UAE Emergency Numbers 2026: Police, Ambulance, Fire & All Helplines

In an emergency, seconds matter — and knowing the right number matters more. The emergency number UAE system is simple at its core: 999 for police, 998 for ambulance, 997 for fire. But beyond these three, dozens of emergency numbers UAE residents should know — non-emergency lines, tourist police, utilities, mental health, roadside assistance, poison control, and more.

This guide lists every important emergency contact numbers UAE offers — the complete directory — explains when to use each number, covers the ambulance number Dubai visitors need, resolves the 911/112 confusion, and answers 20 common questions. Current as of October 2026.

Quick answer: Emergency number UAE: Police 999, Ambulance 998, Fire 997. Non-emergency police: 901. Coastguard: 996. Search & rescue: 995. Utilities (DEWA): 991. These work across all seven emirates, free from any phone, 24/7, with English-speaking operators.

The Core Three: Memorise These

These three emergency numbers UAE work:

• Across all seven emirates
• From any phone (mobile, landline, even without SIM credit)
• Free of charge
• 24/7, with English and Arabic operators

Save them in your phone right now. Do not rely on memory in a crisis.

Ambulance Number Dubai: What Visitors Must Know

The ambulance number Dubai is 998 — the same nationwide number. The Dubai ambulance number connects to the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS).

Key facts about 998:

• Free — ambulance services are free for emergencies
• Who responds: DCAS paramedics (Dubai) or the emirate’s ambulance service
• What to expect: trained paramedics, equipped ambulances, hospital coordination
• Language: English and Arabic operators

When to call 998:

• Chest pain, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness
• Serious injuries, accidents, burns
• Stroke symptoms, seizures
• Any life-threatening medical situation

When NOT to call 998:

• Minor illnesses (visit a clinic)
• Prescription refills
• Non-urgent medical questions

Tourist tip: if you do not speak Arabic, say “English please” — operators are bilingual.

Police: 999 (Emergency) vs 901 (Non-Emergency)

999 — Police Emergency

Use for: crimes in progress, immediate danger, serious accidents, threats.

901 — Police Non-Emergency

Use for: reporting past crimes, general inquiries, non-urgent police matters.
The rule: if someone could get hurt or a crime is happening now → 999. If it can wait → 901.
Dubai Police also offers:

• Al Ameen service: 800 4444 (confidential reporting)
• Dubai Police app: report incidents, track cases

Abu Dhabi Police:

• Aman service: 800 2626 / SMS to 2828

Sharjah Police:

• Najeed: 901 (non-emergency)

Fire & Civil Defence: 997

Use 997 for:

• Building fires
• Vehicle fires
• Gas leaks
• Rescue situations
• Hazardous material incidents

What to do when calling:

• Give your exact location (building, street, landmark)
• Describe the fire/smoke
• Mention if people are trapped
• Follow the operator’s instructions
• Evacuate if told to — do not re-enter

Coastguard & Marine: 996

The UAE’s coastline means marine emergencies need their own number.

Use 996 for:

• Boating accidents
• Drowning / water rescue
• Marine distress

Dubai has 7 maritime rescue points along its coast. When calling, give your beach name or nearest landmark.
Search and rescue: 995 (find and rescue operations).

Electricity & Water Emergencies

Power and water failures have dedicated numbers by emirate:

Use for: power outages, water main breaks, electrical hazards, fallen power lines.
Note: some sources list DEWA as 911/922 — the official emergency line is 991. Save 991.

Road Accidents & Traffic

Serious Accidents (Injuries)

Call 999 (police) and 998 (ambulance) immediately.

Minor Accidents (No Injuries)

• Dubai: use the Dubai Police app to report
• Abu Dhabi: 999 or the TAMM portal
• Move vehicles to safety if possible
• Exchange details with the other driver
• Get a police report (required for insurance)

Roadside Assistance

• 800 72233 — minor traffic and roadside assistance
• Your car insurance may include free towing — check your policy

What to Do at an Accident Scene

• Ensure your safety first
• Call 999/998 if anyone is hurt
• Do not move seriously injured persons
• Turn on hazard lights; set warning triangle
• Document with photos
• Wait for police

Tourist Emergency Help

Visiting the UAE? Special resources exist for tourists:

Dubai Tourism Police

• +971 4 609 6239 — dedicated tourist assistance

Abu Dhabi

• Aman: 800 2626 — tourist safety line

General Tourist Tips

• 999/998/997 work for tourists too (free, English operators)
• Keep your hotel’s number saved
• Know your country’s embassy number
• Travel insurance is essential

Common tourist emergencies: lost passport (report to police + embassy), medical issues (998), theft (999 + 901 for report).

Emergency Apps

DCAS SOS App (Dubai)

Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services app — one-tap emergency call with automatic location sharing.

AD999 App (Abu Dhabi)

Abu Dhabi’s emergency app — SOS with GPS location.

Dubai Police App

Report crimes, traffic accidents, and access services.

MOI UAE App

Ministry of Interior app — federal services and emergency access.

Download before you need them. In a crisis, you will not have time to install.

Women & Children Protection

These lines handle domestic violence, abuse, and protection cases — confidential.

Mental Health & Crisis Support

• 800 4673 — mental health helpline
• 800 222 20 — crisis support

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call. These lines are confidential and staffed by professionals.

Cybercrime Reporting

• Report via the Dubai Police app or MOI UAE app
• eCrime portal: via Dubai Police website
• For urgent cyber threats: 999

Common reports: online fraud, phishing, identity theft, harassment.

Poison Control

• 800 424 — poison information

Use for: suspected poisoning, chemical exposure, medication overdose. Call 998 as well if the person is in distress.

Animal Emergencies

• 800 900 — animal control and rescue (Dubai Municipality)
• +971 2 501 0054 — animal welfare (Abu Dhabi)

General Government Inquiries

• 800 555 — general government enquiries
• 901 — police non-emergency (Dubai/Sharjah)

People of Determination

The UAE provides accessible emergency access:

• SMS to 5999 — emergency SMS service for people of determination
• Operators are trained for text-based emergency communication

What to Do When Calling Emergency Services

Information to Provide

• Your exact location (building, street, area, landmark)
• What happened (brief, clear description)
• How many people are affected
• Your phone number (in case of disconnection)
• Any hazards (fire, chemicals, traffic)

Guidelines

• Stay calm — speak clearly and slowly
• Do not hang up until the operator says so
• Follow instructions exactly
• Keep your phone on — they may call back
• Send someone to guide responders if possible

911, 112, and Other Foreign Numbers: Do They Work?

Common confusion for tourists:

The safe rule: in the UAE, always dial 999 (police), 998 (ambulance), 997 (fire). Do not rely on your home country’s number.

Complete Emergency Contact Numbers UAE Directory

For reference, here is every important emergency contact numbers UAE listing in one place:

Life-Threatening Emergencies

Police Non-Emergency & Special Lines

Medical

Utilities

Transport

Protection & Support

Other

When to Call: Decision Guide

Someone is hurt or in danger RIGHT NOW → 999 and/or 998
Fire, smoke, gas → 997
On the water in distress → 996
Crime already happened, no immediate danger → 901
Power/water emergency → 991 (or emirate-specific)
Car broken down, no injuries → 800 72233
Need to talk to police about something → 901
Feeling unsafe at home → 800 111 / 800 7283
When in doubt, call 999. Operators will redirect you if needed. It is always better to call than to hesitate.

Emergency Preparedness: Before You Need It

• Save the numbers — in your phone, on your fridge, in your car
• Download the apps — DCAS SOS, AD999, Dubai Police
• Know your location — building name, street, nearest landmark, Makani number
• Teach children — how and when to call 999
• First aid kit — home and car
• Insurance — health and car; know your policy numbers
• Embassy number — saved for your nationality

Frequently Asked Questions (Extended)

Save This: Quick-Reference Card

Screenshot the table below. Save the numbers in your phone. Share with family, colleagues, and every newcomer to the UAE.

Screenshot this table. Save the numbers. Share with family. Your future self will truly thank you.

Real Scenarios: What Would You Do?

Scenario 1: Car Accident with Injuries

Call 999 (police) and 998 (ambulance). Do not move injured persons. Turn on hazards. Wait for responders.

Scenario 2: Fire in Your Building

Call 997. Evacuate immediately via stairs (never the lift). Alert neighbours. Meet at the assembly point.

Scenario 3: Medical Emergency at Home

Call 998. Give your exact address. Unlock the door. Have ID and insurance ready. Stay on the line.

Scenario 4: Witnessing a Crime

Call 999 if it is happening now. Note descriptions, vehicle plates, direction. Do not intervene physically.

Scenario 5: Lost Child in a Mall

Alert mall security immediately; call 999 if not found quickly. Provide description, clothing, last seen location.

Why This Guide Is Different

Most emergency number UAE pages list 3 numbers and stop. We built this differently:

• Complete directory — every emergency contact numbers UAE listing, organised by category
• Decision guide — when to call which number (the practical question)
• Tourist section — because visitors need this most
• 911/112 confusion addressed (the expat/tourist trap)
• Emirate-specific utilities and police lines
• 20 FAQs covering every variation
• Real scenarios — what to actually do

If numbers change, this page updates. Bookmark it — and hope you never need it.

Emirate-by-Emirate: Key Differences

While 999/998/997 are universal, some services vary:

Dubai

• Police app: most advanced (report accidents, track cases)
• DCAS: dedicated ambulance corporation
• DEWA: 991 for utilities
• Tourism police: +971 4 609 6239

Abu Dhabi

• AD999 app: SOS with GPS
• Aman: 800 2626 (safety line)
• TAQA: 800 2332 (utilities)
• Air ambulance: 999 (helicopter medevac available)

Sharjah

• Najeed: 901 (non-emergency)
• SEWA: 991 (utilities)
• Conservative norms: be mindful of cultural sensitivities when reporting

Northern Emirates (Ajman, Fujairah, RAK, UAQ)

• 999/998/997 work identically
• Etihad WE: 800 3392 (utilities)
• Smaller stations: response times may vary in remote areas

For Employers & PROs

If you manage staff accommodation or labour camps:

• Post emergency numbers visibly in multiple languages
• 600 590000 — labour complaints and workplace injury reporting
• Workplace injury/death: report immediately; specific procedures apply
• Ensure workers know 999/998/997 (language barriers cost lives)

Natural Disasters in the UAE

The UAE is geologically stable, but prepare for:

• Flooding (rare but occurs): call 997; avoid underpasses
• Sandstorms: stay indoors; call 999 if stranded
• Earthquakes (minor tremors): drop, cover, hold on; call 999 if damage
• NCEMA: the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority coordinates response

Language & Communication Tips

• “English please” — the magic phrase; operators switch immediately
• Location first — always lead with where you are
• Landmarks help — “near X mall/mosque/Metro station”
• Makani number — if you know it, give it (precise location)
• Stay on the line — do not hang up first
• Callback — keep your phone on; they may call back

False Alarms & Misuse

Prank calls and false reports are criminal offences in the UAE, punishable by fines and imprisonment. The emergency system tracks callers.
Accidental calls: if you dial by mistake, stay on the line and explain. Hanging up triggers a callback and possible dispatch.

Updating This Guide

Emergency numbers rarely change, but services evolve. This guide is reviewed against u.ae, Dubai Police, and TAMM sources. Last verified: October 2026.

If you spot an outdated number, the official sources are:

• u.ae — federal portal
• dubaipolice.gov.ae — Dubai Police
• tamm.abudhabi — Abu Dhabi government

A Final Word: Preparedness Saves Lives

Knowing emergency numbers UAE is not trivia — it is a life skill. The difference between 999 and 901, between calling immediately and hesitating, can be everything.

Do this today:

• Save 999, 998, 997 in your phone
• Download DCAS SOS / AD999
• Screenshot the quick-reference card above
• Share this guide with family, colleagues, and anyone new to the UAE
• Teach your children when and how to call

Emergencies do not announce themselves. Preparation does not take long. The few minutes you spend now could save a life later — possibly your own.

Emergency Numbers for Specific Situations

At the Beach

• Drowning/water rescue: 996 (coastguard)
• Dubai’s 7 maritime rescue points cover the main beaches
• Give the beach name and nearest landmark
• Rip currents: if caught, swim parallel to shore, not against the current — then call for help

In the Desert

• Lost or vehicle stuck: 999
• Medical emergency: 998
• Share your GPS location (WhatsApp live location works even with weak signal)
• Desert safari operators carry satellite phones — ask your guide for theirs before the trip
• Carry extra water — dehydration escalates fast in desert heat

In a Mall

• Alert mall security first (they have direct emergency lines and on-site medics)
• Then call 999/998/997 as needed
• Malls have defibrillators and first-aid rooms — ask security for the nearest one
• Note the nearest mall entrance for directing ambulances

At Work

• Workplace injury: 998 + report to employer immediately
• Labour complaints: 600 590000
• Employers must post emergency numbers visibly in labour accommodation
• Construction sites have specific safety officers — know yours

On the Road (Highway)

• Accident with injuries: 999 + 998
• Breakdown: 800 72233
• Note the nearest exit number or kilometre marker for your location
• At night, use hazard lights and reflective triangles — highway speeds make stopped cars dangerous

At Home

• Fire: 997 — evacuate first, call second if safe
• Gas leak: 997 — do not switch lights on/off; ventilate and leave
• Medical: 998 — unlock the door for paramedics
• Break-in: 999 — do not confront; observe from safety

Key Takeaways

• 999 = Police | 998 = Ambulance | 997 = Fire — memorise these three
• 901 = Police non-emergency — for everything that can wait
• 996 = Coastguard | 995 = Search & rescue | 991 = Utilities
• All emergency numbers are free, 24/7, English + Arabic
• 911 does not work in the UAE — use 999
• Save the numbers, download the apps, teach your family
• When in doubt, call 999 — operators will redirect you

Teaching Children About Emergency Numbers

Every child in the UAE should know:

• 999 — when to call (danger, fire, someone hurt)
• Their home address — building, area, landmark
• Their parents’ phone numbers — memorised, not just in a phone
• Stay on the line — the operator will help them

Practice: role-play a call once. Children who have rehearsed stay calmer in real emergencies. Schools in the UAE often cover this — reinforce it at home with your building’s name, your floor, and the nearest landmark. Make it a game, not a lecture.
Important: teach children that prank calls are illegal and can delay help for real emergencies.

Emergency Preparedness Kit

Keep accessible at home:

• First aid kit (stocked, not expired — check dates every six months)
• Fire extinguisher (know how to use it — PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep; check pressure yearly)
• Torch + batteries (power cuts happen, especially during storms)
• Printed emergency numbers (on the fridge — phones die at the worst moments)
• Insurance documents (copies accessible, not just originals in a drawer)

In the car:

• Warning triangle (legally required — fines apply without one)
• First aid kit (check expiry dates yearly)
• Water (especially in summer — breakdowns in 50°C heat are dangerous)
• Phone charger (a dead phone in an emergency is a crisis multiplier)

When Language Is a Barrier

Do not speak English or Arabic? Emergency operators handle this daily:

• Say your language (“Urdu”, “Hindi”, “Tagalog”, “Russian”) — interpreters are available
• Use simple words — “fire”, “help”, “hospital”, “police”
• Share location via WhatsApp — many operators accept live location pins
• Ask a bystander to translate if someone is nearby
• The apps help — DCAS SOS and AD999 transmit your GPS automatically, reducing the need for verbal location

Never let language stop you from calling. A call with broken English is infinitely better than no call.

Related Guides

• Emirates ID Guide

Conclusion

The emergency number UAE system is designed for simplicity: 999, 998, 997. But real preparedness means knowing the non-emergency lines, tourist resources, utility numbers, protection helplines, and what to say when you call. This guide gave you the complete emergency contact numbers UAE directory — from the core three to the specialised lines most guides omit.

Save the numbers. Download the apps. Share this guide with anyone living in or visiting the UAE. In an emergency, preparation is everything — and now you are prepared.

Last updated: October 15, 2026. All numbers verified against official UAE government sources (u.ae, Dubai Police, TAMM Abu Dhabi) current at the time of writing. Emergency numbers rarely change, but always confirm critical numbers on official portals.
Share this guide. The best emergency number is the one you have saved before you need it.