How Does Emergency Numbers Work in UAE?
Last verified: 2025-01 · Middle East
1The Quick Answer
Police: 999. Ambulance: 998. Fire: 997. Tourist Police (Dubai): 800-4438.
2What You Need to Know
The UAE has well-funded and responsive emergency services. All operators speak English. Dubai has a dedicated Tourist Police hotline specifically for visitors. Response times in cities are fast. The Dubai Police app allows tourists to report non-emergency incidents digitally. For medical emergencies, private hospitals often have faster specialist response than government hospitals, but both provide emergency care.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Save 999 (police), 998 (ambulance), and 997 (fire) in your phone
- 2Dubai Tourist Police: 800-4438 (toll-free) — English-speaking and specifically for visitor assistance
- 3The Dubai Police app lets you report incidents, get help, and track tourist safety advisories
- 4For non-emergency matters, police stations are located throughout cities
- 5Your hotel concierge is also a good first point of contact for minor incidents
How does this compare?
Emergency Numbers rules in nearby and similar countries:
More About UAE
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. 10–15% at restaurants is standard. Round up for taxis.
Updated 2025-01
Dubai has an excellent metro and buses. Buy a Nol Card for all public transport in Dubai. Abu Dhabi has buses but no metro yet.
Updated 2025-01
Healthcare quality is excellent but expensive. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Many hospitals have English-speaking staff.
Updated 2025-01
The UAE has strict laws around alcohol, public behavior, drugs, and dress. What is legal in your home country may be a criminal offense here.
Updated 2025-01
Dress modestly in public. Shoulders and knees should be covered in malls, markets, and public areas. Swimwear is only for beaches and pools.
Updated 2025-01
Alcohol is only legal at licensed hotels, restaurants, and bars. Drinking in public is illegal. Legal age is 21. Ramadan has extra restrictions.
Updated 2025-01
🚨 See Emergency Numbers rules in all countries
Compare all countries →