If you ever face an emergency in the UAE, knowing the right number to call can save time—and lives. This guide brings together the official emergency numbers in UAE, explains when to use each one, and adds Dubai-specific guidance (including the Dubai ambulance number and Dubai police number). You’ll also find practical tips, app options, and a simple call script so you can act with confidence.
UAE Emergency Numbers
Police: 999 — crimes in progress, threats to life, serious incidents, traffic accidents with injury.
Ambulance: 998 — medical emergencies needing immediate response (Dubai & UAE)
Fire / Civil Defence: 997 — fire, smoke, trapped persons, hazardous situations.
Coast Guard: 996 — marine emergencies at sea or shoreline.
Search & Rescue: 995 — coordinated search and rescue operations.
Dubai Police — Non-Emergency: 901 — information, certificates, non-urgent reports and inquiries.
Utility emergencies (electricity/water):
- Dubai (DEWA): 991
- Sharjah (SEWA): 991
- Abu Dhabi (ADDC): 800 2332
- Other emirates (Etihad Water & Electricity): 991 (electricity) / 992 (water)
Health advice (non-emergency):
- Poison & Drug Information Service: 800 424 (advice on medication errors, chemical exposure, bites/stings).
- Mental Support Line: 800-HOPE (800 4673) for confidential emotional support.
How to Choose the Right Number
If there’s a serious road crash with injuries, call 999 and clearly say you need an ambulance; you can also dial 998 directly. Report your exact location and stay on the line.
If you see fire or heavy smoke, evacuate first and then call 997 from a safe place. Briefly describe what you see (flames, smoke level, trapped residents) and name the building, street, and community.
If someone is unconscious, not breathing normally, bleeding heavily, or having chest pain or stroke symptoms, call 998 immediately. If you’re in Dubai and able to use an app, the DCAS SOS app can share your location automatically with paramedics, but calling comes first.
If you witness a marine incident (accident, person overboard, stranded vessel), call 996 for the Coast Guard and give the nearest marina, beach, or landmark.
If it’s a minor fender-bender in Dubai with no injuries, you can use Dubai Police services (901 or the Dubai Police app) to handle non-injury reporting and documentation without occupying the emergency line.
Pro Tip: Say your location before anything else, then give a one-sentence description of the emergency and your call-back number. Repeat the phone number calmly. If possible, send someone to meet responders downstairs or at the nearest junction.
Dubai Ambulance Number 998
For a medical emergency in Dubai, the Dubai ambulance number is 998. The DCAS SOS app (Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services) lets you request help and auto-share your GPS location. It also includes accessibility features for people of determination (e.g., visual/hearing support).
Dubai Police Number 999
For police in Dubai, Dubai Police Number is 999 for emergencies and 901 for non-emergency requests such as certificates, inquiries, or reporting minor issues. Knowing when to use 901 helps keep 999 lines open for life-threatening situations.
Step-by-Step: Make a Emergency Call
Step 1 — Dial the correct number. If unsure, call 999; the operator can coordinate the right service.
Step 2 — Give your location first. Building or hotel name, street, community, emirate, plus a landmark (“near the metro station”, “opposite Gate B”).
Step 3 — State the problem clearly. “Two-car collision, one person bleeding, conscious but dizzy,” or “kitchen fire, heavy smoke in corridor.”
Step 4 — Follow instructions. You may receive guidance for CPR, bleeding control, evacuation, or switching off gas/power.
Step 5 — Keep the line open. Answer questions until told to hang up; they speed up dispatch and arrival.
Step 6 — Guide responders in. If safe, send someone to the entrance or junction with clear directions.
Why 999 Is the Safest Default
The UAE supports Advanced Mobile Location (AML). When you dial 999 (and on many Android devices, 998), your smartphone can transmit precise coordinates to emergency services. AML improves accuracy even when you’re unsure of your exact address, so use voice calling first, then any app features as a complement.
Utilities & Home Safety: Electricity, Water, Gas
For electric shocks, sparking wires, flooding from mains, or burst pipes, use your emirate’s utility emergency number immediately. In Dubai, call DEWA 991; in Sharjah, SEWA 991; in Abu Dhabi, ADDC 800 2332; in other emirates, Etihad WE 991 (electricity) / 992 (water). If you smell gas, evacuate, avoid switches/elevators, and call from outside.
Keep your meter number and account details handy where possible; they help teams locate the issue faster.
Health Advice & Support (Non-Emergency)
For poisoning, chemical exposure, medication errors, or bites/stings, call the Poison & Drug Information Service on 800 424 for expert guidance. If symptoms are severe or life-threatening, call 998 first.
For stress, anxiety, or emotional crises, the Mental Support Line 800-HOPE (800 4673) offers confidential support. Mental health is health—seek help early.
Helpful Apps
DCAS SOS (Dubai Ambulance): Request an ambulance and share your location automatically. Designed to support people of determination.
AD999 (Abu Dhabi Police): Press the SOS feature to reach the hotline quickly, request an ambulance, or report a fire.
Apps speed up coordination, but they do not replace calling in a life-threatening emergency.
Tourists & New Residents
Save 999, 998, 997, 996, 995, 901 and your emirate’s utility line in your phone with clear labels (Police, Ambulance, Fire, Coast Guard, Search & Rescue, Non-Emergency, DEWA/SEWA/ADDC/Etihad WE).
Ensure your mobile plan supports voice calls on roaming, and practice saying your hotel/tower name and nearest landmark. Enable location services to help responders find you faster.
Practical Examples
Dubai Marina fall injury: A resident calls 998, gives the exact tower and landmark, and stays on the line for first-aid instructions while security prepares access. Paramedics arrive faster because the location was precise.
Sharjah apartment smoke: A tenant evacuates, calls 997, reports “smoke in corridor, Al Nahda, Building X, 8th floor,” and meets Civil Defence at the entrance. Power to the affected unit is cut while the crew investigates.
Fujairah water main leak: A family calls Etihad WE 992 for water, gives the meter and villa number, and moves valuables away from the leak. The response team isolates the source and schedules repairs.
FAQs – Emergency Numbers in UAE
What is the main emergency number in the UAE?
The primary number is 999. For specific services, use 998 for ambulance, 997 for fire, 996 for coast guard, and 995 for search and rescue.
What is the Dubai ambulance number?
The Dubai ambulance number is 998. You can also use the DCAS SOS app to share your location with paramedics—call first if the situation is life-threatening.
What is the Dubai police number for non-emergencies?
Dial 901 in Dubai for non-urgent police services and information. Use 999 for any emergency.
Does 112 work in the UAE?
Rely on 999 as your default. AML location is optimized for 999, and operators can route you to the right service immediately.
Who do I call for power or water faults?
Dubai (DEWA): 991, Sharjah (SEWA): 991, Abu Dhabi (ADDC): 800 2332, Other emirates (Etihad WE): 991 electricity / 992 water.
Is there a poison hotline?
Yes, the Poison & Drug Information Service is 800 424. For life-threatening symptoms, call 998 first.
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