UAE Emergency Numbers & Tourist Safety Guide (2026): What to Do, Who to Call, and How to Stay Safe

When you travel, surprises happen. In the UAE—one of the world’s safest destinations—you’ll find fast, coordinated emergency services. This 2026 tourist safety guide compiles the UAE emergency numbers, step-by-step what to do in each scenario, and practical tips so you can act quickly and confidently.

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Why Every Dubai Traveler Needs a Quick Emergency Plan

• Speed matters: Knowing the right number saves crucial time.

• Clear steps reduce panic: A simple checklist keeps you calm.

• Better outcomes: Accurate info helps responders reach you faster.

All UAE Emergency Numbers at a Glance

Core Nationwide Numbers

• 999 — Police / General emergencies (nationwide)

• 998 — Ambulance / Medical emergencies

• 997 — Civil Defence / Fire

• 996 — Coast Guard / Maritime emergencies

Speak clearly, share your location, landmark, and call-back number. Stay on the line until told to hang up.

Utility & Service Hotlines (Dubai/major cities)

• 991 — Electricity emergencies (Dubai)

• 922 — Water supply issues (Dubai)
  If you’re outside Dubai, ask your hotel for the local utility hotlines or check your emirate’s utility provider.

Exactly What to Do in Common Emergencies

Fire in Building/Hotel

1. Call 997 immediately.

2. Activate the alarm if safe; do not use elevators.

3. Crawl low to avoid smoke; close doors behind you to slow fire spread.

4. Assemble at the designated point; wait for Civil Defence clearance before re-entry.

Medical Emergencies & Ambulance Response

1. Call 998 and state symptoms, age, and location.

2. Follow dispatcher instructions (CPR/recovery position).

3. Keep ID and basic health info (allergies/medications) handy.

4. Use hotel/venue staff—they’re trained to assist first responders.

Road Accidents & eCall Guidance

• For injuries or major damage: Call 999. Do not move injured persons unless there’s immediate danger.

• For minor, no-injury collisions: Move vehicles to the side if safe and await instructions; you will still need a police report for insurance.

• Newer vehicles may auto-trigger eCall to emergency services—answer unknown calls after an impact.

Lost Passport or Stolen Belongings

1. Call 999 to report theft and obtain a police report.

2. Contact your embassy/consulate for an emergency travel document.

3. Notify your airline and accommodation; secure copies of your visa/eVisa and bookings (keep digital backups).

4. If your UAE eVisa was on the stolen device, reach out via your DubaiTransitVisa.com account for a re-send.

Harassment, Domestic Abuse, Child Safety

• Child & women protection (nationwide support): dedicated hotlines and shelters operate 24/7.

• If you experience or witness abuse/violence, call 999 first for immediate protection, then contact the relevant social support helpline provided by your emirate (hotel concierge can supply the local dedicated number and nearest shelter).

• Save toll-free social support lines (women/children) for your emirate before heading out.

Important: The UAE treats abuse, exploitation, and harassment seriously. Tourists are protected by law—report incidents promptly.

UAE National Early Warning System: How Alerts Work

The National Early Warning System (EWS) sends urgent safety alerts to mobile devices about severe weather, major incidents, or public safety instructions. Alerts may include location-based messages and multilingual guidance.

• Keep your phone on, with notifications enabled.

• Follow official instructions precisely until an “all clear” is issued.

Smart Safety Tools for Tourists

• Phone settings: Enable location services and emergency SOS.

• Hotel card: Keep a photo of your hotel address and room number.

• ID & visas: Store secure digital copies of passport, eVisa, insurance.

• Local SIM/eSIM: Reliable data helps responders find you faster.

• Navigation apps: Save nearest hospital, police, and embassy.

Save-Ready Checklist for Your Phone

• 999, 998, 997, 996; for Dubai utilities: 991 (electricity), 922 (water)

• Hotel front desk & concierge numbers

• Airline 24/7 assistance

• Embassy/consulate emergency contact

• DubaiTransitVisa.com Application ID and support email

Risk Alerts: Common Mistakes Tourists Make

• Waiting to call: Always call emergency services first, then inform hotel/guide.

• Unclear location: Use landmarks (metro stop, mall gate, nearby hotel).

• Language barrier: Speak slowly; English is widely supported on emergency lines.

• No documentation: Keep copies of ID/visa/insurance accessible offline.

• Using non-official “agents” for help: For legal/medical matters, stick to official numbers and your embassy.

How DubaiTransitVisa.com Helps You in Emergencies

• Fast document re-send: We can re-email your approved eVisa PDFs.

• Status support: If travel plans shift due to an incident, we’ll advise next best visa steps.

• Travel guidance: Our team provides practical pointers to coordinate with hotels, airlines, or authorities when documentation is needed.

Need help now? Log in with your Application ID to contact support or request a document re-send.

Final Words & Call-to-Action

Travel smart: save the numbers, know the steps, and you’ll be prepared for anything. For a smooth entry and peace of mind during your trip, apply for your Dubai Transit Visa with professionals who can support you end-to-end.

👉 Apply Dubai Transit Visa now: Dubai Transit Visa.