On holiday nobody plans on needing a doctor in an emergency, but you need to know what to do and which number to dial in advance — there is no time for that once something has happened. The good news: Dubai’s emergency services work fast, speak English and are available free of charge. Let us go through it step by step. This is part of the guide on healthcare in Dubai.
UAE Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Ambulance | 998 |
| Police | 999 |
| Civil Defence (fire service) | 997 |
| Police (non-emergency line) | 901 |
| Coast Guard | 996 |
| Search and rescue | 995 |
The main number for health problems is 998. Operators speak English, and the call goes through even without a SIM card or credit.
How to Call an Ambulance
- Dial 998.
- Give the exact address or landmark (the name of a hotel, a shopping centre, a neighbourhood — for example, “Dubai Mall”, “Marina Walk”). It is easier to share your location if you have internet to hand.
- Briefly describe what has happened and how many people are hurt.
- Do not hang up first — the operator will tell you what to do before the crew arrives.
Is the Ambulance Paid For
Emergency care for a life-threatening condition is provided to everyone — regardless of insurance or visa status. But further treatment, tests and a stay in a private hospital are paid for — which is exactly why medical insurance matters. If the case is not an emergency, it makes more sense to go to a clinic or hospital yourself.
Where You Are Taken
For serious injuries and road accidents, patients are usually taken to the government-run Rashid Hospital in Oud Metha — this is Dubai’s main trauma centre, with a 24-hour emergency department. Women and children in their specialties are received at Latifa Hospital. In New Dubai (Marina, JBR, Al Barsha), private hospitals with 24-hour emergency care are convenient — for example, Saudi German. The map below shows the main hospitals with an emergency department.
What to Do in a Road Accident
A road accident is a common reason tourists behind the wheel seek help. The procedure:
- If there are casualties — 998 (ambulance) and 999 (police).
- Do not leave the scene and do not move the cars before the police arrive if there are casualties or serious damage.
- Wait for the police report — you cannot do without it when dealing with the insurer and the rental company.
- Stay calm and observe the rules of conduct — aggression on the road is punishable in the UAE (see rules of conduct in Dubai).
Knowing the three numbers — 998, 999, 997 — and a couple of hospitals near your area takes away most of the anxiety. Otherwise Dubai is a very safe city, and it almost never comes to an emergency.
