UAE Helpline Numbers - Emergency Phone Numbers and Apps

The UAE has strategically positioned itself as one of the safest nations to live in the world. Low crime rates, robust legal system, optimal vigilance, strict bureaucracy, and strong government policies have immensely contributed to this safety. 

A major pillar of this safety is generated by the well-established network of support and emergency services that the nation provides to its residents and tourists through a wide range of helpline numbers. Whether you are looking for law enforcement assistance or need help dealing with a medical emergency, knowing the right helpline number is crucial to saving you time, energy, stress, money, and, in many cases, even life. 

Therefore, we are presenting you with a comprehensive guide where we will break down all the essential helpline numbers you need to be familiar with while living or travelling in the UAE. Bookmark this page because this will come in handy at varied times in your life and can be your saviour. With this blog, we aim to make navigating emergencies easy for you in the UAE. 

What is an Emergency Helpline Number?

An emergency helpline number refers to a phone number that enables a caller to reach out to local emergency services for quick assistance. Usually a three-digit number for a quick dial and easy remembrance, it varies from country to country. 

These helpline numbers are vital since they offer an easily remembered and readily accessible route for people to seek help in times of crisis.

UAE Emergency Numbers

The UAE emergency numbers are designed to help citizens and tourists during crisis and cover a wide range of fields to always ensure their safety. A responsible resident also must report a disruptive situation to the authorities quickly, be it a fire, road accident, or a crime. 

Being aware of the helpline numbers will save you in a myriad of ways. Here are some of the most crucial emergency and non-emergency helpline numbers in the UAE that you must be aware of. 

Police and Law Enforcement

Thanks to the highly responsive police force of the UAE, you can get police assistance 24/7 if needed. The entire force works around the clock to ensure the safety of the residents and tourists. Please remember to give accurate, precise, and clear details about your location and incident when you are reporting to the police emergency helpline number. Most importantly, try and remain calm.

There are two major police helpline numbers in the UAE. The first is for emergency police assistance that offers immediate police intervention in the event of assault, theft, or any kind of criminal activity. In these cases, the helpline numbers quickly connect you to the nearest law enforcement team. 

There is also a separate helpline number for non-emergency police assistance, wherein you can reach out to report minor incidents, inquire about legal matters, or find general information without the need for any immediacy. 

Police Helpline

Medical Emergencies

Medical emergencies can arise without any warning, with some being fatal. As such, being aware of helpline numbers for ambulance services will ensure you get prompt medical assistance. Be it an accident at home or road or something as common as a cardiac arrest, the medical response team of the country is equipped to handle severe situations aptly.

The highly efficient ambulance service in the UAE makes sure that medical aid is dispatched quickly, no matter what time of the day it is, upon receiving an emergency call. A separate medical helpline also exists to help with ongoing health issues and general health-related inquiries. 

Make sure to be as succinct as possible while describing your medical situation. Don’t forget to provide your precise location to get faster accessibility to medical services. 

Medical Emergency Helpline

Fire Department (Civil Defence) Services

The fire department is responsible for fighting fires and protecting people and property from its unforgiving flames. They are also tasked with a pivotal role in fire education and making people aware of community safety guidelines. So, no matter whether it is your home, office, or car on fire, this department is who you need to reach out to and they will arrive to ensure your safety.

The fire emergency response directly connects you to the fire rescue team who are trained at handling everything from a small kitchen fire to a large industrial blaze. Make sure to keep your home equipped with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers to aid in the process of fire safety. Evacuate the area immediately in the event of a fire and thoroughly follow the instructions of the fire department upon their arrival.

The fire department is also responsible for civil defence. Therefore, they also handle a wide range of other emergencies, including accidents, search and rescue, wildland firefighting, and other hazardous material accidents, along with aiding during natural and man-made disasters. 

Fire Department Helpline

Traffic Accidents and Roadside Assistance

With a vast network of public transportation systems, Dubai and, by extension, the UAE has a high volume of traffic. As such, to control accidents and provide roadside assistance, the government has provided an emergency helpline that you can use to make a stressful situation more manageable.

From a minor fender bender to a detrimental serious collision, you can use the emergency helpline to report road and traffic incidents quickly. The strict rules and robust law enforcement of the country are designed to aptly manage severe situations on the road. As a safety precaution, make sure to always carry your vehicle’s registration and insurance documents with you all the time.

Additionally, try and move your vehicle off the road in the event of an accident, if it is safe to do so. There is also a separate roadside assistance number that you can use when your vehicle breaks down or runs into any trouble on the road. This number will connect you to a nearby roadside assistance service. They can help you with towing, vehicle recovery, and on-site repairs, among others. 

Traffic and Road Assistance Helpline

Utility Services (Electricity and Water)

Disruption in utility services of electricity and water can put a halt to your daily activities and can be an extreme nuisance. You can’t survive in a city without a proper and regular supply of electricity and water. Being aware of the helpline number that will assist in utility services can resolve such issues seamlessly. 

DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) is responsible for managing the utility services in Dubai, including power outages and water leaks. In Sharjah, SEWA (Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority) handles the same. For Abu Dhabi, the job is done by ADDC (Abu Dhabi Distribution Company). You can reach out to Etihad Water and Electricity in other emirates to report electricity and water supply issues.

If you find yourself in an electrical hazard, blackout, or malfunction, these authorities will provide you with a team to resolve your issue. The same is true for water supply problems such as plumbing disasters, water shortages, and leaks, among others. Make sure to turn off the power supply in case of electrical hazards until help arrives. 

Electricity and Water Helpline

Telecommunication Helplines

In today’s fast-paced digitized world, staying connected is paramount. However, if you are experiencing any issues with your landline, mobile network, or internet connection, then there is a helpline number for telecom providers that will help resolve your issue quickly. 

The two major telecom providers in the UAE – Etisalat and Du – have massive customer service lines that address issues of billing, service disruptions, and technical failures. Their comprehensive solutions help address issues of payment methods, billing cycles, network problems, device malfunctions, and service disruptions, among others. 

It is advised to restart your mobile device or router before making your call to see if that resolves the issue. In addition, before calling, keep your account details handy as it will come up while speaking to a customer service provider. 

Telecom Helpline

Animal Control and Rescue

With its diverse habitat of varied animals, both domestic and wild, animal welfare is a major priority in the country. If you come across an animal in distress or require assistance with a stray animal, then being familiar with the animal rescue helpline is very important. You can also reach out to the Emirates Animal Welfare Society (EAWS) to report animal abuse. 

Animal rescue services provide quick assistance to animals that are trapped, injured, or in dangerous situations. The stray animal reporting can be reached out to in the event you encounter a stray animal that could pose a risk to itself and others or require relocation. The service ensures the animals are handled gently and safely.

Whenever you are calling an animal rescue or stray reporting helpline, make sure to properly describe the condition of the animal and its location. Do not approach the injured or stray animal and listen to professional advice.

Animal Rescue Helpline

Public Services and General Assistance

The UAE Government has also made public services accessible to residents and visitors that can be accessed through dedicated helpline numbers. These can include government services, general city inquiries, and customer support for varied public utilities, among others. Even if these are not emergency services, the government takes them with extreme seriousness. 

The general public assistance helpline number can be used for any non-emergency inquiries to report relevant public issues such as road maintenance or broken street lights. The public service support helpline can be used to inquire about social benefits. 

While calling, you must be very specific about your query so that you can be quickly directed to the apt service. These helplines are designed for non-emergency issues. So, practice patience in getting the apt solution. 

Public Service Helpline

Mental Health and Well-being Services

The Government of the UAE puts heavy emphasis on mental health and, as a result, offers helplines to provide support to people who are facing psychological and emotional stress and difficulties. These services are provided with complete confidentiality and can be availed when you are feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed. 

When contacted, you are connected with skilled professionals who are trained in the field and they offer professional advice in the form of therapy and counselling sessions. So, if you or anyone you know is feeling overwhelmed or stressed by the pressures in life, do not hesitate to reach out to the helpline for support and guidance. 

Mental health is as important as physical health. Ignoring the signs of stress and depression and thinking you can do everything on your own without needing anyone is not a healthy decision. Take help and live your life to the fullest.

Mental Health Helpline

Tourist Helplines and Support

The UAE, especially, Dubai, is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. With millions and millions of tourists visiting the country every year, the government has established dedicated helpline numbers to assist the many and varied needs of the tourists. From lost property to finding directions to even getting local recommendations, the helpline numbers are designed to ensure that tourists have a stress-free and relaxing visit.

If you are new to the UAE and require assistance in navigating the city, finding popular landmarks, or understanding local customs, then the tourist information helpline can aid you. The lost and found services, as its name suggests, offer a helpline to tourists in the event they misplace or lose their belongings in public places, hotels, or transport services. 

It is suggested to always keep multiple copies of important documents such as your visa and passport with you all the time while travelling. Keeping this helpline handy will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable visit to the UAE.

Tourist Helpline

UAE Emergency Apps

In addition to the UAE emergency numbers we have listed above, there are a couple of emergency apps you can download and install on your device for various emergencies to get adequate help and assistance. Let's take a quick look at some of them. 

Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS)

The Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS) app allows people to request SOS. It is a handy app through which people can make ambulance service requests for people of determination, especially those suffering from visual and hearing disabilities. 

In addition, the app also offers training from Dubai Ambulance online through video clips, illustrations, and text. 

My Safe Society

The UAE Public Prosecution offers a valuable smart app in the form of My Safe Society, which enables the public to report crimes and suspicious activities on social media. These activities may disrupt general order, threaten social or national security, or negatively impact public opinion. 

The app allows users to attach pieces of evidence through audio clips, photos, videos, and URLs, among others. To maintain safety, it allows users to maintain anonymity and confidentiality while reporting incidents.

To Conclude

The UAE Government is committed to providing immediate and accessible public services to its residents and tourists round-the-clock. Therefore, it has opened up a wide range of emergency and non-emergency helpline numbers in varied sectors that the public can dial to get apt assistance. 

Familiarising yourself with the helpline numbers and having them at your fingertips will empower you to handle whatever comes your way. Access to these emergency and non-emergency numbers is crucial in times of need. Keep this guide handy and make sure you and your loved ones stay safe and are equipped to deal with any situation.

FAQs

Commonly Asked Questions about the UAE Helpline Numbers

What is 999 in the UAE?

999 is the emergency police helpline number in the UAE. You can use this number to report crimes and emergencies throughout the country. 

What is the 911 in the UAE?

In several parts of the world, 911 is a three-digit emergency helpline number that provides immediate service to the public with direct access to safety. In the UAE, its equivalent is the 999 which connects you to a public safety service in the country. 

What is the number 112 in the UAE?

The emergency helpline number 112 in the UAE can be used to reach out to the public authorities to get police, fire, or medical services in the event your phone is locked or you are out of range. This number is very helpful for tourists or residents who are not adequately familiar with the local emergency contacts. 

Is 112 the same as 911?

While 911 in many countries is used as a primary emergency helpline number, 112, on the other hand, is mostly used as an alternative emergency helpline number in many countries around the globe. In the UAE, 112 serves as an alternate emergency number to 999, making it a crucial backup in any situation. 

Who responds to a 998 call?

In the UAE, calling 998 provides you with an emergency ambulance service and medical assistance. It is the primary medical emergency helpline number in the country. 

Are 998 ambulances free?

998 ambulances in the UAE are usually free in the event of a life-threatening emergency. In several instances, the treatment to stabilize the condition of a patient in an emergency can also be free. However, this is not a standard practice and you may be charged if the situation is not deemed as an emergency. 

What is 901 in Dubai?

In Dubai, 901 is the non-emergency helpline to reach out to the police. It is usually used for getting updates on service requests, inquiring on general issues, and other allied non-urgent matters. It is in stark contrast to the emergency police helpline number of 999 which is used in critical situations. 

How to call the police in the UAE?

If you want to call the police in the UAE for an emergency, you need to use the helpline 999. For non-emergency police assistance, you can dial 901. 

What number do I call for roadside assistance in the UAE?

You can dial 999 for reporting serious traffic accidents and 800 4430 for requesting roadside assistance in the UAE.

Can I contact the UAE government for general inquiries?

Yes, you can dial 800 555 for general public service inquiries and it will connect you to the public service helpline of the UAE Government. You can use it to inquire about public services, government offices, and other allied issues, as it assists both residents and visitors.