1967-1970
Colorful sets depicting local plants and animals, popular with thematic collectors.
Value overview
Typical ranges as orientation, not prices for a particular stamp. Condition, variety and demand decide the value of your copy; for current asking prices, check listings or the app.
- Common stamps
- $0.50–$5
- Scarce stamps
- $50–$500+
Common Dubai stamps from its brief independent postal period are generally inexpensive. Complete sets in fine condition, especially early definitives or those with specific overprints, can fetch higher prices. Errors or rare varieties are significantly more valuable.
Catalogs. Dubai stamps are listed in the major world catalogs: Scott, Michel and Stanley Gibbons. Catalog numbers and groupings differ between them; the Stamp Identifier app shows the numbers it can find for your stamp.
Questions about Dubai stamps
Dubai stamps refer to the postage stamps issued by the Emirate of Dubai between 1963 and 1972, prior to its full integration into the United Arab Emirates postal system. Before 1963, British Indian and then British Postal Agencies handled mail services.
The value of Dubai stamps varies. Many common issues are quite affordable, ranging from $0.50 to $5. However, complete sets, stamps in pristine condition, specific commemorative issues, or rare varieties and errors can be significantly more valuable, potentially reaching hundreds of dollars. Their historical significance as a pre-UAE entity adds to their appeal.
You can identify Dubai stamps by looking for the word 'DUBAI' (often in both English and Arabic) printed on the stamp. The period of issue is crucial, as these stamps were released between 1963 and 1972. Many feature local motifs or depict Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Dubai stamps are well-documented in major philatelic catalogs. You can find listings for them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons catalogues. These resources provide detailed information, including issue dates, designs, and estimated values.
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