UAE emergency numbers can make the difference between a fast resolution and a chaotic one, so every resident should have them saved before an emergency happens. The country runs a unified, toll-free system that works from any phone in any emirate, even without an active SIM card. Here’s the full list, and when to use each number.
The Core Emergency Numbers
Police — 999
This is the primary number for crimes in progress, threats to safety, serious traffic accidents, or any situation where life or property is at immediate risk. If you’re unsure which emergency service you need, the operator can direct your call to the appropriate department.
Ambulance — 998
Dial this number for any medical emergency, including heart attacks, severe injuries, loss of consciousness, strokes, or heavy bleeding. This is the official ambulance emergency number across all seven emirates. Stay on the line, provide your exact location, and follow the operator’s instructions until help arrives.
Fire / Civil Defence — 997
Use this number to report fires, smoke, gas leaks, or situations involving trapped persons. Evacuate the area immediately, call from a safe location, avoid using elevators, and do not re-enter the building until emergency responders declare it safe.
Coast Guard — 996
Use this number for marine emergencies, including boat accidents, people overboard, stranded or sinking vessels, or other incidents at sea. Provide your exact location or the nearest marina, beach, or landmark to help responders reach you quickly.
Search and Rescue — 995
This number is designated for search and rescue emergencies in the UAE. If you’re unsure which service you need during an emergency, call 999, and the police will coordinate with the appropriate rescue authorities.
Non-Emergency and Everyday Helplines
Dubai Police Non-Emergency — 901
For certificates, general inquiries, or minor incidents like a fender-bender with no injuries. Keeping non-urgent matters off the 999 line helps ensure it stays clear for real emergencies.
Utility Emergencies
- DEWA (Dubai): 991
- SEWA (Sharjah): 991
- ADDC (Abu Dhabi): 800 2332
- Etihad Water and Electricity (other emirates): 991 for electricity, 992 for water
Poison and Drug Information Service (Abu Dhabi) — 800 424
For advice on poisoning from medicines, household chemicals, poisonous plants, or venomous animals. In a life-threatening poisoning emergency, call 998 for an ambulance immediately.
Mental Support Line — 800-HOPE (800 4673)
Provides confidential emotional and psychological support for UAE residents. The service operates daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with WhatsApp support also available.
Child Protection Hotline — 116-111
A nationwide, confidential line for reporting concerns about a child’s safety.
Dubai Foundation for Women and Children — 800111
A confidential helpline offering support, shelter, counselling, and protection for women and children affected by domestic violence, child abuse, or human trafficking. In Abu Dhabi, similar support is available through EWAA on 8007283.
Useful Apps to Pair With These Numbers
Beyond phone numbers, apps such as DCAS SOS (Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services) and AD999 (Abu Dhabi Police) allow users to request emergency assistance and share their GPS location with responders, helping emergency teams locate them more quickly. In a life-threatening emergency, however, calling the appropriate emergency number (such as 999, 998, or 997) remains the fastest and most reliable way to request immediate assistance. The apps are designed to complement—not replace—an emergency phone call.
Save Them Before You Need Them
The single most useful thing you can do today is store 999, 998, 997, 996, 995, and 901, along with your emirate’s utility line, in your phone under clear labels. In a real emergency, you won’t have time to search — and knowing exactly which number to dial, and what to say when they answer, is what turns a frightening moment into a manageable one.