/The UAE is one of the safest countries in the world, but emergencies can still happen. Whether you live here or you are visiting, knowing the right emergency numbers in UAE can save time, reduce panic, and even save lives.
This guide brings together all major police, ambulance, fire and other Dubai emergency numbers in one place, and shows you exactly what to do in a crisis.
Key Emergency Numbers in UAE at a glance
- UAE police number: 999
- UAE ambulance number: 998
- Fire department: 997
- Electricity emergencies: 991
- Water emergencies: 992
- Coast Guard: 996
- Municipality emergencies: 993
- Search & Rescue: 995
- Non‑emergency medical services: 800 342
Use 999, 998 and 997 only for real emergencies.
Complete List of Emergency Numbers in UAE
Here is the core list of emergency numbers in UAE you should keep handy:
| Number | Service |
| 999 | Police |
| 998 | Ambulance |
| 997 | Fire Department |
| 991 | Electricity failure (DEWA) |
| 992 | Water emergency (DEWA) |
| 996 | Coast Guard |
| 993 | Municipality emergency |
| 995 | Search & Rescue |
| 800 342 | Non‑emergency medical services |
Next, let’s look at each of these in more detail.
UAE Police Number: 999
999 is the main police number in the UAE. Call it for any police‑related emergency where life, safety or property is at risk.
You should dial 999 for situations such as:
- Crimes in progress or just occurred
- Road accidents
- Threats to personal safety or public order
According to the knowledge base, 999 is for real emergencies only; non‑urgent cases should be directed to other non‑emergency services instead.
UAE Ambulance Number: 998
The main ambulance number in the UAE is 998. This is a 24/7 service for urgent medical situations.
Call 998 when you need:
- Immediate help for severe injuries
- Urgent medical conditions such as chest pain, breathing problems, etc.
- Assistance for someone who is unconscious or unresponsive
For non‑urgent medical questions, you can instead call 800 342, a non‑emergency medical helpline that provides advice and information on healthcare services.
Ambulance Number Sharjah and Other Emirates
If you are wondering about the ambulance number Sharjah or in other emirates, you can use the same UAE ambulance number: 998.
The knowledge base lists 998 as part of the unified list of emergency numbers in the UAE, not just in Dubai, so residents and tourists can rely on it nationwide for ambulance emergencies.
Fire Department Emergency Number: 997
For any fire-related emergency, the number to call is 997, which connects you with the fire department Dubai Civil Defence in Dubai.
Typical situations include:
- Fire in a building, car or open area
- Gas leaks or strong smell of gas
- Chemical spills or related hazards
Never try to handle serious fires yourself. Move to a safe area and call 997 immediately.
Other Important Dubai Emergency Numbers
Beyond police, ambulance and fire, several other Dubai emergency numbers help keep daily life safe and smooth:
Electricity – 991
991 connects you to the electricity emergency line (DEWA) for issues such as:
- Power outages
- Short circuits
- Electrical hazards
Water – 992
992 is for water-related emergencies, also handled by DEWA. Call if you face:
- Serious water leaks or shortages
- Urgent water supply disputes
Coast Guard – 996
For maritime and seaside emergencies, call 996.
This includes:
- Boat accidents
- People in danger at sea
- Urgent water rescues
Municipality Emergency – 993
Dial 993 for Dubai Municipality emergencies connected to the environment and public health, including:
- Severe sanitation issues
- Serious pest infestations
- Public health hazards in shared areas
Search & Rescue – 995
For search and rescue needs, such as people lost or trapped in difficult environments, call 995.
Non‑Emergency Medical Services – 800 342
For non‑urgent medical advice, consultations or information on health services, you can call 800 342 instead of 998.
What to Do in an Emergency in the UAE
Knowing the number is only half the story. Here is a simple, practical process recommended in the knowledge base:
- Stay calm – Take a deep breath. Staying calm helps you think clearly.
- Assess the situation – Quickly identify what kind of emergency it is (medical, fire, crime, utility issue) and who is in danger.
- Call for help – Use the correct emergency number from the list above (999, 998, 997, etc.).
- Give clear information
Explain what is happening, your exact location, how many people are involved, and your name and contact number. - Follow instructions -Listen carefully to the operator and do exactly what they say.
- Wait for help – Keep yourself and others as safe as possible until emergency responders arrive.
The UAE has a strong and efficient emergency system that is used to assist visitors as well as residents, with operators often able to communicate in English as well as Arabic.
FAQs
What is the police number in UAE?
What is the Dubai ambulance number?
Is 999 the same police number across all UAE emirates?
Can tourists use UAE emergency numbers?
What is the ambulance number in Sharjah?
Conclusion
Knowing the right emergency numbers in the UAE means you can react quickly when something goes wrong whether it is a medical crisis, a fire, a crime, or a utility problem. Keep 999, 998 and 997 at the top of your mind, and save the full list on your phone so it is always within reach.
Staying informed about emergency contacts is one part of feeling secure. Another important step is having the right insurance in place for your health, car, home and family, so you are protected not just during an incident but also from the financial impact afterwards.
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Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal or financial advice. In any real emergency, always call the appropriate emergency number immediately.





