It is extremely vital to be aware of the UAE emergency numbers in the year 2026, both for citizens and foreign visitors. Despite the sophisticated emergency management system in the UAE, sudden events such as accidents, fires, or any other medical emergencies/security problems might happen at any moment. Knowing which number to call in such situations would save a lot of valuable time. Fortunately, emergency numbers in the UAE are easy to memorize. According to the UAE government, 999 is the police number, 998 is the ambulance number, and 997 is the Fire Department/Civil Defense number. In this article, one can find a list of the most essential UAE emergency numbers, how to contact the concerned department or service, and the services offered to tourists and citizens.

UAE Emergency Numbers at a Glance

Keep the following numbers saved on your phone:

The UAE Government confirms that these emergency services can be contacted from anywhere in the UAE, while some specialised services have emirate-specific arrangements. 

What Is the UAE Police Emergency Number?

Dial 999 for Police Emergencies

In the UAE, the general emergency contact number for the police is 999. This can be used in case any urgent assistance from the police is needed. This includes situations like:

• An ongoing criminal activity
• Any imminent danger to one’s safety
• Severe accidents on the roads
• Violent situations
• Someone committing a felony offense
• Cases needing police intervention
• Others that might pose danger if help is delayed

Both the official website of the UAE Government and Dubai Police have 999 as the emergency number for the police.

Dubai Police Non-Emergency Number

All police business need not be emergencies. For non-emergency queries and assistance regarding the police, 901 is the number to dial in Dubai.

What Is the UAE Ambulance Number?

Emergency Number 998 for Medical Cases

998 is the UAE ambulance emergency number. It is used when there is a need for urgent assistance in case of medical emergencies. You may use 998 in the event of:

• Injuries
• Accidents on the roads
• Loss of consciousness
• Difficulty breathing
• Heart attack or stroke
• Bleeding
• Burns
• Falls
• Other potential life-threatening medical issues

Both the UAE Government and the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services list 998 as their emergency number for ambulance services. Once dispatched, knowing the nearest 24/7 facility from our guide on Emergency Hospitals in Dubai: 24/7 Hospitals & Emergency Numbers will help you understand where critical patients are taken.

How Does 998 Work?

When contacting ambulance services, stay calm and give the operator your:

• Exact location.
• The nature of the medical emergency.
• The patient’s condition.
• The number of people in need of help.
• Contact number.
• Any other information needed to assist the operator, such as the name of the building, villa or flat number.

It is most important that you do not hang up before the operator instructs you to. If possible, ask someone to wait at the entrance to the building, road junction, or any other easily identifiable place.

What Is the UAE Fire Emergency Number?

997 for Fire Department / Civil Defence Emergencies

The emergency number for the Fire Department / Civil Defence in the UAE is 997. Call 997 when you see:

• Fire in buildings
• Smoke from buildings
• Fire in vehicles
• Fire in industries and warehouses
• Fire caused by gas emergencies
• People trapped because of the fire
• Any kind of hazards which require assistance from Civil Defense services
• 997 is provided officially by the UAE government for the Fire Department (Civil Defense).

What should you do in case of fire?

In case of fire, exit from the area immediately and call 997. In case you are inside the building, be sure that you are using the emergency exit points of the building. Moreover,

• Do not use elevators during the fire, except if instructed so by the emergency personnel.
• Do not go to areas with smoke.
• Do not return to the building to fetch your things.
• Advise others about it, if it is safe for you.
• Tell the firefighters about the exact location/building.

UAE Coastguard Emergency Number: 996

Emergency Marine Number: 996

Marine emergencies are emergencies that require prompt attention due to rapidly changing conditions. 996 is listed as the Coast Guard in the UAE Government. However, marine emergencies vary by emirate.

For instance, in the case of:

• Abu Dhabi: contact the National Guard at 996
• Dubai: contact the Dubai Coast Guard using the specified marine emergency contact number
• Other emirates: contact 999 for police assistance in marine emergencies

It is therefore advisable that in the event of any boating or watercraft emergency, your location together with a description of the nearest landmark is known.

Emergency Search and Rescue Number: 995

Contact 995 for Search and Rescue

995 is listed as Find and Rescue in the UAE Government.  It becomes necessary to mention this number as it refers specifically to cases where search and rescue are needed. However, depending on circumstances, you may be required to report to another emergency facility. In the case where life is immediately endangered, and there is no clarity on which specialised service you should contact, 999 will get you through to police emergency assistance.

UAE Electricity Emergency Number

Contact 991 in Case of Electricity Outages

The number 991 is provided by the UAE Government to address electricity outages. But it should be noted that different utility providers provide different services in different emirates. For instance, the UAE Government mentions that for Dubai, one should use:

• Dubai – DEWA – 991
• Sharjah – SEWA – 991
• Abu Dhabi – ADDC – 8002332

And for other emirates:

• Etihad Water and Electricity – 8003392
• or its WhatsApp line.

UAE Medical Help Beyond Ambulance Services

Not all illnesses need to be taken care of using the ambulance. Instead, some illnesses, general health inquiries, or even inquiries about appointments should rather be handled by the healthcare authority or the medical institution itself.

Dubai Health Authority Phone Number

• In Dubai, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) provides a 24/7 contact center service via: 800 342 (800 DHA)
• The DHA offers an international contact number too: +971 4 599 1200. Nonetheless, one thing you must keep in mind is that 800 342 will not be the substitute number for 998 during a critical medical situation, nor does it replace mandatory medical coverage outlined in our UAE Health Insurance Guide 2026: Rules, Costs, Coverage & How to Choose the Right Plan

Emergency Numbers for Tourists in the UAE

Tourists can use the same main emergency numbers as residents and reference our dedicated Dubai Healthcare Guide for Tourists: What to Do If You Get Sick for outpatient clinics and pharmacies:

• Police: 999
• Ambulance: 998
• Fire/Civil Defence: 997

The UAE Government specifically provides emergency guidance for tourists and confirms these three core numbers. 

Tourism Police Contacts

Tourists can also access tourism police services for non-standard assistance.

According to the UAE Government:

• Abu Dhabi Tourism Police

• • • +971 2 800 2626
    • +971 2 512 7777

• Dubai Tourism Police

• • +971 4 609 6239

How to Call UAE Emergency Services Correctly

In an emergency case, people become panicky and fail to give necessary information. So, follow the following simple steps.

Step 1: Calm Yourself Down

Calm down and try to give correct information to the operator. The following questions asked by the operator will help the emergency service reach your place.

Step 2: Give Your Location First

The following information needs to be provided to the operator.

• Emirate
• Street Name
• Building/Villa Name
• Apartment/Floor Name (if any)
• Landmark around you
• Road/Highway Name
• Exit/Junction Name (if any)

For instance, instead of simply saying “I am in Dubai Marina,” tell him/her your building’s name, street, and landmarks around you.

Step 3: Explain the Emergency

Explain briefly what occurred. E.g., “A road accident occurred between two vehicles, and there seems to be one injured individual.” It will enable the emergency dispatcher to get acquainted with the situation.

Step 4: Listen for Further Instructions

The dispatcher might provide you with some safety or first aid tips as emergency services are being contacted. Pay close attention to these tips.

Step 5: Make Your Phone Easily Accessible

Emergency services will most likely have to contact you again. Therefore, ensure that your phone is accessible to you.

What Information Should You Give Emergency Operators?

Before calling, if circumstances allow, prepare these details:

Above all, your location is one of the most important pieces of information. If you do not know the street address, describe nearby landmarks, signs, buildings, or roads.

What Should You Do in a Road Accident?

• If you are involved in a road accident, firstly make sure you are safe by moving yourself to a safe location in compliance with standard UAE Rules and Laws 2026: Essential Guide for Residents, Visitors & Businesses.
• Secondly, dial 999 in case you need the police.

• Dial 998 if there is anybody hurt.
• Provide the precise address, the direction in which you were traveling, and the closest landmark.
• Do not move seriously injured people if leaving them where they are will put their lives at risk.
• Follow the directions of the operator.
• Do not come near traffic and crash cars where it might be dangerous for you.
• If there is fire, smoke, or any other hazard associated with the accident, 997 is needed too.

What You Should Do in Case of a Medical Emergency in UAE

Emergencies may escalate very quickly. So do not hesitate to call for an ambulance if you see that a person’s condition is critical. Dial 998 as soon as possible in case the person has:

• Breathing difficulties
• Chest pains
• Loss of consciousness
• Heavy bleeding
• Severe injuries
• Severe burns
• The symptoms of a stroke
• A severe allergic reaction
• Suspected heart attack
• Accident-related injuries

What to Do During a Fire Emergency

In the event of a fire:

Warn people → Get out of harm’s way → Dial 997 → Obey emergency instructions.

Do not try to fight a big or fast-growing fire. Your primary goal is to evacuate and give firefighters useful details regarding the place and its potential occupants. In apartment complexes, hotels, and office spaces, find the nearest exit upon arrival. This simple action can play a significant role in an actual emergency situation.

Emergency Apps in the UAE

While a phone call can still be an effective means of requesting emergency help, the UAE Government draws attention to special emergency apps. 

Abu Dhabi AD999 App

The Abu Dhabi Police AD999 app can be used to request emergency help, including an ambulance, and to report fires and other emergencies.

Dubai DCAS SOS App

Dubai residents and visitors may also use the DCAS SOS app to request an emergency ambulance service provided by the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services.  Still, if your situation is urgent and life-threatening, you should definitely call an emergency number.

Child Protection Emergency Contact in the UAE

In cases of abuse of children, the government of the UAE provides the Child Protection Centre of the Ministry of Interior Helpline, which is 116111. These services are separate from 999; 999 must be dialed if there is a need for immediate police action and a threat to life.

Are UAE Emergency Numbers the Same in All Seven Emirates?

Yes, the principal emergency numbers are nationally standardised:

The UAE Government confirms these core emergency numbers for use across the country. However, specialised services such as utilities and some marine contacts can vary by emirate. Therefore, always check the relevant authority for non-emergency matters. 

UAE Emergency Numbers: Important Contacts to Save

For convenience, create a “UAE Emergency” contact group on your phone.

Essential numbers

• 🚔 Police Emergency: 999
• 🚑 Ambulance: 998
• 🚒 Fire/Civil Defence: 997
• 🚤 Coastguard: 996
• 🆘 Search & Rescue: 995
• ⚡ Electricity Failure: 991
• 🏥 Dubai Health Authority: 800 342
• 👶 Child Protection: 116111
• 👮 Dubai Police Non-Emergency: 901

The first six numbers are listed through UAE Government emergency guidance, while the additional contacts serve specific non-emergency or specialist purposes.

Conclusion 

Since emergency situations happen unexpectedly, it would be prudent to know the number well before anything happens. The first three numbers to have are:

• 999 – Police
• 998 – Ambulance
• 997 – Fire/Civil Defence

Additionally, it would be best if you could have 996 – Coastguard, 995 – Search & Rescue, and 991 – Electricity Emergencies close at hand. Whether you are staying in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or any other emirate, knowing these emergency contacts alongside top-tier facilities listed in our Best Hospitals In Dubai, Your Ultimate Healthcare Guide. would enable you to react quickly whenever there is an emergency. Store your numbers now, stay cool when you encounter an emergency situation, and follow the instructions given by the emergency operators.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Police in UAE Emergency Number?

The emergency number of the police in the UAE is 999.

Ambulance Number in Dubai & UAE?

The ambulance number in Dubai and UAE is 998.

Number of the Fire Department in UAE?

In case of any fire emergency, dial 997 to contact the Fire Department/Civil Defence.

Number of the Coast Guard in UAE?

As per the government of the UAE, the number for the Coast Guard in the UAE is 996. The marine emergency response process varies from one emirate to another.

Can Tourists Call Emergency Services in the UAE?

Yes, tourists can also call the police emergency number 999, ambulance 998, and 997 for fire emergencies.

What number should I dial in case of a non-emergency police issue in Dubai?

In case of non-emergency police queries in Dubai, one should dial 901 rather than 999.

What is the telephone number for the Dubai Health Authority?

The 24/7 call center of the Dubai Health Authority is 800 342 (800 DHA). In case of an urgent ambulance call, one must dial 998.

What must I do in case of not knowing which emergency service I need?

In case of being in immediate danger and not knowing which service to contact, 999 may be dialed for help from the police in case of an emergency. 998 in case of a clear medical emergency, and 997 in case of a fire.