Knowing the important UAE emergency numbers before travelling can make your trip safer and less stressful. Whether you are visiting Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or another emirate, it is useful to know how to contact the police, ambulance service, fire department and coastguard.
Most visitors spend their holidays exploring attractions, shopping malls, beaches and restaurants. However, unexpected situations can happen during any trip. A medical emergency, road accident, fire or incident near the sea may require immediate assistance.
The United Arab Emirates has emergency services that residents and visitors can contact when they need urgent help. This guide explains the main emergency numbers in the UAE, when to use each number and what information to provide when calling.
What Are the Main UAE Emergency Numbers?
The following are the main emergency contact numbers tourists should know when visiting the UAE.
| Emergency Service | UAE Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 999 |
| Ambulance | 998 |
| Fire Department / Civil Defence | 997 |
| Coastguard | 996 |
Save these numbers in your phone before travelling. They can be useful whether you are staying in a hotel, visiting a tourist attraction or travelling between emirates.
Use these numbers for genuine emergencies that require immediate assistance. For routine questions or non-urgent matters, contact the relevant service through its appropriate non-emergency channel.
1. UAE Police Emergency Number – 999
The police emergency number in the UAE is 999.
Tourists can use this number when they need urgent police assistance. It is intended for situations involving immediate danger, serious incidents or circumstances requiring an emergency police response.
Examples include:
- A serious road accident.
- A violent incident or immediate threat to personal safety.
- A crime happening at the time.
- A situation where someone is in immediate danger.
- An urgent incident requiring police attendance.
When calling 999, explain what has happened as clearly as possible. Give the operator your exact location, including the building name, street, nearby landmark or road name.
If you are in a hotel, shopping mall or tourist attraction, tell the operator the name of the property and the nearest entrance or identifiable location.
Do not use an emergency line for general travel questions or routine enquiries.
2. UAE Ambulance Emergency Number – 998
The ambulance emergency number in the UAE is 998.
Call this number when someone needs urgent medical assistance or an ambulance.
Medical emergencies may happen during sightseeing, outdoor activities, hotel stays or road journeys. Visitors should know how to request medical help rather than trying to arrange ordinary transport during a serious emergency.
You may need an ambulance for situations such as:
- A person experiencing a serious medical emergency.
- A major injury following an accident.
- Someone who suddenly becomes seriously unwell.
- A person who needs urgent medical attention and cannot safely travel to a hospital independently.
When calling 998, provide the person’s location and briefly explain the medical problem.
Follow the operator’s instructions while waiting for help. Do not move someone with a suspected serious injury unless remaining where they are presents an immediate danger.
If the person has a known medical condition, allergy or medication requirement, share that information with the responding medical team when appropriate.
3. UAE Fire Department Emergency Number – 997
The UAE Civil Defence emergency number for fire incidents is 997.
Call this number if you discover a fire or another serious incident requiring fire and rescue assistance.
Fire emergencies can occur in residential buildings, hotels, offices, shopping centres and other public places.
Examples include:
- A fire inside a building.
- Smoke spreading through a hotel or apartment.
- A serious fire involving a vehicle.
- An incident requiring fire rescue assistance.
If you are inside a building where a fire has been reported, follow the property’s evacuation instructions and use designated emergency exits.
Do not use lifts during a fire evacuation. Move away from the affected area and do not return until the authorities say it is safe.
When calling 997, explain where the fire is located and whether people may be inside the affected building.
4. UAE Coastguard Emergency Number – 996
The UAE coastguard emergency number is 996.
This number is relevant to people who are involved in emergencies at sea or near coastal waters.
Tourists visiting beaches, taking boat trips or participating in water activities should be aware of this contact number.
Possible situations include:
- A boat in distress.
- A serious incident involving people at sea.
- A person requiring rescue in coastal waters.
- An urgent maritime safety incident.
When calling 996, provide your location as accurately as possible. If you are on a boat, share its name, identifying details and available location information.
Always follow local beach warnings, lifeguard instructions and safety notices when participating in water activities.
Which Emergency Number Should You Call?
Choosing the correct number can help the relevant emergency service respond to your situation.
Use this simple guide:
| Situation | Number |
|---|---|
| You need urgent police assistance | 999 |
| Someone needs an ambulance | 998 |
| You discover a fire | 997 |
| There is an emergency at sea | 996 |
If an incident involves more than one type of emergency, explain the full situation to the operator so the appropriate response can be arranged.
If you are unsure which service is needed during an immediate emergency, explain what is happening and follow the operator’s instructions.
What Information Should You Provide During an Emergency Call?
When contacting an emergency service, try to remain calm and provide clear information.
The operator may ask you several questions to understand the situation and identify the correct location.
Prepare to provide the following details:
1. Your Exact Location
Location is one of the most important details. Give the building name, street, area, hotel name or nearby landmark.
If you are travelling by car, provide the road name and direction of travel when possible.
2. What Happened?
Explain the emergency in simple words. For example, tell the operator whether you are reporting a road accident, medical problem, fire or incident at sea.
3. How Many People Are Involved?
If someone is injured or needs medical assistance, explain how many people require help.
4. Is There Any Immediate Danger?
Tell the operator if the situation is still happening or if people are in immediate danger.
5. Your Contact Details
Provide your phone number if requested so the emergency service can contact you if more information is needed.
Speak clearly and answer the operator’s questions. Do not end the call until you are told that you can do so.
What Should Tourists Do in a Road Accident in the UAE?
Road accidents can be stressful, especially for visitors who are unfamiliar with local roads and driving procedures.
If you are involved in a road accident, your first priority should be personal safety.
Here are some practical steps:
- Check whether anyone needs urgent medical attention.
- Call 998 if someone requires an ambulance.
- Call 999 if police assistance is required for an emergency.
- Follow the instructions provided by emergency operators.
- Avoid putting yourself or other road users in further danger.
- Follow the instructions of responding authorities.
Do not leave an injured person without arranging appropriate assistance.
If you plan to drive during your holiday, read our Renting a Car in the UAE as a Tourist guide before your trip.
What Should You Do During a Medical Emergency at a Hotel?
A medical emergency can happen anywhere, including a hotel room, restaurant or swimming pool.
If someone becomes seriously unwell, contact the ambulance service using 998.
You can also inform hotel reception or security staff so they can help emergency responders reach your room or location.
When requesting help, provide:
- The hotel’s full name.
- The room number, if applicable.
- The floor or building section.
- A brief description of the medical emergency.
- Your contact number, if requested.
Hotel staff may be able to guide responders through the building and help them locate the person who needs assistance.
If you are travelling with children or older family members, keep important medical information accessible.
For additional family travel preparation, read our UAE Family Travel Guide.
Emergency Preparedness for Families Visiting the UAE
Families can make a few simple preparations before leaving home.
Parents travelling with children should make sure that everyone knows how to contact hotel staff or another responsible adult if they become separated.
Useful preparations include:
- Save the main UAE emergency numbers in your phone.
- Keep your hotel address available.
- Make sure children know the name of the hotel where they are staying.
- Carry essential medical information when needed.
- Agree on a meeting point in busy public places.
- Keep your phone charged during sightseeing.
If a child becomes separated from the family, seek help from nearby security staff or police. Do not waste time searching alone if there is an immediate safety concern.
Important Safety Tips for Tourists in the UAE
Knowing emergency numbers is only one part of travelling safely. A little preparation can also help prevent common problems.
Save Emergency Contacts Before Your Trip
Save 999, 998, 997 and 996 in your phone. You can also write them down and keep the information somewhere accessible.
Keep Your Phone Charged
A charged phone is useful when navigating unfamiliar areas, contacting accommodation staff or requesting emergency help.
Know Your Accommodation Address
Keep your hotel’s name and full address saved. This can help you explain your location if you need assistance.
Follow Road Safety Rules
Use designated pedestrian crossings, follow traffic signals and avoid distractions when walking near busy roads.
Pay Attention to Beach Warnings
Follow lifeguard instructions and avoid entering the water when warning flags or local safety notices indicate dangerous conditions.
Keep Important Documents Accessible
Know where your passport, identification and travel insurance information are stored. Keep copies securely available when travelling.
You can also read our UAE Travel Insurance Guide for Tourists to understand the importance of checking your travel insurance coverage before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions About UAE Emergency Numbers
1. What is the emergency number in the UAE?
The main UAE emergency numbers are 999 for police, 998 for ambulance, 997 for fire and Civil Defence, and 996 for coastguard emergencies.
2. What is the Dubai police emergency number?
The police emergency number in Dubai is 999. Use it when you need urgent police assistance.
3. What number should I call for an ambulance in Dubai?
Call 998 if someone needs urgent medical assistance or an ambulance in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE.
4. What is the UAE fire emergency number?
The UAE Civil Defence emergency number for fire incidents is 997.
5. What is the UAE coastguard number?
The coastguard emergency number is 996. It is used for urgent maritime and sea-related emergencies.
6. Can tourists call UAE emergency numbers?
Yes. Visitors and tourists can contact emergency services when they need urgent assistance in the UAE.
7. Should I call 999 for a lost passport?
A lost passport without an immediate danger is generally a non-emergency matter. Contact your country’s embassy or consulate and follow the relevant police reporting procedure rather than using an emergency line.
8. What should I do if I have a medical emergency in a hotel?
Call 998 if urgent medical assistance is needed. You can also notify hotel reception so staff can help responders find your location.
9. Should I save UAE emergency numbers before travelling?
Yes. Saving the main emergency numbers before your journey is a simple way to prepare for unexpected situations.
10. What should I do if I do not know my exact location?
Look for a street sign, building name, hotel sign or nearby landmark. Share whatever location information you have with the emergency operator and follow their instructions.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the UAE emergency numbers is a simple but important part of preparing for your holiday. Tourists should remember 999 for police, 998 for ambulance, 997 for fire and Civil Defence, and 996 for coastguard emergencies.
Save these numbers before travelling, keep your accommodation details accessible and explain your location clearly if you ever need assistance.
A little preparation can help you respond more confidently to unexpected situations while visiting Dubai, Abu Dhabi or any other emirate in the United Arab Emirates.
