UAE emergency & helpline directory.
Official emergency, health, utilities, and helplines across all emirates
The UAE's primary emergency numbers are 999 (Police), 998 (Ambulance), 997 (Fire/Civil Defence), 996 (Coast Guard) and 995 (Anti-Narcotics), all toll-free, 24/7, multilingual (Arabic + English + Hindi/Urdu in most emirates), per the UAE Government Portal. 112 works from any mobile (it routes to 999). Non-emergency police: 901 (Abu Dhabi/Dubai/Sharjah). Tourist police: 800 4438. Child Protection: 800 700. Below is the complete directory by emirate.
UAE emergency & service numbers: full directory
| Number | What it is | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 999 | Police (all emirates) | Free, 24/7, multilingual |
| 998 | Ambulance / Medical | Free, 24/7 |
| 997 | Fire / Civil Defence | Free, 24/7 |
| 996 | Coast Guard | Sea rescue, oil-spill, vessel distress |
| 995 | Anti-Narcotics (Dubai Police) | Confidential drug-related reporting |
| 991 | Electricity Emergency | DEWA (Dubai). FEWA Northern Emirates uses 991 too. |
| 922 | Water Emergency | Bursts, leaks (DEWA) |
| 901 | Non-emergency police | Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah: for reports that don't need urgent dispatch |
| 112 | International emergency (GSM) | Works from any mobile, even with no SIM: routes to 999 in UAE |
| 800 700 | Child Protection | Free, 24/7 (Ministry of Interior) |
| 800 4438 | Dubai Tourist Police | Free, multilingual |
| 8002626 | Aman (Confidential Police) | Dubai Police anonymous tip line |
| 800 2811 | Women's Protection | Dubai Foundation for Women and Children |
What is 112 in the UAE?
112 is the international GSM emergency number recognised across the EU, GCC and most of the world. In the UAE, dialling 112 from any mobile phone, even one with no SIM card, no signal from your carrier, or a locked screen, routes you to the 999 police emergency dispatcher. It is the safest number to teach children and visitors because they don't need to remember country-specific codes.
What is 901 in the UAE?
901 is the UAE's non-emergency police line, used in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. Call 901 for matters that don't need urgent dispatch: noise complaints, lost-property reports, fingerprint clearance enquiries, traffic-fine clarifications, and minor accident follow-ups. For anything life-threatening, dial 999 instead. The 901 line is staffed 24/7 in Arabic and English.
Emergency Services
- Police
- Ambulance
- Fire (Civil Defence)
- Coastguard
- Search & Rescue
- Dubai Non-Emergency (Police)
Health
- Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP)
- Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
- Istijaba (Abu Dhabi DOH emergency for inpatients)
Utilities
- Abu Dhabi – Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC)
- Dubai – Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)
- Sharjah – Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA)
- Northern Emirates – Electricity (Etihad Water & Electricity)
Tourism
- Abu Dhabi – Tourism Police
- Dubai – Tourism Police (901)
Labour & Rights
- Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE)
- EWAA (Human Trafficking/Protection)
Women & Children
- Child Protection Hotline (MOI)
- Dubai Foundation for Women and Children
- Community Development Authority (CDA)
- Sharjah Child Protection
Animals & Municipality
- Ministry of Climate Change & Environment
- Dubai Municipality
Government Information
- 171 Tawasul (UAE Government info)
- Etisalat Directory
- du Directory
UAE Emergency Services Guide
UAE Emergency Services Guide
When to Call 999 vs 901
Dial 999 for life-threatening emergencies, fires, or serious accidents. Dial 901 (Dubai Police) for non-emergencies like minor traffic accidents, noise complaints, or general inquiries.
How to Report an Emergency
- State your location clearly (landmarks, building name).
- Describe the incident and number of people involved.
- Stay on the line and follow instructions.
For Tourists
Most international SIMs can dial 999 directly. If you have trouble, ask hotel security or a local shop to help. Keep a copy of your ID or passport handy.
FAQs
- Can I call from a foreign SIM? Yes, most foreign SIMs can dial 999 while roaming. If it fails, try 112 (global emergency) or ask a local to call.
- What if I don't know my location? Look for landmarks, building names, or road signs. You can also describe nearby shops or community names.
- Do language barriers matter? Dispatchers speak Arabic and English. Speak slowly. They can often bring translators for other languages like Urdu or Hindi.
UAE Emergency Services & Helplines: Complete Guide
When to Call UAE Emergency Numbers
In the UAE, dial 999 for police emergencies (crime, traffic accidents, security threats), 998 for ambulance/medical emergencies, and 997 for fire (Civil Defence). These numbers work from any phone, including mobile phones without a SIM card. For non-emergency police matters in Dubai, dial 901. Calls to emergency numbers are free.
Key Emergency Services by Emirate
- Dubai Police: 999 (emergency), 901 (non-emergency), Al Ameen anonymous tips: 800-4888
- Abu Dhabi Police: 999 (emergency), 800-2626 (Aman service)
- Sharjah Police: 999 (emergency), 800-151 (non-emergency)
- Dubai Ambulance: 998 or 04-2151515
- Abu Dhabi Ambulance (Istijaba): 998
- Dubai Civil Defence (Fire): 997
Healthcare Helplines
- Ministry of Health & Prevention (MOHAP): 800-11111
- Dubai Health Authority (DHA): 800-342
- Department of Health Abu Dhabi: 800-555
- Health insurance is mandatory for all UAE residents since 2014 in Abu Dhabi and 2016 in Dubai
Utility Emergency Contacts
- DEWA (Dubai Electricity & Water): 991 or 04-6019999
- ADDC (Abu Dhabi Distribution Company): 800-2332
- SEWA (Sharjah): 800-7392
- Etisalat: 101 (landline/mobile faults)
- du: 155
Government Services
- GDRFA Dubai (visa/immigration): 800-5111
- ICA (Federal Authority for Identity): 600-522222
- Dubai Economy & Tourism: 600-545555
- Road & Transport Authority (RTA): 800-9090
- Salik toll: 800-72545
- Consumer protection: 600-545555
Important Tips
- Save important numbers in your phone contacts for quick access.
- The UAE has dedicated helplines in multiple languages (Arabic, English, Urdu, Hindi).
- For domestic violence, call 800-HOPE (800-4673) or Ewaan shelter: 800-7283.
- Drug-related emergencies: National Rehabilitation Center 02-4449666.
- Mental health support: 800-HOPE (800-4673).
- All emergency services are available 24/7, 365 days a year.