Emergency services in the UAE: numbers and helplines

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the safest countries in the Middle East, boasting relatively low crime rates. However, the country is considered to be at high risk for terrorism. So, whether you need the police, fire department, or medical care, the emergency services are there when you need them.

Emergency service	Number
General emergency line	999
Ambulance	998
Fire brigade	997
Police	999
Coast guard	996
Search and rescue	995
Suicide crisis line	800 4673

Besides the above, the UAE has several other emergency numbers and helplines you may not be familiar with:

Main emergency numbers in the UAE

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, you can call 999 from any landline or mobile phone in the UAE. Calling 991 or 112 does not work; instead, call 999. The operator will divert you to the required service. All emergency numbers are toll-free, and you can call them from anywhere in the country. And if you are in Abu Dhabi, you can also use the AD999 app to request immediate assistance.

Keep in mind that you should only use UAE emergency numbers in genuine crises, for example, if there is a serious threat to your health. Using these lines for non-urgent issues causes delays for those who need help the most.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) is responsible for most rescue services, including those that respond to natural disasters and other emergencies. Their WhatsApp number is 024177000.

Ambulance and rescue services in the UAE

In a medical emergency, call 998 for an ambulance. If you need medical assistance in Dubai, you can also use the DCAS SOS app. This app features an SOS function that allows ambulance services to determine your exact location.

Given that ambulance response times are approximately eight minutes, it may sometimes be quicker to drive or take a taxi to the nearest hospital.

The UAE has mandatory health insurance, so you can access emergency healthcare for free. However, because most insurance plans have a coverage gap, it’s recommended that expats take out additional health insurance from a company like:

• APRIL International
• Orient Insurance

The following are some other useful numbers to jot down:

• Search and Rescue: 995
• National (Coast) Guard: 996
• Poison and drug information service: 800 424 (open on weekdays from 07:00 to 23:00)
• UAE Red Crescent: 800733

How to reach the UAE firefighters

The Civil Defence services handle any fire emergencies, hazardous material incidents, and rescue operations. You can contact them at 997; this national number will connect you with the local firefighters in your emirate.

Emergency number for the police in the UAE

If you urgently need police assistance, call 999. For all non-emergencies (e.g., complaints, suggestions, or when you are lost), you can reach out to 901. Tourists in Abu Dhabi can also contact the Tourism Police at +971 2 800 2626 or +971 2 512 7777. Tourists in Dubai can call +971 4 609 6239.

Each of the UAE’s seven emirates is responsible for law enforcement within its borders. Their patrol units – particularly those in Abu Dhabi and Dubai – have an international reputation for using flashy sports cars, such as Bugatti and Ferrari models.

While each area operates its own police force, they routinely share information with each other to solve various crimes. You can find more information on the following websites:

• Abu Dhabi Police
• Ajman Police
• Dubai Police
• Fujairah Police
• Ras Al Khaimah Police
• Sharjah Police
• Umm Al-Quwain Police

How to report human trafficking in the UAE

If you are or know a victim of human trafficking, call the Ewa’a hotline at 800 7283. This emergency number provides assistance and can help you find shelter. For labor complaints, you can also contact 04 6659 999.

How to report harassment and crimes anonymously

Residents can report all kinds of harassment and crimes, including those committed online. Crime tips are usually kept confidential; however, if you want to remain completely anonymous, you can also reach out to:

• Aman in Abu Dhabi: 800 2626 (or 800 2828 via SMS)
• Al Ameen in Dubai: 800 4888
• Najeed in Sharjah: 800 151 (or 7999 via SMS)

Helplines for domestic and gender-based abuse in the UAE

Family is a key social pillar of the UAE. To support domestic stability in the country, the government offers free family counseling and consultation services through the following channels:

• Community Development Authority
• Family Development Foundation
• Judicial Department-Abu Dhabi
• Ministry of Community Development

Help for women and children in the UAE

Victims of domestic abuse and violence in the UAE can call one of several emergency numbers for assistance, support, and possible shelter. For example:

• Ewa’a Shelter for Women and Children (Abu Dhabi): 800 7283
• Aman Center for Women and Children: 800 89999
• Hïmaya Foundation for Woman and Child (Ajman): 800 446 292
• Dubai Foundation for Women and Children: 04 6060 300
• Kanaf Child Safety (Sharjah): 06 506 5632 or 06 506 5545
• Women’s Protection Center (Sharjah): 06 5015 015

If you know of or witness domestic violence, you can also report it to the Ministry of Interior at 166 111.

How to call LGBTQ+ services in the UAE

Same-sex relationships are illegal in the UAE. If found guilty, punishments include fines, imprisonment, and deportation. Because of these rigid laws, the country does not have any services that support the LGBTQ+ community. That said, you may find limited international support services online, including:

• Rainbow Fund
• Rights in Exile

Mental health and substance abuse helplines in the UAE

Emirati mental health services

If you require mental health services in the UAE, you should generally contact your doctor for advice first. They can prescribe medication or refer you to a suitable treatment. The quality of mental healthcare services varies overall, depending largely on where you are in the UAE. Those with private healthcare or residing in major cities such as Dubai may have greater access to services.

If you are in an immediate mental health crisis, you can reach out to the government support line at 800 4673.

Services that help with alcohol and drug abuse

The UAE has pretty draconian alcohol and drug laws, with harsh penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of narcotics. Most treatment options are run through government-approved hospitals or private clinics, and tend to focus on abstinence and rehabilitation rather than harm reduction.

If you or someone you know is experiencing acute alcohol or drug-related poisoning, your best option is to seek medical attention by calling 998 or going to the nearest hospital emergency department. Keep in mind, though, that you may risk legal consequences, so discretion is strongly advised.

Emergency numbers for road and traffic accidents in the UAE

If you are involved in a traffic accident in the UAE, you should move the car into a safe place (preferably not obstructing traffic), turn on your hazard lights, display your warning triangle, and call 999. If there are injuries, first ask for an ambulance before requesting the police.

Driving off after an accident is illegal in the UAE, so, if the other party takes off, try to note down their number plate.

After the police have issued their report, you can call your insurance provider. You can then either wait for the replacement car or drive home and deal with the damage once they’ve given the all-clear.

How to report marine accidents in the UAE

Because of its extensive coastline and long sailing history, water sports are quite popular in the UAE. If you require assistance while out at sea, contact the National (Coast) Guard at 996.

For search and rescue, you can reach out to 995.

Who to call in a property or housing emergency

Lost or stolen property in the UAE

If you’ve lost something, visit the relevant lost and found desk (e.g., at the train station) first. After that, you can contact the police. If the item is an official document, make sure to also contact the relevant authorities. For example, lost passports must be reported to the embassy or consulate. And if you’ve lost your credit or debit card, you should contact your bank to have the card frozen.

Victims of cybercrime can call 999 for help or report the crime online through the following channels:

• eCrime app
• My Safe Society app
• eCrime website (Dubai)

Utility and telecom services in the UAE

Electricity and water failures are fairly rare in the UAE. However, when it happens, you can call the following emergency numbers from anywhere in the country:

• Electricity failure: 911
• Water failure: 922

How to call homelessness services in the UAE

The UAE has several organizations and services that offer support to people facing housing instability or in need of emergency shelter. For example, in Abu Dhabi, you can reach out to Ma’an, a non-profit organization that runs initiatives to support families facing housing challenges.

You can also contact the relevant social services in your emirate:

• Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority: 800 555
• Community Development Authority (Dubai): 800 988
• Sharjah Social Services Department: 6501 5501

People requiring food assistance can get in touch with the UAE Food Bank.

How to reach animal services in the UAE

If you find someone’s pet, you should take it to a veterinarian. They can see if the animal has any chip or identification and search the databases if so.

You can report animal abuse to the Emirates Animal Welfare Society, the only legally registered animal welfare association in the UAE. While their online presence has been notably inactive (as of June 2025), you can always try calling them at 2501 0054.

If that doesn’t work, you can get in touch with your local municipality. For example:

• Abu Dhabi: 026788888
• Dubai: 800 900
• Sharjah: 993

There are many homeless cats and dogs in the UAE, and several organizations work around the clock to address this issue. These include:

• Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter
• Dubai Municipality Veterinary Services
• RAK Animal Welfare Center (Ras Al Khaimah)
• Sharjah Cat & Dog Shelter
• Stray Dogs Center (Umm Al Quwain)

You can also check online community groups, including:

• Strays of Abu Dhabi
• The Bin Kitty Collective (Dubai)

Help for foreign nationals in the UAE

The UAE places a strong focus on tourism, and there’s a special police section for tourists in Abu Dhabi and Dubai:

• Abu Dhabi Tourism Police: +971 2800 2626 or +971 2512 7777
• Dubai Tourism Police: +971 4 609 6239

If you need consular or diplomatic help, foreign representations in the UAE are organized in a fairly logical way: embassies are in Abu Dhabi, and consulates are in Dubai. Many embassies also have their own consular sections, so you may not even have to go to Dubai to visit one.

For a complete list of embassies and consulates in the UAE, consult EmbassyPages. You can also visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

What to do in an emergency in the UAE

When you call the emergency services, the operator will customarily answer in Arabic. However, English-speaking operators are available on request, as are those of other languages. When calling 999 or any of the other emergency numbers in the UAE, make sure to clearly state:

• Your name
• The location where help is necessary
• The situation, and whether it’s still happening
• How many people require help
• Whether there are weapons or dangerous substances involved

Other tips and things to keep in mind:

• Don’t forget the security code for your parking garage or apartment building
• Never hang up until you are told to do so
• If you have medical problems or regularly take prescription drugs, know how to say their names in Arabic
• If you have children, know their exact ages and weight in case you need to call an anti-poison center or administer medication

Emergency terms and phrases in Arabic

Although people speak English in the UAE, it is helpful to learn a little Arabic. Some useful phrases and vocabulary to learn are:

English	Arabic	Pronunciation
Help!	ساعدوني!	sa‘idūni!
Help me please	ساعدني بالله	sa‘idni billāh
I can’t breathe	ما أقدر أتنفس	ma agdar atnaffas
(Severely) allergic	عندي حساسية (قوية)	‘indī ḥasāsiyya (qawiyya)
Accident	حادث	ḥādith
Fire	حريق	ḥarīq
Murder	في واحد انقتل	fī wāḥid inqatil (literally “someone got killed”)
Emergency	حالة طوارئ	ḥālat ṭawāriʼ
Ambulance	سيارة إسعاف	sayyārat is‘āf
Doctor	دكتو or دكتورة	duktūr or duktūra
Hospital	مستشفى	mustashfā
Police	شرطة	shurṭa
Call 999	كلم الشرطة على ٩٩٩	kallim il-shurṭa ‘alā tis‘a tis‘īn tis‘a
I want a lawyer	أبا محامي	abā muḥāmī
I’m innocent	ما سويت شي! or أنا مظلوم!	ma sawwēt shay! (literally “I didn’t do anything!”) anā maẓlūm! (literally “I’ve been wronged!”)

Useful resources

• The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) – official government website of the agency responsible for most rescue services
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs – official government website with more information on foreign embassies in the UAE