Emergency Numbers Dubai 2026: Complete Guide for Residents

Note: Numbers are correct as of June 2026. UAE emergency service numbers are standardised across all emirates for core services (police 999, ambulance 998, fire 997) though some emirates have additional local lines.

What are the core emergency numbers in Dubai?

Dubai core emergency numbers are 999 for police, 998 for ambulance, and 997 for fire and civil defence, all operating 24/7 with English-speaking dispatch that covers about 90% of urban medical calls within target times. Coast Guard is 996. Invest Gulf relocation checklists require these three saved before the first night in the city.

Dubai core emergency numbers are 999 for police, 998 for ambulance through Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, and 997 for fire and civil defence, all operating 24/7 with English-speaking dispatch across the emirate. DCAS runs roughly 180 ambulances across about 40 stations, including around 120 advanced life support units, with urban response targets under 6 minutes in 90% of cases and recent averages near 5.2 minutes. Emergency ambulance charges commonly run AED 150-200 for insured UAE residents and AED 500-800 without cover. Non-urgent police matters go to 901 or the Dubai Police app, while tourist assistance uses 800-4673. DEWA electricity and water emergencies use 991, and Empower district cooling faults use 800 367 6937 in Marina, JLT, and Business Bay towers for residents.

When to Call Which Number

999, Dubai Police Emergency:

• Crime in progress or just occurred
• Serious accidents involving injuries
• Threats to personal safety
• Suspicious activity
• Any situation requiring immediate police presence

998, Ambulance:

• Any medical emergency: chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, unconsciousness, stroke symptoms, serious injury
• Cardiac arrest, describe situation immediately; dispatcher will guide CPR
• Road accident with injured persons
• Suspected overdose or poisoning

997, Fire Brigade / Civil Defence:

• Fire of any kind
• Gas leak or explosion
• Hazardous materials incident
• Building structural emergency
• Entrapment requiring rescue (vehicle, elevator, collapsed building)

When should you call 999 versus Dubai Police 901?

Call 999 when immediate police presence is required for crime in progress, injury accidents, or threats to safety; use 901 for minor theft, noise, and non-injury reports that can wait. Online filing typically issues a case number the same day for insurance claims worth AED 1,000 and up. Invest Gulf client checklist packs save Tourist Police 800-4673.

Emergency: 999

Give the operator the most specific building, apartment, or landmark you can. The same 999 number routes to the correct emirate automatically if you call from Sharjah or Abu Dhabi.

Non-Emergency: Dubai Police 901

• Report a minor theft (wallet, phone) after the fact
• Traffic violations or minor accidents without injury
• Neighbour disputes and noise complaints
• Lost property enquiries

Tourist Police: 800-4673 (800-HOPE)

A dedicated multilingual tourist assistance line for visitors who need help but do not require emergency response.

How do medical emergencies and ambulance costs work in Dubai?

Medical emergencies in Dubai require 998 for DCAS ambulance dispatch, not a hospital switchboard, and insured residents typically pay AED 150-200 versus AED 500-800 without cover. Urban response targets sit under 6 minutes in 90% of areas. Our relocation packs list Rashid Hospital and two private ER numbers beside 998.

998: Ambulance (DCAS)

Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS) operates the ambulance network with approximately 180 ambulances across 40 stations. Key facts:

• 120 Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances with trained paramedics
• 60 Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances for lower-acuity transfers
• Response time target: under 6 minutes in 90% of urban areas (current average 5.2 minutes)
• Annual call volume: approximately 350,000 emergency calls
• Dispatcher will provide pre-arrival instructions (CPR guidance, first aid coaching)
• Emergency ambulance costs AED 150-200 for UAE residents with insurance; AED 500-800 without insurance

When you call 998:

1. State the nature of the emergency (“unconscious person”, “chest pains”, “road accident with injuries”)
2. Give your precise location (building name, floor, apartment, street, area)
3. Stay on the line: dispatcher will guide you
4. Send someone to meet the ambulance at building entrance if in a complex

Major Emergency Departments in Dubai

If you are transporting a patient yourself in a non-critical situation:

Rashid Hospital is Dubai’s primary government trauma centre, major accident and trauma cases are often taken here by DCAS. American Hospital Dubai and Mediclinic City Hospital are well-regarded private options with strong emergency departments.

Mental Health Crisis

Dubai has historically had limited 24/7 mental health crisis lines, but the following resources are available:

• Rashid Hospital Psychiatry Department: +971 4 219 2000 (ask for psychiatry on-call)
• Camali Clinic Dubai (private mental health): +971 56 606 4311
• Crisis Text Line equivalents: Connect with international crisis lines if no local answer (Samaritans in English: +44 116 123 or samaritans.org online chat)
• DCAS 998 can also respond to psychiatric emergencies and crisis situations

What should you do for fire and building emergencies?

Fire, gas leaks, elevator entrapment, and structural emergencies require 997 for Dubai Civil Defence, and you should evacuate by stairs rather than elevators as soon as the alarm sounds. Large towers typically post fire-warden contacts on each floor. Invest Gulf building walkthroughs confirm assembly points on day one of a 12 months lease.

997: Civil Defence (Fire Brigade)

Dubai Civil Defence operates the fire and rescue service. Call 997 for:

• Any fire, do not assess size before calling, call immediately
• Gas leak, leave building, then call
• Elevator entrapment, call 997 and building management simultaneously
• Flooding from external source threatening structural safety
• Any collapse or structural emergency

Drill the stair route once in your first 30 days so night evacuations take under 5 minutes from a mid-floor apartment.

Before evacuating a fire:

1. Alert others in immediate area
2. Do not use elevators: use fire stairs
3. Close doors behind you to slow fire spread
4. Meet at designated assembly point (posted in lobby of most buildings)
5. Do not re-enter the building for belongings

Building Fire Wardens: Most large Dubai residential buildings have trained fire wardens on each floor or zone. The names and contact numbers should be posted in fire safety notices in the stairwells. Introduce yourself to building security who can direct you in an emergency.

Which utility emergency numbers should residents save?

Utility emergencies in Dubai typically use 991 for DEWA electricity and major water faults, while Empower cooling in Marina, JLT, and Business Bay uses 800 367 6937, and gas leaks still start with 997 after exit. Cooling faults feel urgent across the hottest 3 months but are not 999 events. Invest Gulf move-in checklists save both lines before summer.

DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority)

EMPOWER (District Cooling: Dubai Marina, JLT, Business Bay)

Many apartments in Dubai Marina, JLT, and Business Bay use EMPOWER for district cooling. Cooling faults are not fire/police emergencies but feel significant in summer heat.

• EMPOWER 24/7: 800 EMPOWER (800 367 6937)

Gas Emergencies

• Natural gas distribution by DUGAS (parts of Dubai): DEWA 991 for gas-related emergencies
• LPG cylinder emergencies: Call 997 (Fire Brigade), exit building immediately first

What is the procedure after a Dubai road accident?

Minor no-injury accidents typically require a police report via 901 or the Dubai Police app because failing to report can draw an AED 1,000 fine, while injury scenes need 999 and 998 immediately. Response times near 4-6 minutes are common on urban corridors. Invest Gulf driving briefings stress hazard lights and authorised towing only.

Procedure for a Dubai Road Accident

Minor accident (no injuries, vehicles still drivable):

1. Move vehicles to the hard shoulder or side road if safe to do so
2. Exchange details with other driver: driving licence, registration card, insurance
3. Call Dubai Police 901 or use the Accident reporting app/website to report and obtain a case number
4. Both drivers use the “Accident Report” (Tamm portal or Dubai Police app): required by insurance companies (fine for not reporting: AED 1,000)

Serious accident (injuries, major damage, road blockage):

1. Call 999 (police) and 998 (ambulance) simultaneously if injuries
2. Do not move injured persons unless there is immediate danger (fire, approaching traffic)
3. Activate hazard lights and use warning triangles if you have them
4. Wait for police: do not leave the scene of an injury accident

Road accidents without injury should be moved to a safe shoulder when possible, details exchanged, and reported through Dubai Police 901 or the official accident reporting tools because failing to report can draw an AED 1,000 fine. Dubai Police handle roughly 140,000 traffic incidents annually with typical response times of 4-6 minutes. Injury accidents require 999 and 998 immediately, and injured persons should not be moved unless fire or traffic creates immediate danger. Domestic violence support includes the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children on 800-988, child protection on 116111, and 999 when danger is active. Utility, consumer, and labour lines such as DEWA 991, Municipality 800 900, RTA 800 9090, and MOHRE 800 60 cover non-life-threatening but time-sensitive resident needs after the core three numbers are saved.

Who do you call for domestic violence or child protection?

Domestic violence and child protection in Dubai use 800-988 for the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (24/7), 116111 for child abuse reporting, and 999 when danger is active. Shelter support remains confidential for expat dependents. Invest Gulf safety cards list these three lines beside 999 for household staff within the first 7 days of arrival.

The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children operates a shelter for women and children fleeing domestic abuse. Calls are confidential. Expat women on dependent visas retain rights and legal recourse independent of their sponsor’s status.

Which consumer and administrative helplines matter day to day?

Consumer and administrative helplines in Dubai include Municipality 800 900, DED consumer affairs 600 545 555, RTA 800 9090, MOHRE 800 60, and GDRFA 04 313 9999 for residency paperwork. These five lines are not life-safety dispatch but clear tenancy, labour, and transport blocks within 1-3 business days in routine cases. Invest Gulf onboarding packs save them below.

Insider tip: Save 999, 998, 997, 991, and your insurer 24-hour line as favourites before you save restaurant delivery apps. In the first 30 days most expats need DEWA or police non-emergency once, and searching under stress wastes minutes.

What should you do in specific Dubai emergency situations?

Specific Dubai situations have clear first calls: drowning needs 998 and 996 together, a missing child in a mall needs security plus 999, and cardiac events require 998 then CPR and AED. Beach posts at JBR and Kite Beach typically staff about 365 days a year. Invest Gulf situation checklist cards keep these steps short.

If Your Child Goes Missing in a Mall or Public Place

All major Dubai malls (Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, etc.) have Security Operations Centres that activate child-missing protocols immediately. Approach any security guard, state “missing child,” and they will initiate a mall-wide announcement and lock-entry protocol. Simultaneously call 999 to file a report within the first 5 minutes.

If You Experience a Cardiac Event

CHAIN OF SURVIVAL (international standard):

1. Call 998 immediately
2. Start CPR if trained (30 compressions to 2 breaths or hands-only CPR)
3. Use AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if available: AEDs are located in malls, airports, gyms, and many buildings; they provide verbal instructions
4. DCAS paramedics will take over on arrival

Dubai Mall, Dubai International Airport, major hotels, and many gyms have registered AED locations. Ambulance charges still follow the AED 150-800 band noted above once DCAS transports.

If You Are in a Sandstorm (Shamal)

Not typically a calling-999 situation, but:

• Pull off the road completely (not on the hard shoulder) if visibility drops to zero
• Turn off all lights (other drivers may follow your tail lights and hit you)
• Leave hazard lights on
• Wait for the storm to pass
• If stuck in desert: call 999 for police assistance

How should you save and share emergency numbers at home?

Households should typically save 999, 998, 997, 901, 991, and 800-988 as labelled contacts and post a printed copy for helpers within the first 7 days of a 12 months tenancy. Our relocation checklist steps require this before furniture delivery on day one so babysitters never search under stress.

Keep one paper copy in the kitchen for AED 0 cost and zero battery risk.

Review the list again after 30 days when new school and clinic numbers appear.

Recommended contacts list for your phone:

Dubai Police Emergency: 999
Dubai Ambulance (DCAS): 998
Fire Brigade: 997
Dubai Police Non-Emergency: 901
DEWA Emergency (elec/water): 991
Empower Cooling (if applicable): 800 367 6937
Your health insurer 24h line: [from your card]
Your building security: [from building directory]
Your nearest hospital: [from area above]
Domestic Violence Helpline: 800-988
Child Protection: 116111

What numbers should you save for quick reference in Dubai?

Quick-reference Dubai numbers start with 999, 998, and 997, then add 991 for DEWA, 901 for non-emergency police, and 800-988 for domestic violence support before your first night. Store Coast Guard 996 if you boat regularly. Invest Gulf prints this table into move-in packs and typically reviews it again after 30 days.

Related living guides: Dubai relocation · Health insurance · Healthcare comparison · Driving licence · Expat community groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the emergency number in Dubai? +

The primary emergency number in Dubai is 999 for police. For medical emergencies call 998 (ambulance). For fire, call 997. All three numbers operate 24/7, have English-speaking operators, and dispatch rapidly across Dubai. If in doubt, call 999, operators can transfer you or dispatch police, ambulance, and fire simultaneously for major incidents.

What is the ambulance number in Dubai? +

The Dubai ambulance number is 998. This connects to Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS), which operates advanced life support ambulances across Dubai emirate. Response times in central Dubai are typically 8-12 minutes. For Abu Dhabi, the ambulance number is also 998. DCAS ambulances are staffed by paramedics and equipped to international standards.

How do I report a crime in Dubai? +

For emergencies and crimes in progress, call 999 immediately. For non-urgent crimes (theft, fraud, neighbourhood disputes), use the Dubai Police non-emergency line 901 or report via the Dubai Police app or website at dubaipolice.gov.ae. Online reporting is available for minor incidents and generates a case number that can be used for insurance claims and administrative purposes.

What is the hospital number in Dubai? +

There is no single hospital emergency number in Dubai, hospitals do not operate a central emergency dispatch line. In a medical emergency, call 998 for ambulance dispatch. Major emergency departments in Dubai include Rashid Hospital (government, trauma), Dubai Hospital, American Hospital Dubai, and Mediclinic City Hospital. If you are driving to ER yourself, call the hospital switchboard to notify them.

Who do I call for a gas leak in Dubai? +

For a suspected gas leak in Dubai, leave the building immediately, do not operate any electrical switches, and call 997 (fire brigade) from outside the building. DEWA gas emergency is also accessible via 991. Do not re-enter the building until the fire brigade or DEWA gas team has confirmed it is safe. Dubai uses LPG cylinders and piped natural gas in different areas, both are handled by 997 or 991.