Dubai Emergency Guide
Step-by-step guidance for every type of emergency in Dubai. Save this page and know what to do before you ever need it.
Emergency Numbers
All emergency services in Dubai operate 24/7 and have English-speaking operators. 112 is the international emergency number and connects to 999 in the UAE.
Car Accident
Car accidents are common in Dubai due to high traffic density and aggressive driving habits. Know exactly what to do — the steps are legally important for insurance claims.
Check for InjuriesCritical
If anyone is injured — do NOT move vehicles. Call 999 immediately and wait for police.
Move Vehicles (Minor Accidents Only)
If no injuries and vehicles are driveable, move them to the side of the road to prevent additional accidents. Failure to do so can result in a fine.
Photograph Everything
Take photos of: all vehicle damage, license plates of all vehicles, position of vehicles before moving them, any relevant road conditions or signs.
Exchange Details
Exchange: name, phone number, Emirates ID or passport number, vehicle registration, insurance company and policy number.
Get a Police ReportCritical
Go to a Dubai Police accident reporting unit or drive-through within 24 hours. Without a police report, insurance claims will be rejected. Some areas have self-service accident reporting kiosks.
File Insurance Claim
Submit the police report to your insurance company. Most have 24-hour helplines. Some insurers have their own apps for claim submission.
Medical Emergency
Dubai has world-class medical facilities. Response times are generally fast in urban areas. Know your options in advance.
Call 998 (Ambulance)
Give your exact location, what happened, and how many people are affected. Stay on the line.
If in a Hotel — Call Reception First
Hotel security and first aid teams often respond faster than ambulances. Reception can guide the paramedics to your room.
Know Your Nearest Hospital
Search Google Maps for 'emergency room near me' right now and save it. Knowing beforehand saves critical minutes.
Ambulance Costs
UAE ambulance is NOT free for residents — typically AED 500–3,000 depending on distance and treatment. This is covered by most health insurance plans. If uninsured, you will be billed.
Bring Identification
Bring Emirates ID or passport, plus your insurance card or policy number. Government hospitals will treat emergencies regardless of insurance status.
Government Hospital Option
Rashid Hospital and Dubai Hospital (government) will treat emergencies and set up payment plans if you're uninsured. Private hospitals require upfront deposits.
Major Hospitals with 24hr Emergency
Main government trauma center
Largest government hospital
Major private facility
International standard, large ER
West Dubai coverage
Women and children specialist
Passport Lost or Stolen
A lost or stolen passport is stressful but manageable. Most countries' embassies in Dubai can issue an emergency travel document within 1–3 business days.
File a Police Report
Visit the nearest police station or use the Dubai Police app. Get a case number — you'll need this for everything that follows.
Contact Your Embassy
Every major country has an embassy or consulate in Dubai. They can issue emergency travel documents, often within 1–3 business days.
Emergency Travel Document
Most embassies issue emergency passports or travel documents valid for a single journey home. Bring: police report, photos, proof of citizenship (birth certificate, driving license).
Residence Visa Holders
If you're a UAE resident, contact ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) — they can confirm your residency status and assist with Emirates ID replacement.
Inform Your Airline
If you have travel booked, inform your airline. Most will allow rebooking on emergency travel documents without fees.
Find Your Embassy in Dubai
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains a full list of embassies at mofa.gov.ae. Save your embassy's emergency number now — before you need it.
- UK Embassy Dubai: +971-4-309-4444
- US Consulate Dubai: +971-4-309-4000
- Australian Consulate Dubai: +971-4-508-7100
- Indian Consulate Dubai: +971-4-397-1222
- Pakistani Consulate Dubai: +971-4-220-0800
- Philippines Consulate Dubai: +971-4-220-7100
If You Are Arrested
The UAE legal system operates differently to Western countries. Knowing your rights and what to do can make a significant difference to your outcome.
Stay Calm and Compliant
Do not resist, argue aggressively, or make sudden movements. Dubai Police are generally professional. Hostility will make your situation worse.
Request Embassy Contact
You have the legal right to contact your embassy or consulate. Make this request clearly and calmly. Police are required to allow this.
Do Not Sign Anything
Do not sign any documents without understanding them fully. Request a translation if needed. Ask for an interpreter — you have the right to one.
Contact a Lawyer
Ask to contact a UAE-licensed lawyer as soon as possible. Many law firms offer 24-hour emergency consultations. Your embassy can provide a list of local lawyers.
What Your Embassy Can Do
Your embassy CANNOT get you released or override UAE law. They CAN visit you, ensure you're treated fairly, provide a lawyer list, and contact your family.
Common Reasons for Arrest
Bounced cheques, drug possession (including prescription medications without documentation), public intoxication, offensive online posts, and driving offences. All carry serious penalties in the UAE.
Flooding & Extreme Weather
Dubai receives little rainfall annually but when it does rain heavily, roads flood rapidly. The 2024 floods that caused widespread disruption demonstrated how quickly conditions can deteriorate.
Stay Indoors
During heavy rainfall, stay off the roads entirely if possible. Dubai roads flood quickly due to limited drainage infrastructure.
Never Drive Through Standing Water
Even shallow-looking water can be deeper than it appears. Vehicles stall in floodwater, and drivers have been stranded and required rescue. Turn around.
Monitor Official Sources
Check Dubai Municipality Twitter/X (@DMunicipality) and National Centre of Meteorology (@ncmuae) for real-time updates and road closures.
Move Your Car
If heavy rain is forecast, move your vehicle from basement parking or low-lying areas to higher ground. Basement carparks have flooded and destroyed vehicles.
DEWA Emergency
Call 991 if flooding threatens electrical infrastructure or if you see submerged cables. Do not touch standing water near electrical installations.
After Flooding
Do not enter flooded basements or ground floors until authorities confirm they're safe. Document all damage with photos for insurance claims.
Victim of Crime or Scam
Dubai has one of the world's lowest crime rates but scams targeting expats and tourists do occur — particularly in real estate, online transactions, and tourist areas.
Report to Dubai Police
Call 999 or visit the nearest police station. For online crimes, use the eCrime portal at ecrime.ae — you can file online 24/7.
Preserve Evidence
Keep all evidence: screenshots of messages, transaction receipts, email chains, photos. Do not delete anything even if it seems irrelevant.
Online Scams
Report via eCrime portal (ecrime.ae). You can file a report online and the Cyber Crime unit will investigate. Response time is typically 1–5 working days.
Consumer Scams
Contact the Department of Economy and Tourism: 600-545-555. For overcharging, fake goods, or unfair business practices.
Real Estate Fraud
Report to RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) via the DLD app or 800-4488. RERA actively pursues fraudulent landlords and agents.
Workplace Issues
MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources) handles labor disputes. Call 800-60 or file online at mohre.gov.ae. Employers who don't pay salaries can be reported here.
Mental Health Crisis
Dubai's expat lifestyle can be isolating. Financial stress, relationship breakdown, and work pressure are common triggers. Help is available — you don't need to handle it alone.
Free, anonymous, multilingual crisis line
Emotional support for anyone in distress
Dubai Health Authority mental health line
Text-based crisis support
Counseling clinic, English and Arabic
For immediate concern about yourself or others
Breaking the Stigma
Mental health awareness has grown significantly in the UAE. The Dubai government actively promotes mental wellness. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness and does not affect your visa or residency status.
Emergency Preparedness Checklist
Do these things now, before any emergency happens:
Save 999, 998, 997 in your phone contacts
EssentialSave your embassy or consulate's emergency number
EssentialSave your insurance company's 24hr emergency line
EssentialKnow your nearest hospital with A&E/emergency room
MedicalStore copies of passport and Emirates ID in cloud storage
DocumentsDownload the Dubai Police and DEWA apps
AppsKeep a small emergency cash fund (AED 500–1,000)
FinancialShare your location access with a trusted contact
SafetyKnow your building's fire escape routes
HomeBookmark ecrime.ae for online crime reporting
Crime