Save these UAE emergency numbers now—because in an accident, medical emergency, or fire, seconds matter. This quick-reference guide covers the main UAE hotlines (plus practical tips on what to say, how to share your location, and which number to use for non-emergency help).
If there is immediate danger to life or property, call the emergency number first. Don’t wait to “confirm” the situation—dispatchers can guide you while help is on the way.
Quick Reference: UAE Emergency Numbers (Nationwide)
These core numbers are widely used across the UAE. Keep them in your phone and share them with family members, nannies, and visitors.
| Service | Number | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Police (Emergency) | 999 | Crimes in progress, serious traffic accidents, immediate danger, threats, unsafe situations |
| Ambulance | 998 | Medical emergencies, unconsciousness, severe bleeding, suspected heart attack/stroke, serious injuries |
| Fire / Civil Defence | 997 | Fire, smoke, gas leak, people trapped, building emergencies |
| Coast Guard | 996 | Sea emergencies, drowning risk, boat incidents, missing persons at sea |
| GSM Emergency (alternative on many mobiles) | 112 | If you can’t connect on the main line or your phone is set to emergency-only mode |
Non-Emergency Help (When It’s Urgent, But Not Life-Threatening)
Using emergency lines for non-urgent issues can delay help for real emergencies. If you need police support but there’s no immediate danger, use a non-emergency number where available (for example, 901 is commonly used for Dubai Police non-emergency assistance).
For Dubai-specific police assistance and e-services, you can also check official channels like the Dubai Police website. If you’re dealing with a legal or report-related follow-up, this internal guide may help: Dubai Police case check.
Roadside Help: What to Do for Car Breakdowns or Accidents
If your car breaks down in a safe location, move to a safe spot, turn on hazard lights, and place a warning triangle (if available). For accidents with injuries or dangerous road conditions, call 999 immediately.
- Accident with injuries / unsafe scene: Call 999.
- Medical need at the scene: Call 998.
- Fire/smoke from vehicle: Call 997.
- Road and transport help (Dubai): Consider contacting the RTA call center for guidance where appropriate.
If you frequently travel across Dubai, keeping navigation and area details handy helps in emergencies—especially when you need to explain where you are. For location cues, this can be useful: Dubai postal code and address info.
What to Say When You Call (A 20-Second Script)
Dispatchers will ask key questions quickly. If you can, speak slowly and stay on the line until they tell you to hang up.
- 1) Your emergency: “We have a car accident / fire / medical emergency.”
- 2) Exact location: Emirate + road name + nearest landmark (mall, metro station, exit number).
- 3) People involved: Number of injured/affected people and their condition (conscious/unconscious, bleeding, trapped).
- 4) Hazards: Fire, smoke, traffic danger, gas smell, wires down, water flooding.
- 5) Your callback number: Confirm the number you are calling from.
How to Share Location Faster (Especially on Highways)
In many UAE locations, the fastest way to guide responders is by giving a clear landmark and direction of travel (e.g., “Sheikh Zayed Road towards Abu Dhabi, after Exit 42”).
- Use nearby landmarks: Metro station, petrol station name, big hotel, mall, bridge, or exit number.
- Check your map pin: If you’re with someone else, have them open maps and read the nearest place name.
- Look for signage: Highway exit numbers and route names are often the quickest identifiers.
Important Tips to Remember
- Don’t delay for “proof”: If you genuinely suspect a fire, medical crisis, or violence, call immediately.
- Stay safe first: Move away from traffic, smoke, or unstable structures if possible.
- Keep the line open: Follow dispatcher instructions; they may guide first aid or safety steps.
- Save the numbers offline: Add them to your contacts so you can dial quickly without searching online.
Official UAE Resources (Useful for Confirming Services)
For official information, public safety updates, and services, refer to trusted government and institutional sources such as the UAE Ministry of Interior and healthcare providers like National Ambulance (where applicable).
FAQs: UAE Emergency Numbers
What is the main police emergency number in the UAE?
The main police emergency number is 999.
What number do I call for an ambulance in the UAE?
Call 998 for an ambulance and urgent medical emergencies.
What number should I call for fire emergencies?
Call 997 for fire and Civil Defence emergencies (fire, smoke, gas smell, people trapped).
Is there a single emergency number that works on mobile phones?
Along with the standard UAE emergency numbers (999/998/997/996), 112 may work as a GSM emergency alternative on many mobile phones. If one number doesn’t connect, try the other immediately.
Should I call 999 for minor issues?
If there is no immediate danger, it’s better to use a non-emergency police line (such as 901 in Dubai) or official e-services. For Dubai-related follow-ups, you can also reference this guide: Dubai Police case check.
Do UAE emergency numbers work for tourists and visitors?
Yes. Visitors can call emergency services. It helps to state your location clearly and share nearby landmarks (hotel name, attraction, metro station, or highway exit).
Printable Mini Checklist (Copy/Paste Notes)
Police: 999
Ambulance: 998
Fire/Civil Defence: 997
Coast Guard: 996
GSM Emergency (alt): 112
Keep this page bookmarked and share it with your household group chats so everyone has the right UAE emergency numbers when it matters most.
