Dubai Emergency Numbers: Accessible Help When You Need It Most
April 23, 2025
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Knowing who to call in an emergency offers invaluable peace of mind, whether you're a long-term resident, a new expat, or just visiting Dubai. Thankfully, the city boasts a robust and well-organized system for handling emergencies, ensuring help is readily available when you need it most %20of%202022%20Issuing%20the%20Implementing%20Bylaw%20of%20Law%20No.%20(3)%20of%202022.pdf&size=28)
[26]
[31]. What's particularly commendable is Dubai's focus on making these critical services accessible to everyone, including People of Determination (PoD). This guide covers the essential emergency numbers, accessible communication methods designed for PoD, important non-emergency hotlines for daily life, specialized support lines, and practical tips to communicate effectively during stressful situations.
Critical Emergency Numbers: Who to Call When Seconds Count
The main emergency numbers you absolutely need to know are:
•
998 - Ambulance (DCAS): For any medical emergency, injury, or health crisis requiring immediate medical attention, dial 998 to connect with the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services 
[1]
[29]
[32][26]
[5]
[22]. Depending on the situation, an air ambulance might even be dispatched [1][32]. Hospitals provide initial stabilizing treatment, often free, though further care requires payment [1].
Remember, these three numbers work nationwide throughout the UAE [1][29][5][22]. Other important, though less frequently used, nationwide emergency lines include 996 for the Coastguard and 995 for Find and Rescue services [29][32][26]. For police matters that aren't urgent emergencies, you can contact Dubai Police on the non-emergency number 901 [26][31].
Accessible Emergency Communication for People of Determination (PoD)
Ensuring everyone can access help easily is a priority in Dubai. People of Determination, especially those with hearing, speech, or visual impairments, require tailored communication methods, and Dubai has stepped up to provide them.
Several mobile applications offer accessible ways to contact emergency services:
•
DCAS SOS App: Provided by the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, this app (available on Google Play and App Store) features a prominent SOS button [1][29][32][26]. Pressing it sends a distress signal along with your precise location, ensuring an ambulance is dispatched quickly [1][29][32]. It's specifically designed to cater to PoD with hearing and visual disabilities [1][29][26]
[36]. An AI-enhanced version is anticipated later in 2025, promising preliminary medical advice 
[12].
•
Dubai Police App: This comprehensive app (for Apple and Android) includes an SOS button for general emergencies 
[33]
[17]. It also features a dedicated 'Protect Child and Woman' SOS function, allowing women, children, and PoD to send an emergency alert with their location in just one click 
[7]
[9][33]. Other useful features include automatic crash detection for severe accidents and specific tools for visually impaired users to request assistance or use camera reading functions [7][33]
[21][9]. The app supports multiple languages, enhancing its usability [9].
Beyond apps, specialized services bridge communication gaps:
•
CDA Sanad Relay Centre / App: Run by the Community Development Authority (CDA), this service connects individuals with hearing disabilities to sign language experts via video call or text 
[19]. These experts act as relays, facilitating communication between the user and the person they need to speak with, including emergency services [19]. The "CDA Sanad Relay" app (iOS/Android) and the CDA website offer access to this vital service for those with hearing or speech difficulties 
[25][19].
What about Emergency SMS? While some services in other Emirates or specialized helplines like DFWAC use SMS [1]
[11][22]
[28]
[4], there's no explicit mention in the research of a dedicated SMS channel for Dubai's main 999, 998, or 997 numbers. For guaranteed accessible emergency communication in Dubai, People of Determination should prioritize using the dedicated apps like DCAS SOS, the Dubai Police App, or the CDA Sanad Relay service [1][29][9]
[18][25][19].
Non-Emergency Hotlines: RTA & Dubai Municipality
For everyday issues that aren't life-threatening emergencies but still require attention, particularly concerning public services and accessibility, these numbers are key.
•
Roads and Transport Authority (RTA): Have questions about the Metro, buses, taxis, road tolls (Salik), parking, or accessibility features within the transport network? Call the RTA's 24/7 hotline at 800 90 90 
[6]
[10]
[15]
[20]
[2]. If you're calling from outside the UAE, use +971 4 605 1414 [6][15]. You can also reach out via email (ASK@rta.ae) or their social media channels [6][10][2]. The RTA offers specific services for PoD, like Salik toll exemptions and dedicated parking permits 
[30].
•
Dubai Municipality (DM): For concerns related to public parks, building accessibility standards, sanitation issues, environmental problems, or other municipal services, contact the Dubai Municipality's 24/7 call center at 800 900 
[27]
[13]
[34]. This number handles inquiries, complaints, and suggestions [27][13]. Alternative contact methods include email (info@dm.gov.ae), the DM app, and even WhatsApp [27][13][34].
Specialized Helplines for Support and Protection
Dubai provides several dedicated helplines offering support and protection for vulnerable individuals, including People of Determination.
•
Community Development Authority (CDA) - PoD Protection: If you need to report any violation against the rights of a Person of Determination (like abuse, neglect, or discrimination) or have inquiries about related services, call the CDA's 24/7 hotline at 800 988 [11]
[16][18]
[3][25]. This service is available for citizens, residents, and tourists [3]. Importantly, individuals with hearing or speech impairments can access this hotline using the CDA Sanad Relay app for sign language support [18][3][25]. The general CDA number for other inquiries is 800 2121 
[23].
•
Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC): This foundation offers crucial support, shelter, and protection for women and children experiencing domestic violence, abuse, or human trafficking 
[8][28]
[35]. Their 24/7 free helpline is 800 111, available for urgent help, reporting abuse, or seeking consultation [1][8][28][11][16][35]. They also offer communication via SMS, webchat, email, WhatsApp, and their app [28].
•
Practical Tips for Effective Emergency Communication
In a crisis, clear communication can make all the difference. Here’s how to ensure you get the help you need quickly and efficiently.
•
Know Your Location: This is absolutely critical. Be ready to provide your exact address, building name, floor/apartment number, a nearby landmark, or ideally, your Makani number (Dubai's unique 10-digit address code) [27]. Fortunately, emergency apps like DCAS SOS and the Dubai Police app often use your phone's GPS to pinpoint your location automatically [1][29][32][26][9][17].
•
Communicate Clearly and Calmly: State the nature of the emergency right away – is it a fire, a medical issue, a crime? [1][5]. Clearly specify which service you need: Police (999), Ambulance (998), or Fire Department (997) [1][29][32][26]. Answer the operator's questions calmly and provide necessary details like the number of people involved or the type of injuries [1].
•
Overcoming Language Barriers: Emergency operators in Dubai often speak multiple languages, including English and Arabic 
[37]. Speak slowly and use simple words. The Dubai Police app supports seven languages, which can be helpful [9]. If possible, ask someone nearby who speaks Arabic or English to help translate. Keep a translation app handy on your phone, just in case [37].
•
Tips for Communication Disabilities: If you have a hearing or speech impairment, prioritize using the dedicated accessible apps: DCAS SOS, the Dubai Police app, or the CDA Sanad Relay service [1][29][9][18][25][19]. These allow communication via SOS buttons, text, or sign language video relay [1][18][19]. Consider having pre-written messages on your phone explaining your needs. Registering your needs with relevant authorities might also help ensure a tailored response 
[24].
•
Follow Instructions: Listen carefully to what the emergency operator tells you to do [1]. Don't hang up until they say it's okay [1]. Follow specific advice, like moving vehicles off the road after a minor accident with no injuries, or leaving them in place if there are injuries [1][5]. In a fire, evacuate using marked exits, avoid elevators, and close doors behind you [5][22].
Being prepared is key to staying safe. Familiarize yourself with these essential numbers and the fantastic accessible options available, especially the apps designed for People of Determination [32][26][4]. Save the key contacts in your phone, download the relevant apps (DCAS SOS, Dubai Police, CDA Sanad Relay), and share this information with family and friends. Dubai is committed to the safety and inclusion of everyone; knowing how to access help ensures you can fully benefit from that commitment.
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