What to do and Who to call during an emergency in the United Arab Emirates

Emergency in the United Arab Emirates right now? Dial 999 for police, 998 for ambulance or 997 for firefighters (Civil Defence). State your emirate, exact address, building and location. If someone is unconscious, injured, trapped or threatened, call the relevant service immediately rather than reading further.

This guide covers Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain. It is written for UAE residents, international workers, families, students and visitors who need the right number and a clear immediate action. It explains emergency calls, road crashes, high-rise fire, flash floods, heat illness, desert rescue, accessible communication and UAE public warnings. Government sources updated on 29 April 2026 were reviewed on 5 November 2026.

Quick answer: emergency phone numbers in the UAE

999 — Police: immediate threats, crimes in progress, serious security incidents and traffic accidents requiring police.
998 — Ambulance: life-threatening illness, major injury, collapse, serious breathing difficulties and other urgent medical emergencies.
997 — Civil Defence / Fire Department: fires, smoke and situations requiring fire-service response.
996 — Coastguard: maritime emergencies, with emirate-specific access instructions. In Abu Dhabi, the government lists the National Guard on 996; in other emirates, call 999 if uncertain.
995 — search and rescue: listed by the UAE federal emergency directory as find-and-rescue assistance. Where immediate medical or police needs also exist, call the relevant 998 or 999 service.
901 — Dubai Police non-emergency: a Dubai-specific public information and non-emergency service; not a replacement for 999 during immediate danger.
Electricity-related emergencies: 991 for DEWA in Dubai and SEWA/SEWGA in Sharjah; Abu Dhabi and other emirates use their respective distribution companies’ contacts. Call 999/997 when a situation creates imminent danger, such as fire.

The federal UAE Government lists the national emergency numbers and emirate-specific routes at Handling Emergencies, updated 29 April 2026. For non-emergencies, Dubai Police’s March 2026 notice confirms that 901 is a non-emergency service, not the 999 emergency dispatch line.

Seven immediate actions in the first minute

Recognise the hazard and move to safety. Avoid smoke, moving traffic, flooded wadis, live wires, falling debris or violent threats. Do not approach unknown chemicals or fuel leaks.
Dial the right number. Use 998 for ambulance, 997 for a fire, 999 for police. Explain when multiple services may be needed.
State the emirate and precise location. Give the area, street, building or tower, floor, flat, unit, office, hotel room, parking level or nearest recognisable landmark.
Describe the incident in one short sentence. A person has collapsed, a vehicle caught fire, smoke is spreading, or a person is threatening another.
Report the number of people involved. Say who is unconscious, injured, trapped, bleeding or unable to evacuate unaided.
Listen to the operator. Follow instructions on first aid, safe evacuation or staying away from hazards. Stay on the line unless instructed otherwise.
Make access easier. If safe, have someone meet responders at the correct tower entrance, gate, security desk, loading area or roadside marker.

A helpful report: ‘Ambulance, please. A person has collapsed at [building name], [community], [emirate], floor [number], apartment [number]. Use the visitor entrance facing [road]. The person is not responding. My number is [number].’ Concise facts are more useful than an uncertain medical diagnosis.

Why the UAE uses several national emergency numbers

Unlike a system that uses one primary number for all emergencies, the UAE Government publishes 999, 998 and 997 for police, ambulance and fire. People should save all three with labels. A fire may also require medical assistance; an injury in a road crash may involve both ambulance and police. Tell the emergency operator about all significant aspects rather than choosing which responders ought to attend.

A separate non-emergency number, 901, exists for Dubai Police public enquiries. It should not be used to delay emergency help. Power failures and supply issues are handled by utility providers unless fire or immediate personal danger makes an emergency-service call necessary.

Medical emergency: when to dial 998

Call 998 when someone is unconscious, not breathing normally, has severe breathing difficulty, major trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, symptoms of stroke, serious chest pain or another medical condition that may threaten life. Give the person’s condition and exact address. The dispatcher may ask about age, consciousness, breathing and how to reach the patient.

If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, follow emergency call-taker instructions on CPR and use of an AED where available. If someone has severe bleeding, apply direct pressure when safe and follow guidance. Do not give food or water to a person who is unconscious or cannot swallow safely. In a tower, ask another person to wait near a safe lift lobby or access door to direct the crew.

The UAE Government says that hospitals provide emergency stabilisation care and that patients may be transferred to a facility better equipped for their condition. Treatment beyond stabilisation can incur charges. Do not postpone a life-saving call to debate insurance or payment. Official medical emergency guidance appears on UAE Government’s handling-emergencies page.

High-rise fires: when to dial 997

If there is smoke or a fire, activate the alarm where appropriate, alert people nearby, call 997 and follow the building’s emergency evacuation procedure. Use stairs rather than ordinary lifts during an active fire, unless responders explicitly direct otherwise. Close doors behind you if safe to reduce smoke spread. Do not re-enter to collect keys, documents, pets or luggage.

A tall residential or commercial tower may have several entrances, different lift banks and mechanical or refuge floors. Do not assume an uninformed route is safe. If smoke blocks the exit, move to the safest available area, report your precise floor, unit and room to 997, and follow Civil Defence instructions. The government’s fire guidance emphasises evacuation, not returning until authorities declare it safe.

The UAE Government specifically tells residents to call 997 from anywhere in the country, avoid lifts in case of fire, leave belongings and not return until declared safe. Source: UAE fire emergency instructions.

Police emergency: when to dial 999

Call 999 for a crime in progress, a serious threat, violent incident or an urgent road traffic issue requiring police. Move to safety if you can, and tell the operator what is happening, how many people are at risk and where responders should enter. Avoid confronting a threatening person to gather video evidence or information that a dispatcher has not requested.

For incidents that are no longer urgent, the relevant emirate’s police service may offer online reports or non-emergency telephone channels. Dubai Police specifically operates 901 for non-emergency matters; this does not automatically mean 901 is the right reporting number in every other emirate.

Serious road traffic accidents: police and ambulance

For a road accident that requires immediate police attention, call 999. If someone is injured, call 998 for ambulance assistance and follow the officials’ instructions. State the road or highway, travel direction, nearest exit, bridge, interchange or kilometre marker, and whether anyone is trapped or bleeding.

If the accident is minor and nobody is hurt, the UAE Government says vehicles may be moved to a safe shoulder to avoid blocking traffic, according to local procedures. For accidents with injuries, leave vehicles as they are unless the emergency services or imminent danger require otherwise. Do not stand in live traffic or approach leaking fuel. The official UAE road-accident section explains the distinction.

Marine rescue: coastguard and local differences

The federal UAE emergency directory lists 996 for coastguard. For maritime incidents in Abu Dhabi it specifically directs callers to the National Guard on 996; in Dubai it also publishes a specific Dubai Coast Guard contact, while for other emirates it advises calling police on 999. Where unsure during an immediate marine emergency, use the working official service and clearly state that the incident is at sea.

Explain the emirate, beach, island, harbour or marina, number of people, vessel type, last known location and whether anyone is in the water. Provide reliable GPS coordinates if available. Do not attempt an untrained rescue in rough water or near dangerous boat propellers. For an urgent medical emergency onshore, 998 remains the dedicated ambulance contact.

Desert rescue, wadis and mountain areas

Desert trips and mountain roads can be hazardous because of heat, remote tracks, rapidly changing weather and limited vehicle access. If a person is seriously injured, use 998; if rescue or another immediate emergency service is needed, use the government’s listed 995 or the police 999 as appropriate. Describe the nearest road, marked junction, camp, trailhead, GPS point or recognisable landmark.

Do not leave a safe position to search for mobile reception if doing so would worsen the hazard. Preserve water, shade and phone battery. Tell responders if a vehicle is buried in sand, a trail is blocked or someone cannot walk. Travellers should share their route and expected return time before leaving a city or developed road.

Flash flooding: never drive into a flooded wadi

The UAE can experience intense rainfall and rapid flooding in wadis, low roads and underpasses. A dry riverbed may become dangerous even when little rain is falling where you stand, because water can rush downstream from higher ground. Do not park or camp in a wadi under a severe-weather warning. Do not drive across floodwater, especially if depth, current or road damage cannot be seen.

If rain intensifies, move to safer high ground where practical, avoid underground parking and keep away from live electrical equipment. When authorities close a road or issue an evacuation warning, follow that order rather than a navigation app suggesting a shortcut. Call emergency responders if someone is trapped, injured or threatened by fast-flowing water.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and the National Center of Meteorology publish official safety information for heavy rain, floods, thunderstorms, fog and other hazards. The UAE Government links those guidelines from its natural calamities section.

Heat illness: when the temperature becomes a medical emergency

Outdoor workers, visitors on long walks and people exercising in high temperatures can develop serious heat illness. A person who becomes confused, collapses, has a seizure or shows other signs of severe heatstroke needs urgent medical help through 998. Move the person to shade or air conditioning if safe and start appropriate cooling while following dispatcher instructions.

A person who is unconscious or unable to swallow should not be forced to drink water. Heat exhaustion without severe symptoms still warrants rest, cooling, hydration when safe and appropriate medical advice. Check regularly on older relatives, small children and people whose medical conditions limit heat tolerance.

Dust storms, fog and poor visibility

Sand and dust storms can reduce road visibility and aggravate breathing conditions. Follow weather warnings, avoid unnecessary travel, reduce exposure to airborne dust and move indoors when conditions warrant. If driving is unavoidable, use appropriate low-visibility road safety precautions and avoid stopping in an active lane. A person with life-threatening breathing symptoms needs an ambulance through 998.

Fog can also cause multi-vehicle crashes on major routes. When encountering very poor visibility, reduce speed, increase following distance and follow road authority instructions. If a collision occurs with injuries or a dangerous obstruction, use the appropriate emergency lines rather than simply reporting fog to a general service number.

UAE national emergency warning messages

The UAE’s National Early Warning System can send text-based notices of dangerous weather and other hazards to people in the affected areas. The warnings are intended for citizens, residents and visitors. Read the locality, incident and the requested action rather than assuming that every message is an instruction to evacuate.

A warning about flooding may require avoiding a road, while a fire or hazardous release may require staying clear of a particular building. Only authorised authorities send official national warning notifications. Look to NCEMA, the Ministry of Interior, local police and other designated official sources for updates. Do not forward an unverified screenshot as a new emergency instruction.

Electricity failure: do not assume 991 is the correct number everywhere

The federal emergency directory lists several electricity-related contacts by emirate. It says 991 for Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and for Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority; 8002332 for Abu Dhabi’s electricity distribution service; and 8003392 for Etihad Water and Electricity in other relevant northern emirates.

An ordinary outage is usually a utility matter; a fire, serious electrical injury or hazardous live cable may require 997, 998 or 999 instead. Do not touch submerged cables or damaged electrical panels and do not attempt to restore unsafe equipment yourself. Source: UAE Government — power and water supply failure.

Accessibility: contacting emergency services without speaking

The UAE Government describes dedicated accessibility channels, including an Abu Dhabi emergency medical SMS route 5999 for people of determination. The message should identify the incident, the patient’s location and a contact number. This is a specific local provision, not a general SMS replacement for everyone throughout the country.

In Dubai, the DCAS SOS application can help certain users, including people with hearing or visual disabilities, to request ambulance assistance and share location information. In Abu Dhabi, the official AD999 app supports SOS reporting. Learn and configure the relevant application in advance if needed; never delay a working voice call to install an app during a life-threatening event.

Tourists: how to report an emergency at a hotel or attraction

Most tourism services have a duty manager, security staff or reception desk that can help identify the precise address and assist communication. But during an immediate emergency, call the relevant national number yourself or have the nearest safe person do so. Give the hotel, attraction, shopping mall, apartment tower or beach plus a numbered entrance, floor and landmark.

The official UAE Government’s visitor guide lists additional tourism police assistance in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These services can help with post-incident matters, but are not substitutes for the main 999, 998 and 997 emergency numbers. See Emergency help for tourists in the UAE.

How to describe a precise UAE location

Emirate: start with Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah or Umm Al Quwain.
Neighbourhood or community: name the area, road or development, not simply the emirate.
Building: provide tower name or number, floor, room or flat and the usable entrance.
Shopping centre or airport: name the terminal, gate, concourse, level, shop or signed entrance.
Road accident: highway, direction, nearest exit or interchange, road marker and side of road.
Coast or desert: beach, harbour, trail, camp, road access and verified coordinates if available.
Callback: provide your current reachable telephone number and language preference.

Helpful Arabic phrases

‘النجدة’ (al-najda) — Help.
‘إسعاف’ (is‘āf) — Ambulance.
‘هناك حريق’ (hunāka ḥarīq) — There is a fire.
‘الشرطة’ (ash-shurṭa) — Police.
‘هناك مصاب’ (hunāka muṣāb) — Someone is injured.
‘العنوان هو…’ (al-‘unwān huwa…) — The address is…
‘هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟’ — Do you speak English?

English is widely used in many UAE public settings, but availability of an interpreter or a specific language cannot be guaranteed for every emergency call. Use short clear statements and a written address. Do not wait for a translator before calling when someone’s life may be at risk.

A five-minute preparedness checklist for the UAE

Save 999 Police, 998 Ambulance and 997 Civil Defence with clear labels.
Write your emirate, building name, full address, floor and correct tower entrance.
Check fire exits, evacuation signage and the safest outdoor meeting point in high-rise buildings.
Know the route away from flood-prone wadis and avoid remote roads during severe-weather warnings.
Plan for summer heat, water, medicines, accessibility and powered medical equipment.
Keep a phone charger, power bank, flashlight and emergency contact card accessible.
Review official NCEMA and National Center of Meteorology warnings.
Check the correct electricity supplier number for your emirate rather than assuming 991 works everywhere.

Fast decisions for seven UAE emergencies

Person is unconscious or not breathing normally: 998 ambulance.
Smoke and flames spread through a tower: 997 Civil Defence.
A violent threat or crime is taking place: 999 police.
Serious injuries after a road crash: 998 ambulance and 999 police as the situation requires.
Someone needs urgent maritime assistance: 996 coastguard in Abu Dhabi, or follow the current emirate-specific contact and 999 when unsure.
Routine Dubai Police enquiry with no immediate danger: 901.
An electricity outage with no injury or fire: call the relevant local utility rather than an ambulance.

Mistakes that waste critical time

Dialling a tourist helpdesk instead of 998 for a life-threatening medical emergency.
Calling 901 for a current assault in Dubai instead of 999.
Assuming 991 is the electricity contact for every emirate when official utility arrangements differ.
Leaving a fire-affected tower in an ordinary lift or re-entering through smoke to retrieve possessions.
Driving into a flooded wadi or underpass after warnings and road closures.
Attempting dangerous sea or desert rescue without equipment or a reliable access route.
Giving only the name of Dubai or Abu Dhabi without the building, road, tower and entrance.
Waiting for insurer approval before contacting ambulance services during a serious injury.

Frequently asked questions

Is the ambulance number 998 or 999 in the UAE?

998 is the dedicated ambulance number. 999 is police, and 997 is Civil Defence or fire service.

Does 901 replace 999 in Dubai?

No. Dubai Police confirms 901 handles non-emergency services and enquiries. Immediate police emergencies use 999.

Who do I call during a fire in a high-rise?

Dial 997, follow your building’s evacuation instructions and avoid lifts during an active fire. If trapped, tell responders the exact floor and room.

What is the UAE search-and-rescue number?

The federal government lists 995 for find and rescue, while specific maritime cases may use 996 or a local coastguard contact. For life-threatening injury contact 998 and for immediate police danger 999.

What if there is a severe flash flood?

Avoid floodwater, especially wadis and low roads, and follow official warnings or evacuation orders. Call relevant emergency services if someone is trapped or seriously injured.

Does the UAE emergency system provide accessible SMS?

The government describes a 5999 emergency medical SMS option for people of determination in Abu Dhabi. Other accessibility tools vary by emirate; do not assume it is the same national number for all users.

Official UAE sources and related guides

Safety note: This page provides general emergency contact information, not medical advice or live dispatch. UAE national and emirate-specific details were reviewed on 5 November 2026 and may change. For current emergencies, dial 999, 998 or 997 as appropriate.