Dubai Emergency Numbers Guide: Complete Expat Reference 2026

Learn 999 First – Then Add the Rest

In Dubai and across the UAE, 999 is the main emergency number for police and many urgent situations, while 998 and 997 connect you to ambulance and fire services. Other short codes handle utilities, coast guard, non‑emergency police, poison, mental‑health support and public‑service information, which are essential to know if you live in or visit Dubai as an expat in 2026.

This guide gives you a complete, expat‑friendly reference to Dubai emergency numbers: police, ambulance, fire, coast guard, utilities, non‑emergency hotlines, poison and mental‑health lines. Save this page, add key numbers to your phone and print a copy for your home or office so you are not searching online in the middle of a crisis. 🌶️

🌶️ Table of Contents

• 1. Dubai Emergency Numbers at a Glance
• 2. Critical Life‑Threatening Emergencies: Who to Call
• 3. Non‑Emergency Police, Health & Public‑Service Lines
• 4. Utilities, Coast Guard & Municipality Numbers
• 5. Helplines for Poison, Mental Health & Tourists
• 6. How to Call & What to Say in Dubai
• 7. Use Pickeenoo to Prepare Before an Emergency Happens

1. Dubai Emergency Numbers at a Glance

Here is a quick reference table for Dubai and UAE emergency numbers most useful to expats.

🌶️ Spicy Tip: Save 999, 998, 997 and 901 as favourites in your phone under clear names (“Dubai Police Emergency”, “Dubai Ambulance”, etc.) so anyone in your household can find them fast.

2. Critical Life‑Threatening Emergencies: Who to Call

For any situation where life or property is in immediate danger, use the core three numbers: 999 (police), 998 (ambulance) and 997 (fire). In Dubai, operators typically speak English as well as Arabic, which helps expats communicate clearly.

Police – Emergency (999)

• Call 999 to report crimes in progress, serious traffic accidents, violence, threats to life or any situation requiring immediate police intervention.
• Use this number at the scene of a road accident involving injuries or major damage; the police will record the incident for insurance and legal purposes.

Ambulance – Medical Emergency (998)

• Dial 998 for medical emergencies such as heart attacks, serious injuries, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness or severe bleeding.
• Paramedics can give you first‑aid instructions over the phone while an ambulance is on its way.

Fire & Civil Defence (997)

• Call 997 for fires, visible smoke, gas leaks, chemical spills or people trapped in buildings or vehicles due to fire‑related incidents.
• When in doubt about a gas smell or smoke, err on the side of calling 997 rather than ignoring it.

🌶️ Spicy Tip: In Dubai, 999 and 998 are both associated with urgent emergencies; if you are unsure whether it’s primarily police or medical, call 999 and explain – the operator can dispatch the right services.

3. Non‑Emergency Police, Health & Public‑Service Lines

Not every issue is a 999‑level emergency. Dubai provides non‑emergency numbers for police enquiries, minor incidents and general information so that 999 stays free for life‑threatening situations.

Police – Non‑Emergency (901)

• Use 901 to contact Dubai Police for questions, non‑urgent reports, follow‑ups on existing cases and general information.
• Ideal for reporting minor traffic incidents without injuries, asking about procedures or checking on service requests.

General Government & Public‑Service Information

• UAE‑level hotlines like 800 555 are used for general government information and public‑service questions across the country.
• Dubai also has tourism‑police contact points and smart‑police stations; these are useful for tourists dealing with non‑urgent issues like lost items or general safety questions.

🌶️ Spicy Tip: If you’re hesitating between calling 999 or 901, ask yourself: “Does someone need immediate help?” If the answer is no, 901 is usually the right choice.

4. Utilities, Coast Guard & Municipality Numbers

For power cuts, water problems, public‑space hazards and coastal incidents, Dubai has specialist numbers. These are important for landlords, tenants and anyone managing a property or boat.

Electricity & Water – DEWA (Dubai)

• DEWA emergency line: 991

Call 991 for power outages, electrical hazards (sparks, exposed wires, repeated tripping) or serious water emergencies such as major leaks and supply issues under the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority.

Coast Guard & Marine Emergencies

• Coast Guard: 996

Use 996 to report emergencies at sea or along the coastline, including boat accidents, people in distress in the water or suspicious maritime activity. For immediate life‑threatening situations near the shore, 999 also works and operators coordinate with marine services.

Dubai Municipality & Environmental Issues

• Municipality emergency: 993 or the current Dubai Municipality emergency line.

Municipality lines deal with sanitation problems, dangerous structures, pest infestations in public areas, environmental hazards and some public‑health issues. They are not a replacement for 998/999/997 but complement them for non‑medical, non‑crime local problems.

🌶️ Spicy Tip: As a tenant or landlord, include 991 and the municipality emergency contact in every tenancy info pack – your future self (or your tenants) will thank you when something floods at 2 a.m.

5. Helplines for Poison, Mental Health & Tourists

Alongside classic emergency services, Dubai and the UAE provide specialised hotlines for poison exposure, mental‑health support and tourism assistance. These numbers are particularly useful for families with children and expats under stress.

Poison & Drug Information Service

• Poison & drug information line (UAE): 800 424

Call this number for medication errors, accidental ingestion of chemicals, bites or stings and suspected poisoning. Specialists advise you whether to go directly to a hospital, call 998, or follow first‑aid measures at home.

Mental‑Health & Emotional Support

• National Mental Support Line (UAE): 800 4673 (800‑HOPE)

This line provides confidential emotional support, guidance and referrals for people experiencing stress, anxiety, low mood or other mental‑health challenges. For immediate risk of self‑harm or harm to others, call 999 first.

Tourism & Visitor Support

• Dubai has tourism‑police contacts and hotlines where visitors can report issues, seek help with scams or request assistance in navigating local procedures.

🌶️ Spicy Tip: If you run short‑term rentals or host visiting relatives, print a small “emergency & helpline” card with these numbers and leave it visible in the apartment – it is a small touch that can make a huge difference.

6. How to Call & What to Say in Dubai

When you call any emergency service in Dubai, staying calm and clear is critical. Operators are trained and usually speak English, but they still need specific information quickly to send help.

What Operators Need to Know

• Where you are: building name, street, area, nearest landmark, flat number and, if possible, GPS location.
• What happened: medical emergency, fire, crime, accident, gas leak, power issue, etc.
• Who is involved: number of people, their condition (conscious/unconscious, breathing, bleeding) and any immediate dangers nearby.

Do not hang up until the operator says it is okay – they may need clarifications, updated directions or to give you first‑aid instructions while help is on the way.

🌶️ Spicy Tip: Add your building name, correct spelling of your street and a simple written description of how to find your flat next to your router or fridge; in a panic moment, reading that aloud can be a lifesaver.

7. Use Pickeenoo to Prepare Before an Emergency Happens

Emergency Calls Are Last‑Minute – Preparation Isn’t 🌶️
Use Pickeenoo to find local clinics, first‑aid kits, fire‑safety equipment, child‑proofing services and trusted maintenance providers in Dubai, so when something goes wrong you already know who to call and what you have at home.
Browse Dubai Health & Safety Essentials

📊 Article Information

Article Length: ~1,500 words (≈ 5 minutes reading time).

Last Updated: January 2026 | Category: Travel & Expat Life – Dubai Safety & Practical Guides