The correct emergency number can save valuable time during an accident, medical crisis, fire, security incident, or marine emergency. This emergency number UAE all department list explains the main UAE-wide emergency contacts and selected local support numbers for Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The main numbers are 999 for police, 998 for ambulance, 997 for fire and civil defence, 996 for marine emergencies, 995 for search and rescue, and 991 for electricity failure. Dubai’s official city portal also lists 991 for electricity and water failure. This information was checked in September 2026.
UAE Emergency Numbers at a Glance
| Department or service | Emergency number | When to call |
| Police emergency | 999 | Crime in progress, immediate danger, serious road incidents, threats to public safety |
| Ambulance | 998 | Serious illness, injury, unconsciousness, or medical emergency |
| Fire and Civil Defence | 997 | Fire, smoke, rescue incident, or dangerous building emergency |
| Marine emergencies | 996 | Boat accident, distress at sea, person overboard, or serious incident on the water |
| Find and Rescue | 995 | Search-and-rescue situations |
| Electricity failure | 991 | Electricity outage or electrical service fault |
| Electricity and water failure in Dubai | 991 | Utility failure or related city-service issue in Dubai |
There is no single phone number for every government department in the UAE. The numbers above cover the main emergency services. Police, ambulance, fire, marine, and rescue numbers are separate from local government contact centres and non-emergency services.
Which UAE Emergency Number Should You Call?
Police Emergency Number: 999
Call 999 when police assistance is urgently needed. This includes a crime in progress, an immediate threat to a person, a dangerous disturbance, a serious road incident, or a situation that may affect public safety.
When calling, clearly explain what happened and provide your exact location. If you are in a hotel, shopping mall, attraction, or residential tower, give the building name, entrance, floor, apartment number, or nearest landmark.
Ambulance Number: 998
Call 998 for urgent medical assistance. Use this number when someone is seriously injured, unconscious, having difficulty breathing, experiencing severe bleeding, or facing another serious health emergency.
Tell the operator:
- Your exact location
- The number of injured or sick people
- The type of injury or symptoms
- Whether the person is conscious and breathing
- Your phone number for a callback
Do not move a seriously injured person unless leaving them in place creates an immediate danger. Follow the operator’s instructions while waiting for medical help.
Fire and Civil Defence Number: 997
Call 997 for a fire or Civil Defence emergency. This includes visible flames, smoke, explosions, dangerous building conditions, and incidents requiring rescue support.
If there is a fire, move away from smoke and heat if you can do so safely. Do not use lifts during a building fire. Once you are in a safe place, provide the building name, floor, apartment number, and any information about people who may still be inside.
Marine Emergency Number: 996
Call 996 for a marine emergency involving a boat, yacht, jet ski, swimmer, or another incident on the water. Examples include a boat accident, a person overboard, a vessel in distress, or an urgent safety threat at sea.
If possible, provide your GPS location, boat name or registration details, the number of people involved, and nearby landmarks. Do not return to dangerous water conditions simply to help someone unless instructed by emergency professionals.
Search and Rescue Number: 995
The number 995 is used for find-and-rescue situations. It may be relevant when people are missing or in danger in remote locations such as desert, mountain, or other difficult-to-reach areas.
Share the last known location, travel route, vehicle details, number of people, clothing or equipment information, and any available map pin or GPS coordinates.
Electricity and Water Service Problems: 991
The current official UAE emergency information lists 991 for electricity failure. Dubai’s official city portal lists 991 for electricity and water failure.
For other emirates, utility services may use separate local systems or provider channels. If an electrical fault creates an immediate risk to life, fire, or serious injury, call 999 or 997 instead of relying only on a utility number.
Non-Emergency and Local Department Numbers
These contacts are useful for routine assistance, security information, municipal reports, or general enquiries. They should not replace emergency numbers when someone is in immediate danger.
| Service | Number | Area or purpose |
| Dubai Police non-emergency service | 901 | Non-urgent police enquiries and selected Dubai Police services |
| Abu Dhabi Police call centre | 8003333 | General Abu Dhabi Police assistance |
| Abu Dhabi Aman security service | 8002626 | Security information and confidential reports |
| Dubai Municipality reports | 800900 | Dubai municipal and city-service reports |
| Abu Dhabi government and visitor assistance | 800555 | General government or visitor information |
If there is an immediate threat, serious accident, fire, or medical emergency, call 999, 998, or 997 rather than a non-emergency line.
How to Report an Emergency in the UAE
Follow these steps when calling an emergency department:
- Move to a safe position if possible. Do not put yourself in danger while making the call.
- Give the exact location first. Mention the emirate, road, building, floor, apartment, hotel, attraction, or nearest landmark.
- Explain the emergency clearly. State whether it involves a crime, injury, fire, marine incident, missing person, or utility failure.
- Give the number of people involved. Mention serious injuries, trapped people, children, elderly people, or anyone needing special assistance.
- Provide your phone number. The operator may need to call you back for directions or additional information.
- Follow the instructions given by the operator. Do not end the call until you are told that it is safe to do so.
- Help responders find you if safe. Ask a companion, hotel employee, security guard, or nearby person to guide emergency crews to the location.
Important Tips for Tourists and Residents
Save the numbers before you need them
Save the main emergency numbers in your phone and keep a screenshot available in case mobile data is not working. Visitors should also save their hotel name, room number, tour operator details, and emergency contact information.
Use landmarks and map pins
Some UAE addresses can be difficult to describe, especially in desert areas, large residential communities, industrial zones, and new developments. A nearby road name, building name, hotel entrance, petrol station, or GPS location can help responders reach you.
Road accidents
Call 999 if police assistance is needed or 998 if someone requires urgent medical help. Tell the operator whether anyone is injured, whether vehicles are blocking traffic, and whether there is a fire or dangerous fuel leak.
Desert and mountain incidents
Do not leave the group unless it is necessary and safe. Share the last known location, vehicle details, planned route, and the number of people involved. A map pin can be especially useful for search-and-rescue teams.
Hotel and attraction emergencies
Call the relevant emergency service first when there is an immediate threat. After calling, inform hotel reception, mall security, attraction staff, or building security if doing so is safe.
Why Some Websites Show 992 for Water Emergencies
Older UAE telephone directories sometimes list 992 for water failure. However, the current official UAE emergency information I checked lists 991 for electricity failure, while Dubai’s official city portal groups electricity and water failure under 991.
Because utility arrangements can differ between emirates and providers, readers should confirm the latest water-emergency contact through the relevant official utility authority. If a water problem creates a serious safety risk, call 999 or 997 according to the danger involved.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not call 901 for a serious or life-threatening emergency in Dubai.
- Do not call a utility line when there is an active fire or immediate risk to life.
- Do not rely on 911 as the main UAE emergency number. Use the official UAE numbers listed above.
- Do not give only a general area such as “Dubai” or “Abu Dhabi.” Provide a building, road, landmark, or map location.
- Do not hang up before the operator finishes collecting the required information.
- Do not make prank or unnecessary calls, as they can delay help for someone facing a real emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the police emergency number in the UAE?
The UAE police emergency number is 999. Use it for crimes in progress, immediate threats, serious security incidents, and urgent police assistance.
What is the ambulance number in the UAE?
Call 998 for an ambulance or urgent medical assistance.
What is the fire emergency number in the UAE?
Call 997 for fire emergencies and Civil Defence assistance.
What is the coast guard or marine emergency number in the UAE?
The marine emergency number is 996. It is used for serious incidents on the water, including boat accidents and people in distress at sea.
What is the UAE search-and-rescue number?
Call 995 for find-and-rescue situations.
What is the electricity emergency number in the UAE?
The current UAE emergency listing gives 991 for electricity failure. Dubai’s official city portal also lists 991 for electricity and water failure.
What is the Dubai Police non-emergency number?
Dubai Police’s non-emergency number is 901. Do not use it for an active crime, serious accident, fire, or medical emergency.
Can tourists call UAE emergency numbers?
Yes. Visitors who are inside the UAE should use the relevant emergency number for police, ambulance, fire, marine, or rescue assistance. Keep your hotel name, room number, and location details ready.
Is 911 the emergency number in the UAE?
The official UAE emergency list uses 999 for police, 998 for ambulance, and 997 for fire and Civil Defence. Visitors should use these numbers instead of relying on 911.
