Onwani: A Guide to Addressing Systems in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates(UAE) is a rapidly developing nation with a diverse landscape. As such, each emirate has implemented its own addressing system to manage the growing urban centers and enhance public services. Let’s delve into the addressing systems of the different emirates.
What is Onwani Signs?
Onwani is not a signage company. It’s a unified addressing system implemented by the Abu Dhabi government to standardize addresses within the Emirate. Abu Dhabi was a pioneer in the region when it introduced Onwani, its unified addressing system. it provides a standardized framework for street names, building numbers, and GPS coordinates. This system has significantly improved emergency services, logistics, and overall navigation within the emirate.
Onwani: The Backbone of Modern Abu Dhabi
Onwani is a groundbreaking initiative that has transformed the way people find their way around Abu Dhabi. By introducing a standardized system of street names and building numbers, the Emirate has significantly improved efficiency and convenience for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
The Challenges
Before Onwani, finding specific locations in Abu Dhabi could be a daunting task. Inconsistent naming conventions, missing or unclear address information, and the absence of a reliable navigation system often led to confusion and frustration. Emergency services, delivery companies, and tourists were particularly affected by these challenges.
The Solution
To address these issues, the Abu Dhabi government implemented Onwani, a comprehensive addressing system that incorporates:
- Standardized street naming: A clear and consistent naming convention for all streets in Abu Dhabi.
- Building numbering: A logical system for assigning numbers to buildings, ensuring easy identification.
- Geographical positioning: Integration of GPS technology to accurately locate addresses.
- QR codes: Inclusion of QR codes on street signs for quick access to location details.
- App: A mobile application for easy address search and navigation.


Benefits of Onwani
The implementation has brought numerous benefits to the Emirate:
- Improved emergency response: Clear and accurate addresses enable faster response times for emergency services.
- Enhanced logistics and delivery: Efficient delivery services and supply chain management.
- Boosted tourism: Easier navigation for visitors, leading to a more enjoyable experience.
- Economic growth: A well-structured addressing system attracts businesses and investments.
- Enhanced public safety: Accurate location information aids in crime prevention and investigation.
The Role of Technology in Onwani
Technology is at the heart of Onwani. The system relies heavily on:
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS): To map and manage spatial data.
- Global Positioning System (GPS): To accurately determine locations.
- Mobile applications: To provide user-friendly access to address information.
- QR codes: To offer quick access to detailed location data.
Onwani’s Future Impact
As Abu Dhabi continues to grow, the Onwani system will play an essential role in shaping the city’s urban planning and connectivity. By enabling more efficient transport, improving public services, and enhancing business operations, it is a key contributor to Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a world-leading smart city.
For more details on the Address System and how it’s reshaping navigation in Abu Dhabi, visit the TAMM Abu Dhabi website