Dubai: Have you ever gone around in circles, when trying to find an address? A Makani number is the solution you’ve been looking for.

What is Makani?

Introduced by the Dubai Municipality in 2015, Makani is the official smart geographical addressing system of Dubai, that was later adopted in Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. It’s a unique 10-digit number that leads you right to the entrance of the building or address, making it easy to find any location on smartphones and navigation systems.

Since each Makani (which translates to ‘My number’ in Arabic) is unique, no additional information is required to find directions to your desired location.

According to Dubai Municipality, the number is derived from a universal geographic coordinate standard, so it ensures you’re able to locate an address with a one-square-metre accuracy – a huge advantage, considering Dubai’s rapidly growing communities and neighbourhoods.

How do I locate my Makani?

The 10-digit Makani is usually posted on a plaque in the lobby of apartment buildings, on building facades, or at the entrance of villas. If you’re unsure where it’s located, you can find it via the Makani app. Follow these steps:

  • Download the Makani app, available on Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or visit the website: makani.ae.
  • If you would like to know the Makani for your current location, allow the app to access your device’s location. You can do this by clicking on the ‘Location’ button, represented as an arrow, on the app. It will automatically pinpoint your current location and display the Makani number for the building you are in.
  • Alternatively, you can enter a conventional address in the search bar of the Makani app or website. It will then display the Makani for that address.

How do I use Makani?

Since Makani streamlines locating addresses, it is the quickest and most accurate way of navigating around Dubai. Here are some ways Makani would be useful:

Share your exact location: If you have ever been forced to wait for a taxi because the driver went to the wrong pick-up location, you never have to experience this situation again. Convey the Makani of your building so that taxi drivers can easily find you.

Find exact locations: No more asking someone if they’re talking about the building ‘next to third roundabout’. By using the Makani app, which has a navigation feature similar to Google Maps, with route guidance, voice activation, and traffic updates, you can drive yourself right up to the entrance of the building, with no confusion.

Use it in emergencies: Makani is used by all government organisations, including law enforcement authorities, and ambulance services. If you find yourself in an emergency situation and don’t know exactly where you are, use the Makani app to pinpoint your exact location and closest Makani, to help inform the authorities. It helps save time and improve accuracy.

Get priority service for the elderly: Dubai Police and the Community Development Authority’s ‘Secure Together’ initiative offers fast and unique services to elderly residents, people of determination, and people suffering from critical illnesses, in the city. As part of their priority service, you can register such family members with your home’s Makani – this would allow the authorities to rapidly respond to emergency requests from residents, who may not be able to convey the precise address themselves, during the moment of crisis.