UAE Emergency Numbers Every Resident Should Know (2026 Card)
Police, ambulance, fire, coastguard, utilities, helplines and per-emirate numbers in one place, with what to say when you call.
In an emergency in the UAE, dial 999 for the police, 998 for an ambulance and 997 for fire and civil defence. All three are free and answered around the clock in Arabic and English, and operators can arrange interpreters for other languages. The rest of this page covers the other numbers worth saving before you need them: coastguard, utilities, helplines for children, mental health and consumer problems, and the per-emirate lines you will use for everyday issues.
Save the numbers in your phone today. Under stress, nobody remembers a number they have never used.
The core emergency numbers
| Service | Number | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Police | 999 | Crime, assault, theft in progress, serious accidents, danger to life |
| Ambulance | 998 | Medical emergencies, serious injuries, collapse, breathing difficulty |
| Fire and civil defence | 997 | Fires, gas leaks, building collapse, rescue from lifts |
| Coastguard | 996 | Emergencies at sea, boats in trouble, swimmers in difficulty |
| Search and rescue | 995 | People lost or trapped in the desert, mountains or wadis |
| Electricity emergency | 991 | Power failures, exposed cables, electrical danger |
| Water emergency | 992 | Burst mains, flooding, water supply failures |
Keep 999 for genuine emergencies. Misusing emergency lines can lead to a fine or legal action. Numbers can change, so confirm the less common ones on the u.ae portal or the relevant authority's website.
When to choose which number
If you are unsure, call 999. The operator will route the call or send the right service. For a medical emergency where someone is unconscious, bleeding heavily or struggling to breathe, call 998 first and then, if you can, tell the operator about any hazards at the scene.
Non-emergency and general helplines
Not every problem is an emergency. Using the right line keeps 999 free for people in danger.
| Line | Number | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Police non-emergency | 901 | Report a minor incident, ask for assistance, get advice |
| Ministry of Interior | 800 5000 | General enquiries on visas, ID, traffic and public safety |
| MOHRE (labour) | 600 590 000 | Employment contracts, wage disputes, labour complaints |
| Child protection | 116 111 | Report abuse or neglect of a child, or get advice |
| Consumer protection | 800 1222 | Complaints about goods, services, prices and warranties |
| MOHAP | 800 111 11 | Federal health services information and guidance |
| HOPE mental health line | 800 4673 | Confidential support for emotional distress and mental health |
| Emergency SMS for people of determination | 5999 | Text-based emergency contact for people with hearing or speech disabilities |
For employment problems, see our working in the UAE labour law guide. For health coverage and hospital access, see the healthcare and insurance guide.
Mental health support
The HOPE line on 800 4673 is for anyone in distress, not only in a crisis. Calls are confidential, and you can ask for help in Arabic or English. If you or someone near you is at immediate risk, call 998 or 999 first.
Child protection
The child protection helpline, 116 111, can be used by children themselves, parents, teachers and neighbours. You can ask for advice before deciding to report.
Numbers by emirate and authority
Local services have their own lines for day-to-day matters.
| Authority | Number | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| TAMM (Abu Dhabi government services) | 800 555 | Abu Dhabi services, permits and enquiries |
| Dubai Municipality | 800 900 | Waste, pests, food safety, public health nuisances |
| RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) | 800 9090 | Taxis, Salik, public transport, parking, traffic services |
| DEWA | 991 or +971 4 601 9999 | Power and water faults; general customer enquiries |
DEWA's 991 line handles electricity emergencies, while the +971 4 601 9999 number is the general customer line for bills and account questions. If you rent in Dubai, our DEWA bill estimator helps you understand your usage before it becomes a problem.
For the other emirates, the same national numbers work everywhere. Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah each have a local police headquarters and a municipality contact. Start with 999, or check your emirate page for local detail: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.
Useful apps
Apps can save time because they send your location automatically.
- Dubai Police app. Request police services, report non-urgent incidents, pay some fines and share your location. It works in several languages.
- AD999. An Abu Dhabi emergency app that helps you contact emergency services and send your location.
- Hesn. The UAE health and safety app, used for health information and national health services.
Install the apps for the emirate you live in, and check that location permission is switched on. For official information on all government services, use the UAE government portal, u.ae.
What to say when you call
Operators are trained to lead the call, but a calm, clear start helps them send help faster. Follow this order:
- What happened. "There is a car accident," "my father has collapsed," "there is a fire on the fourth floor."
- Where you are. Give the emirate, area, street, building name, floor and a nearby landmark. If you are in a vehicle on a highway, give the road number, direction and the nearest exit or sign.
- How many people are involved, and whether anyone is injured, unconscious, bleeding or trapped.
- Your name and phone number, in case the call drops.
- Stay on the line. Answer the operator's questions and follow their instructions. Do not hang up until they say so.
Only move an injured person if they are in immediate danger, for example from fire or traffic. Turn on hazard lights after a road accident, wear a high-visibility vest if you carry one, and stand away from moving traffic.
Road accidents
For minor accidents in Dubai where nobody is hurt, you can often report through the police app or call 901. If there are injuries, blocked lanes or disputes about fault, call 999. See our driving and transport guide and the traffic fines tool for the rules after an incident.
How to save the card on your phone
You can check all of these numbers any time with our emergency numbers tool and the full emergency page. To make sure the information is with you when you need it:
- Add contacts. Create contacts named "Police 999", "Ambulance 998", "Fire 997" and the helplines you might use.
- Set up your medical ID. On iPhone, fill in the Health app's Medical ID; on Android, add emergency information in settings. Include allergies, blood group, conditions and a next-of-kin number.
- Make a lock-screen note. A saved screenshot of the table above, set as a favourite, works well.
- Carry a printed copy. Keep one in your wallet, glove box and with your household helper or childminder.
- Teach your children. Practise saying their name, address and building number.
If you are new to the country, the moving to the UAE checklist lists the other documents and numbers to set up in your first weeks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UAE emergency number?
There are separate numbers: 999 for police, 998 for ambulance and 997 for fire and civil defence. If you are unsure which to use, call 999.
Can I call 999 from a foreign SIM or without credit?
Emergency calls can generally be made from any mobile network in range, including visitors' phones, and do not need credit. Check with your operator if you have a locked or damaged device.
What is the difference between 999 and 901?
999 is for emergencies where life, safety or property is at immediate risk. 901 is the Dubai Police non-emergency line for reports and advice that do not need an urgent response.
Is there help in languages other than Arabic and English?
Operators are used to multilingual callers and can arrange interpreters. Speak slowly, give your location first, and use simple words.
Who do I call for a power or water emergency?
Call 991 for electricity emergencies and 992 for water emergencies. In Dubai, DEWA's general customer line is +971 4 601 9999.
Written by Daleel UAE editorial team. Daleel UAE is a guide, not legal, financial or immigration advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority named before you act.
