Emergency Numbers — What to Know
The UAE uses 999 for police, 998 for ambulance, and 997 for fire (Civil Defence). In Dubai, the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS) dispatches ambulances via 998; response times average 6–12 minutes. English is widely spoken by emergency operators — Arabic and English are both used routinely. For non-emergency police matters, call 901 (Dubai Police non-emergency). The Dubai Police also operate a Tourist Security Department that assists visitors.
Non-Emergency Resources
Dubai's DHA Health Hotline (800 342) (Dubai Health Authority) provides free medical information and directs callers to the nearest facility. Pharmacies are found in every mall and neighbourhood; many are open until midnight, and Life Pharmacy and Aster Pharmacy chains have 24-hour locations. Most Western medications are available but some (particularly codeine-containing painkillers and certain psychiatric medications) are controlled or banned — carry your prescription documentation. Your consulate can assist with lost passports; many consulates are in the Trade Centre area or Bur Dubai.
Emergency Phrases
| English | Local |
|---|---|
| Help! | !مساعدة (Musā'ada!)moo-SAH-ah-dah |
| Call an ambulance | اتصل بالإسعاف (Ittasil bil-is'āf)it-TAH-sil bil-iss-AHF |
| I need a doctor | أحتاج طبيب (Ahtāj tabīb)ahh-TAHZH tah-BEEB |
| Where is the hospital? | أين المستشفى؟ (Ayna al-mustashfā?)AY-nah al-moos-TASH-fah |
| Fire! | !حريق (Harīq!)hah-REEK |
| Police! | !شرطة (Shurta!)SHOOR-tah |
Practical Tips for Tourists
Dubai has excellent healthcare. Rashid Hospital is the main public trauma centre and emergency department. Dubai Hospital and Latifa Hospital are other major public facilities. Private hospitals include American Hospital Dubai, Mediclinic City Hospital, and Saudi German Hospital — all with English-speaking staff and international insurance acceptance. Emergency treatment at public hospitals is provided regardless of insurance status.
UAE SIMs from du or Etisalat (e&) are available at the airport. Tourist SIMs are straightforward to purchase. Emergency calls (999, 998, 997) work from any phone. Free Wi-Fi is widespread in malls, hotels, and public spaces.
Dubai is extremely safe — violent crime is rare. Be aware of local laws: public intoxication is illegal, profanity or aggressive gestures can lead to arrest, and cohabitation of unmarried couples was only recently decriminalised. Photographs of government buildings, military installations, and accident scenes should be avoided. Drug offences carry severe penalties including lengthy imprisonment. The main health risk is extreme heat — summer temperatures exceed 45°C; stay hydrated and limit outdoor exposure.
🇦🇪 See all United Arab Emirates emergency numbers
