How to Contact Dubai Police: Calls, Apps, and Smart Stations
May 9, 2025
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Dubai shines with a reputation for safety, a testament partly to the diligent work of the Dubai Police Force 
[4]
[7]. But even in one of the world's safest cities, knowing how to report a crime or access police services is essential for everyone – whether you're a lifelong resident, a new expat, or just visiting 
[31]. This guide cuts through the confusion, explaining the different ways you can connect with Dubai Police, from traditional methods to modern marvels like the Dubai Police app and the 24/7 Smart Police Stations (SPS) 
[13]
[18]
[24]. Staying informed means staying safe, so let's explore your options.
Understanding the Dubai Police Force
Established back in 1956, the Dubai Police Force is the primary agency keeping the peace across the emirate [4][7]. They are responsible for maintaining public order, protecting people and property, and enforcing the law for Dubai's diverse population of over 3 million [7][4][24]. It's a modern force, known for embracing technology like AI and pioneering electronic fingerprinting [4][7]. Key departments include the General Department of Criminal Investigation (CID), which handles criminal cases [7]
[8]
[28]
[23], and the General Department of Operations, managing emergency responses like the 999 call center [4]
[30].
How to Report Crimes & Incidents: Your Options
Okay, so you need to contact the police. What are your choices? Dubai Police offers several channels depending on the situation: you can call emergency or non-emergency numbers, visit a station in person, use digital platforms like the app or website, report anonymously via Al Ameen, or utilize the futuristic Smart Police Stations (SPS) 
[10]&size=28)
[12][13]
[17][31]
[34]. Let's break down each method so you know exactly what to do.
Urgent Help Needed? Dial 999
This is the big one. 999 is the universal emergency number across the UAE, reserved for genuine emergencies that pose an immediate threat to life, property, or safety 
[14][31][34]. Think serious accidents, fires, or crimes in progress. Calling 999 connects you to the command center, which coordinates police, ambulance (998), and fire department (997) responses [14][34]. Dubai Police aims for incredibly rapid response times in critical situations, so please only use 999 for true emergencies to keep the line free for those in immediate danger 
[21]
[22][30].
Non-Emergency? Call 901
What if it's not a life-or-death situation? For general inquiries, asking for information, or reporting non-urgent incidents (like a minor issue you observed earlier), you should dial 901 [30][21][22]. Using 901 for these matters helps ensure the 999 emergency line remains available for critical calls [21]. It’s the right number for questions or reports that don't require an immediate, lights-and-sirens response.
Reporting In-Person at a Police Station
Sometimes, you might prefer or need to report something face-to-face. You can visit any Dubai Police station to file a complaint [10]
[32]. Typically, you'll inform the officer on duty about the incident, provide all the necessary details (which will be recorded, often in Arabic, though translation assistance is usually available), review the written statement for accuracy, and then sign it 
[1][32]
[15]. You'll receive a reference number for your complaint [32]. Generally, it's best to file the complaint at the station that has jurisdiction over the area where the incident occurred [1][15].
Digital Reporting: The Dubai Police App & Website
In today's digital world, Dubai Police offers incredibly convenient ways to report issues and access services online through their official website and mobile app [7]
[2]
[11][24]. These platforms offer a huge range of services – often cited as over 70 or 80 different options [7][2][24]
[27]
[33]. Key reporting functions include submitting details for minor traffic accidents (often just by uploading photos) 
[9], reporting cybercrimes via the dedicated eCrime portal [4][24], filing general criminal complaints [24], reporting bounced cheques [18]
[19][24], submitting certain labor complaints [18][19][27], reporting lost items [18][24], contributing community reports via the "Police Eye" feature [9][18][19], and accessing specific tourist security services [2][13][18]. The app and website support multiple languages like English, Arabic, Russian, Chinese, French, German, and Spanish, and even include features for visually impaired users, making them highly accessible [11][33].
Need Anonymity? Use the Al Ameen Service
What if you have sensitive information or witnessed suspicious activity, but you're hesitant to reveal your identity? That's where the Al Ameen service comes in [7][12][31]. It allows you to provide confidential information to Dubai Police completely anonymously [12]. You can report concerns about economic crimes, safety threats, concerning traffic behavior, or anything else that violates UAE law [12]. They make it easy to get in touch 24/7 through various channels:
•
Website [12]
Spotlight on Smart Police Stations (SPS)
What are Smart Police Stations?
One of the most impressive innovations from Dubai Police is the network of Smart Police Stations (SPS) [4][7]. Imagine a police station with no human officers physically present – that's an SPS. These are unmanned, self-service centers operating 24/7, using technology to provide a vast array of police services [7][13][17][18][19]
[20]. Launched in 2017 as part of Dubai's Smart City vision, the goal is to make police services more efficient, accessible, and transparent for everyone [13][18][20].
Key Benefits of Using SPS
Why use an SPS? Honestly, the benefits are pretty compelling. You get 24/7 access, meaning services are available any time, day or night, even on holidays [4][7][13][18][20]. The interfaces support multiple languages (usually six or seven, including English, Arabic, Spanish, French, German, Russian, and Chinese), breaking down communication barriers for Dubai's diverse population [4][13][20]. The self-service nature offers privacy and might feel less intimidating for some people compared to a traditional station [13][20]. Plus, digital transactions mean greater efficiency and no waiting in queues [4]. You'll find SPS conveniently located in places like City Walk, La Mer, Dubai Marina, and other residential and commercial hubs [4][17][18].
Services Available at SPS
What Happens After You File a Report? (Brief Overview)
Okay, you've filed a report. What's next? Generally, the Dubai Police will conduct the initial investigation, which involves gathering evidence and taking statements [1][10][23]. Once they've completed their preliminary work (usually within 48 hours), the case file is handed over to the Public Prosecution [1]
[5]
[6][10][23]
[25]. Think of the Public Prosecution as the legal arm; they review the police findings, may conduct further investigations themselves, and ultimately decide if there's enough evidence to formally press charges and take the case to court [1]
[3][5][6][15]
[29]. It's the Public Prosecution, not the police, who holds the authority to charge someone with a crime [1][3][5][10].
Practical Tips for Tourists and Residents
Navigating any system is easier with a few pointers. Here’s what tourists and residents should keep in mind:
•
Respect Laws: Familiarize yourself with and always adhere to local UAE laws and regulations to avoid any trouble 
[26].
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