Dubai Emergency Decision Tree 2026
What to do in 12 Dubai emergency scenarios — lost passport, medical emergency, car accident, arrest, visa overstay, travel ban, domestic violence, and more. Official phone numbers, step-by-step procedures, and what not to do.
Signed by: Sarah Al Qasimi (Lead Editor). Fact-checked by the full editorial team.
Emergency Scenario Guide
In a life-threatening emergency: call 999 or 998 immediately
This tool provides general guidance. In any life-threatening emergency — call 999 (Police/Emergency) or 998 (Ambulance) before doing anything else. Do not rely on this guide during an active emergency.
Select your emergency scenario
Select a scenario above to see step-by-step guidance, who to call, what to document, and what not to do.
Dubai Emergency Phone Numbers
What to Do in the First 60 Seconds — Any Crisis
- 1
Ensure your physical safety first
Always firstRemove yourself from immediate danger before doing anything else. If in a car accident — move to the roadside. If facing violence — leave the space or lock yourself in a room. No document or procedure is worth your physical safety. - 2
Call the appropriate emergency number
999 for police/emergency. 998 for ambulance. 997 for fire. 800 7283 for domestic violence support. 901 for non-emergency police. Do not call 999 for non-emergencies — it delays responses to genuine emergencies. - 3
Do not sign anything or make statements without understanding them
In any legal or police situation, do not sign Arabic documents without a certified translator. Do not admit fault or guilt verbally or in writing without legal advice. In medical situations, signing AMA (Against Medical Advice) forms has insurance implications — understand what you are signing. - 4
Contact your embassy if the situation involves legal or immigration issues
Your embassy is your first call for: arrest, passport loss, serious accidents involving nationality complications, or any situation where your legal status may be affected. Embassy consular staff have experience navigating UAE systems. - 5
Document everything — photos, names, numbers, timestamps
Take photos. Write down names, badge numbers, and reference numbers. Screenshot any digital communications. The UAE is a heavily documented society — evidence matters significantly in any dispute or legal proceeding.
Emergency Dos and Don'ts in Dubai
Always do in an emergency
- Call 998 for ambulance — it is free and fast for genuine emergencies
- Contact your embassy in any legal or criminal situation — they have 24/7 emergency lines
- File a police report for accidents — without it, no insurance claim is valid
- Document everything with photos before things change or are cleaned up
- Request an Arabic-English translator before any police questioning
- Pay overstay fines before attempting to leave the UAE
- Contact DFAC (800 7283) in domestic violence situations — confidential 24/7
Never do in an emergency
- Never sign an Arabic document without a certified translator and lawyer present
- Never admit fault in a car accident — police determine fault based on evidence
- Never confront an abuser alone — get support and leave safely first
- Never attempt to travel internationally if you suspect a travel ban
- Never pay disputed hotel charges without disputing them in writing first
- Never attempt to exit UAE with unpaid overstay fines — airport detention is the result
- Never resist arrest — even if you believe the detention is unlawful
Critical Reminders
In any criminal or legal situation: contact your embassy FIRST
Your embassy has 24-hour emergency consular lines. Under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, you have the right to have your embassy notified. Embassy staff have navigated these situations many times and can connect you with qualified local legal representation quickly.
DHA Ambulance (998) is free for genuine life-threatening emergencies
Calling 998 for a serious medical emergency deploys a DHA-operated ambulance at no charge to you for the emergency response. Hospital treatment is billed separately through your insurance. Do not call 998 for minor injuries — use a taxi to A&E. Misuse of 998 can result in a fine.
Never sign Arabic documents without a certified translator and legal review
In police, court, and immigration settings, signing an Arabic document without full understanding of its content is legally binding. Always request a certified interpreter. Do not accept that “it is just a formality” — insist on understanding before signing anything.