Knowing who to call in an emergency can make all the difference. Whether you live in the UAE or you’re visiting, understanding the country’s emergency response system and having all the numbers on hand ensures you can act quickly and confidently when it matters most.
The UAE operates a transparent and efficient network of helplines covering police, ambulance, fire services, rescue operations, cybercrime reporting, and specialised support centres. Below is a simplified, easy-to-read guide to help you navigate the key emergency numbers across the UAE.
- Main Emergency Numbers in the UAE
- Alternative Emergency Access Methods
- Police and Law Enforcement Services
- Medical Emergency and Ambulance Services
- Fire and Civil Defence Services
- Utility and Infrastructure Emergency Numbers in UAE
- Specialised Support and Helplines
- Women and Child Protection Services
- Mental Health and Crisis Support
- Cybercrime Reporting
- General Government Enquiries
- UAE City Area Codes
- What to Do When Calling Emergency Services
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Main Emergency Numbers in the UAE
The UAE uses a set of unified emergency numbers across all emirates. These numbers are toll-free and can be dialled from any mobile or landline. Each number connects you directly to the appropriate response team.
Below is an overview of the core emergency services and when to call each one.
General Emergency Line (Police) 999: Call this number for crimes, serious accidents, or any situation involving immediate danger. The operator will transfer you to the required service if needed.
Ambulance 998: Dial 998 for medical emergencies, including severe injuries, cardiac incidents, loss of consciousness, and other life-threatening situations.
Fire Brigade (Civil Defence) 997: This number connects you to fire emergency teams across the UAE, including structural fires, chemical incidents, and rescue operations.
Coast Guard 996: Use this number for water-related incidents, maritime emergencies, or coastal rescue situations.
Search and Rescue 995: Call 995 for wilderness rescue, missing persons cases, or emergencies requiring specialised recovery teams.
Numbers such as 991 and 112 do not function as emergency lines in the UAE. Always dial 999 as your primary emergency number.
Alternative Emergency Access Methods
In addition to phone numbers, the UAE provides digital tools that enable faster, more accurate emergency reporting.
AD999 App (Abu Dhabi)
The AD999 app enables residents and tourists to request emergency assistance by automatically sharing their location. This assists responders when callers cannot describe their exact location.
DCAS SOS App (Dubai)
The Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services provides the DCAS SOS app, which sends your coordinates directly to dispatch teams for medical assistance in Dubai.
Police and Law Enforcement Services
Dialling 999 connects you immediately to the police for situations involving danger, crime, or threats to personal safety. This includes home invasions, violent incidents, burglaries, vehicle theft, or serious accidents.
For situations that do not require an emergency response, the UAE uses 901. This line supports general enquiries, lost-and-found questions, community feedback, and non-urgent issues.
Tourism police centres also assist visitors with safety concerns.
- Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Police: +971 2 800 2626 | +971 2 512 7777
- Dubai’s Tourism Police: +971 4 609 6239.
Medical Emergency and Ambulance Services
If someone is experiencing a medical crisis, dial 998 for an ambulance. Paramedics in the UAE are trained to handle acute emergencies such as severe injuries, heart attacks, strokes, allergic reactions, and complications during childbirth.
Ambulance response times typically average around eight minutes, though this varies depending on distance and traffic conditions. In critical cases, especially when time is limited, callers may be transferred to air ambulance teams.
Ambulance services are generally free for genuine life-threatening emergencies, as required by mandatory health insurance. However, charges may apply if medical staff do not consider the incident an emergency.
Fire and Civil Defence Services
For fires or hazardous situations, call 997. Civil Defence teams respond to building fires, industrial accidents, electrical hazards, and rescue operations involving trapped individuals. Calls are automatically routed to the nearest fire station to speed up response times.
Utility and Infrastructure Emergency Numbers in the UAE
Although the UAE maintains a highly reliable utility infrastructure, unexpected disruptions can occur.
Knowing who to contact for electricity or water issues ensures fast resolution.
Electricity and Water Failures, Dubai
- Electricity Failure: 911 (DEWA)
- Water Failure: 922 (DEWA)
Electricity and Water, Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi Distribution Company: 800 2332
Other Emirates
- Electricity Failure: 991
- Water Failure: 992
These numbers cover Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah.
Specialised Support and Helplines
Some emergencies require targeted support.
- Poison and Drug Information Service: Call 800 424 (07:00–23:00) for queries about poison exposure or drug-related emergencies.
- UAE Red Crescent: Dial 800 733 for humanitarian support and emergency aid.
- NCEMA (National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority): WhatsApp: 024177000 for natural disasters, crisis response, and significant incidents nationwide.
Women and Child Protection Services
The UAE provides multiple dedicated centres offering safe shelter and emergency support for women and children.
Abu Dhabi Centre for Sheltering and Humanitarian Care- Ewa’a
Location
It’s located in the ADNEC Area, Daman HQ Building, Abu Dhabi
Contact Information
Phone: +97126967777
Aman Centre for Women and Children
Phone: 800 89999
Hïmaya Foundation – Ajman
Location
It’s located in Al Owan, Al Nakhil 2, Ajman
Contact Information
Phone: +971568870766
Dubai Foundation for Women and Children – Dubai
Location
It’s located in Al Rowaiyah Third, Dubai
Contact Information
Phone: +97146060300
Mental Health and Crisis Support
Anyone experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts can call 800-4673, a confidential hotline providing immediate assistance, crisis intervention, and access to ongoing support services.
Cybercrime Reporting
Cybercrime is handled with the same seriousness as physical crime. Victims of online fraud, hacking, harassment, or identity theft can seek assistance through:
- Calling 999
- eCrime App
- My Safe Society App
- Dubai’s eCrime website
These services provide rapid, confidential support for digital threats.
General Government Enquiries
For non-emergency government questions, residents and visitors can contact 800 555, a national helpline offering information on public services, official procedures, and document requirements.
UAE City Area Codes
Bear in mind that when calling UAE numbers from abroad, the following area codes apply:
- Dubai: +971 4
- Abu Dhabi: +971 2
- Sharjah / Ajman / Umm Al Quwain: +971 6
- Ras Al Khaimah: +971 7
- Fujairah: +971 9
What to Do When Calling Emergency Services
Calling emergency services can be stressful, but providing clear information helps responders act quickly. Always begin with your location and the nature of the emergency.
Information to Provide
Before calling, be ready to explain:
- WHERE the emergency is (exact location or landmark)
- WHO is calling (your name and number)
- WHAT happened (type of emergency)
- HOW MANY people are involved
- WAIT for further instructions
Guidelines to Follow
- Speak slowly and clearly
- Do not hang up until the operator confirms all details
- Follow instructions exactly
- Never use emergency numbers in the UAE for non-urgent matters
Emergency accessibility is also a factor some residents consider when choosing where to live. Communities located near major hospitals, Civil Defence stations, and well-connected road networks can offer additional peace of mind during urgent situations. This is particularly important for families, elderly residents, and individuals with medical conditions.
Key Takeaways
The UAE operates an efficient, well-structured emergency response system, with dedicated numbers for police, ambulance, fire, coast guard, search and rescue, and specialised support services. The most important number to remember is 999, followed by 998 for medical emergencies and 997 for fire-related incidents.
Additional helplines support women and children, mental health, cybercrime, and utility emergencies. Understanding these numbers and knowing how to communicate effectively when calling ensures faster response times and safer outcomes for everyone.
FAQs
No. In the UAE, the main emergency number is 999.
Yes, for genuine life-threatening emergencies. Non-emergency situations may be billed depending on insurance coverage.
No. Only critical emergencies should be reported through these lines. Non-emergencies should be directed to 901.
Yes. Abu Dhabi offers the AD999 app, and Dubai uses the DCAS SOS app for location-based emergency reporting.
You can call 999 or report incidents using the eCrime app, the My Safe Society app, or Dubai’s online eCrime portal.
