Emergency Numbers in the UAE: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Emergencies aren’t something we like to think about when we travel, but being prepared doesn’t mean we have to expect the worst. If you’re visiting the United Arab Emirates, it’s worth knowing that the country has an organized emergency response system that ensures you get help when you need it within minutes.

Police, ambulance, and fire services respond quickly and are easy to reach through dedicated UAE emergency numbers.

If you consider checking the weather and routes to your destinations important parts of planning your trip to the UAE, add another step: knowing the local emergency service numbers.

Hopefully, you won’t need the information, but it’s a good idea to know them.

How to Get Help Fast 

Below are the important numbers to know or save on your speed dial on your trip to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, and other UAE cities:

999 for the Police

If you’re wondering, “What is the emergency number in the UAE?” the answer is 999.

Call this number in case you have an emergency or need to report a crime that requires immediate police intervention, such as:

• Robbery
• Theft
• Assault
• Serious traffic accidents
• Any criminal activity

You can also call this number to get help with life-threatening injuries. You’ll then be connected to the local or nearest law enforcement or emergency response team.

998 for an Ambulance

Dial 998 if you or someone you know or see needs an ambulance.

Call this number if there is someone who is:

• Unconscious
• Bleeding heavily
• Having difficulties breathing
• Showing signs of a heart attack or stroke

You can also dial this emergency number in Ras Al Khaimah and other emirates if you witness a traffic accident or fire and are sure some people are hurt. 

Trained personnel can arrange for an air ambulance if a patient is critically ill or injured and needs quick, specialized medical care in another city in the UAE or country.

997 for the Fire Department

If there’s an uncontrollable fire in your place or a nearby building, dial 997 immediately. The fire department will send trained personnel to put it out.

You should also call this number if you see or smell smoke and detect a strong burning odor you can’t trace,

The local fire department is capable of dealing with vehicular, electrical, and other types of fires safely.

901 for Non-Emergency Services

This hotline is assigned for the non-emergency needs of both locals and visitors. When you dial this number, you can ask for non-urgent police, traffic, or community assistance.

You can call this non-emergency police number for simple inquiries, complaints, and minor incidents.

800 72233 for Minor Traffic and Roadside Assistance

If you’re driving to the top places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah, and you need roadside assistance, dial 800 72233 for help.

This number connects you to SAEED, a traffic safety service company that deals with minor traffic accidents and road incidents in the UAE.

Call this hotline in case you don’t know what to do or don’t have the necessary tools and equipment when your car breaks down, or you get a flat tire.

When you reach out for help, a patrol team of qualified technical and road support experts will assist you with your problem. SAEED also clears out damaged and non-working vehicles from thoroughfares.

996 for the Coast Guard

If you’re sailing or cruising in UAE waters and your vessel breaks down or loses navigation, call 996 for help. The coast guard handles emergencies that happen on or near the seas.

You can rely on the coast guard’s assistance in an emergency, whether you’re on your own boat or yacht or a rented or chartered one.

You can also call this number when you see someone in distress at sea, such as a swimmer being pulled by the strong currents or another boat signaling for help. The coast guard also responds to jet ski accidents and missing persons in coastal areas.

You will also do well to know the following emergency numbers:

• 995 for Find and Rescue
• 991 for electricity failure
• 992 for water supply problems

In case of an emergency, you can call these helpline numbers free of charge wherever you are in the UAE.

What to Do in Case of an Emergency in Ras Al Khaimah

Besides knowing the numbers to call, keep these things in mind if you find yourself in an emergency:

1. Stay calm

Keeping a level head helps you think clearly and do the right things in an emergency. You’ll avoid taking unnecessary actions that may hurt the injured person or others.

Staying calm also ensures you dial the correct emergency number.  

2. Provide all necessary information.

When making the call, make sure you provide the following details:

• The type of emergency you have or help you need
• The location where you need help or where the emergency responders should go 
• Your name
• The number of people involved in the accident or who need help

Stay on the line until the operator tells you to hang up because they may need to ask additional questions.

3. Follow the operator’s and first responders’ instructions.

Unless first aid is needed (and unless you know how to perform it), the emergency operator will likely ask you to observe the situation and wait for the first responders. Listen to their advice to avoid aggravating the injury or accident.

If you need roadside assistance, stay in your car and turn on the hazard lights to alert passing vehicles. Take out reflective triangles if you have them. Stay off your phone since the service provider may call you.

A Little Knowledge Makes Travel More Enjoyable

The UAE is one of the safest countries in the world, which is why it’s a popular travel destination. Whichever city you visit, you can feel secure and have a memorable holiday even if you find yourself in unfortunate situations with reliable emergency hotlines and responders.

Visit our Ras Al Khaimah travel information page for more tips and ideas for your holiday in the UAE’s adventure hub.