UAE Emergency Numbers (2026): Police 999, Ambulance 998, Fire 997

If you face an emergency in the UAE, choosing the right number in the first 10 seconds saves time—and can save lives. This guide lists the official UAE emergency numbers, explains when to use each, and adds Dubai-specific guidance (including the Dubai ambulance number 998 and Dubai police 999/901). You’ll also get a quick call script, app tips, and practical examples so you can act with confidence.

UAE emergency numbers at a glance

• Police: 999 — crimes in progress, threats to life, serious incidents, traffic accidents with injuries
• Ambulance: 998 — medical emergencies needing immediate response (UAE-wide, including Dubai)
• Fire / Civil Defence: 997 — fires, smoke, trapped persons, hazardous situations
• Coast Guard: 996 — marine emergencies at sea or shoreline
• Search & Rescue: 995 — coordinated land/air/sea search and rescue
• Dubai Police — Non-Emergency: 901 — certificates, general inquiries, non-urgent reports

Utility emergencies (electricity/water)

• Dubai (DEWA): 991
• Sharjah (SEWA): 991
• Abu Dhabi (ADDC): 800 2332
• Other emirates (Etihad Water & Electricity): 991 (electricity) / 992 (water)

Health advice & support (non-emergency)

• Poison & Drug Information Service: 800 424 (medication errors, exposures, bites/stings)
• Mental Support Line: 800-HOPE (800 4673) (confidential emotional support)

Dubai Ambulance Number 998 & Police 999/901

For medical emergencies in Dubai, the ambulance number is 998. Paramedics can be dispatched quickly and may give you first-aid instructions over the phone. Dubai users can also use dedicated SOS features in local apps to auto-share GPS location—helpful, but voice calling comes first in life-threatening situations.

For police in Dubai, 999 is for emergencies and 901 is for non-emergency needs (inquiries, certificates, minor reports). Using 901 for non-urgent issues keeps 999 clear for time-critical incidents.

How to choose the right number

• Serious crash with injuries? Call 999 and say “ambulance needed,” or dial 998 directly. Give your exact location and stay on the line.
• Fire or heavy smoke? Evacuate first, then call 997 from a safe place. Describe flames/smoke, building name, street, community, and floor.
• Unconscious, not breathing normally, heavy bleeding, chest pain, stroke signs? Call 998 immediately.
• Marine incident (person overboard, collision, stranded vessel)? Call 996 and share the nearest marina, beach, or landmark.
• Minor fender-bender in Dubai (no injuries)? Use 901 or official online reporting to avoid blocking emergency lines.

Pro Tip: Say your location before anything else. Then give one clear sentence about the emergency and your call-back number. Repeat the number calmly. If safe, send someone to meet responders downstairs or at the nearest junction.

How to make an emergency call (step-by-step script)

Step 1 — Dial the correct number. If unsure, call 999; the operator will route you.
Step 2 — Location first. Building or hotel name, street, community, emirate, plus a landmark (“near the metro station,” “opposite Gate B”).
Step 3 — Problem in one sentence. “Two-car collision; one person bleeding but conscious,” or “Kitchen fire; heavy smoke in corridor.”
Step 4 — Follow instructions. You may receive guidance for CPR, bleeding control, evacuation, or switching off gas/power.
Step 5 — Keep the line open. Answer questions until told to hang up.
Step 6 — Guide responders in. If safe, have someone wait at the entrance or junction and direct responders.

Why 999 is the safest default

The UAE supports Advanced Mobile Location (AML). When you dial 999 (and on many devices, 998), your smartphone can transmit precise GPS coordinates to emergency services. AML is especially useful if you’re unsure of the exact address. Use a voice call first, then complement with any app features.

Utilities & home safety: electricity, water, gas

In case of electric shocks, sparking wires, flooding from mains, or burst pipes, call your emirate’s utility emergency line immediately. If you smell gas, evacuate, avoid switches/elevators, and call from outside.

Keep your meter number and account details handy; they help teams locate the issue faster.

Health advice (non-emergency)

For poisoning, chemical exposure, medication errors, or bites/stings, call the Poison & Drug Information Service: 800 424. If symptoms are severe or life-threatening, call 998 first.

For stress, anxiety, or emotional crises, the Mental Support Line: 800-HOPE (800 4673) offers confidential support. Mental health is health—seek help early.

Tourists & new residents: quick setup

• Save 999, 998, 997, 996, 995, 901, and your emirate’s utility line in your phone with clear labels.
• Ensure your mobile plan supports voice calls on roaming.
• Practice saying your hotel/tower name and nearest landmark.
• Enable location services for faster response and better AML accuracy.

Practical scenarios

Dubai Marina fall injury: A resident dials 998, gives tower name + landmark, and stays on the line for first-aid instructions while security prepares access. Paramedics arrive faster thanks to precise location.

Sharjah apartment smoke: A tenant evacuates, calls 997, reports “smoke in corridor, Al Nahda, Building X, 8th floor,” and meets Civil Defence at the entrance. Power to the affected unit is cut while the crew investigates.

Fujairah water main leak: A family calls Etihad WE 992 for water, gives the meter and villa number, and moves valuables away from the leak. The response team isolates the source and schedules repairs.

FAQs — Emergency numbers in the UAE

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