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The role of the British Post Office in the Middle East presents an intriguing subject, particularly for enthusiasts of British philately, as it encompasses various overprints on these stamps.

To commence with, the first entry in the alphabetical catalogue is Abu Dhabi, a fact that likely contributes to its appeal among collectors. The British Postal Administration was inaugurated on 30 March 1963, initially utilizing surcharged British stamps until the first stamps marked with Abu Dhabi were issued a year later. The issuance of Abu Dhabi stamps was limited to a decade, and they now fetch relatively high prices in the market.

Abu Dhabi was part of the Trucial States, which included Ajman, Dubai, Fujeira, Ras al Khaima, Sharjah, and Umm al Qiwan. Unfortunately, the other states fell prey to philatelic exploitation. Only one set, inscribed Trucial States, was released on 7 January 1961. Subsequently, these states united to form the United Arab Emirates, with the first stamps bearing this inscription appearing on 1 January 1973.

Following Abu Dhabi alphabetically is Aden, where stamps inscribed with its name were first issued on 1 April 1937. Definitive stamps featuring the portrait of King George V were introduced in 1939, with the final stamps being released in 1965. Distinct issues were created in 1942 for the Aden Protectorate States, specifically the Kathiri State of Seiyun and the Qu’aiti State in Hadhramaut, the latter initially marked as Qu’aiti State of Shihr and Mukalla, before being changed to Qu’aiti State in Hadhramaut.

In 1966, the stamps of the Aden Protectorate States were overprinted with ‘South Arabia,’ leading to several issues primarily targeting the philatelic market. Between 1963 and 1966, various stamps inscribed Federation of South Arabia were released, most of which were part of omnibus sets organized by the Crown Agents, covering themes from the Red Cross Centenary to the 20th anniversary of UNESCO.