Lifestyle

Lifestyle

Published on 22 May 2024

Last updated 18 Jun 2026

6 min read

/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:

NumberService
999Police
998Ambulance
997Fire Department
991Electricity failure (DEWA)
992Water emergency (DEWA)
996Coast Guard
993Municipality emergency
995Search & Rescue
800 342Non‑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:

  1. Stay calm – Take a deep breath. Staying calm helps you think clearly.
  2. Assess the situation – Quickly identify what kind of emergency it is (medical, fire, crime, utility issue) and who is in danger.
  3. Call for help – Use the correct emergency number from the list above (999, 998, 997, etc.).
  4. Give clear information
    Explain what is happening, your exact location, how many people are involved, and your name and contact number.
  5. Follow instructions -Listen carefully to the operator and do exactly what they say.
  6. 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?

The main UAE police number is 999. Use it for serious emergencies such as crimes, accidents and situations where safety is at immediate risk.

What is the Dubai ambulance number?

The Dubai ambulance number is 998, which is also the standard ambulance number UAE for medical emergencies.

Is 999 the same police number across all UAE emirates?

Yes. The knowledge base lists 999 in the general table of emergency numbers in the UAE, which applies across the country, not only Dubai.  Remember that 999 should not be used for non‑emergencies.

Can tourists use UAE emergency numbers?

Yes. The UAE emergency network is experienced in handling calls from non‑citizens and visitors. Operators often speak English, and emergency services are used to supporting tourists as well as residents.

What is the ambulance number in Sharjah?

The ambulance number Sharjah is the same as the national UAE ambulance number: 998. The unified system makes it easier for residents and visitors to remember one number for ambulance emergencies across all emirates.

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.

author

Pragya Banerjee

Contributor

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