What are the emergency numbers in Abu Dhabi?

In Abu Dhabi, knowing the right emergency numbers can save precious time during fire outbreaks, road accidents, medical issues, or police situations.

Emergencies don’t come with warnings

Imagine you’re shopping at Abu Dhabi Mall and someone suddenly collapses near the escalator. Or your car breaks down late at night on Sheikh Zayed Street. In those moments, every second counts, and not knowing who to call can escalate panic. Many newcomers assume the UAE’s emergency numbers are the same as those back home, but the system here works differently, and memorizing or saving the correct contacts makes a real difference.

We’ve seen people from Türkiye try calling 112, expecting it to work. But in the UAE, that number doesn’t connect to emergency responders. That’s why preparing in advance is more than helpful—it’s essential.

999 connects you to the police

The most important number to remember in Abu Dhabi is 999. This line connects you directly to the Abu Dhabi Police Command and Control Centre, which handles all criminal, traffic, or law-related situations.

You should call 999 if there’s a theft, fight, suspicious activity, missing person, or if you witness an accident that needs police presence. Operators speak multiple languages, including Arabic and English, and calls are answered in seconds, even during peak hours.

The line is open 24/7 and available throughout the UAE, so you can use it whether you’re in Abu Dhabi city or driving toward Al Ain.

998 is the ambulance and emergency medical number

For medical emergencies, the number to dial is 998. This connects you to the National Ambulance Service, which dispatches trained paramedics and fully equipped ambulances across Abu Dhabi.

Situations that require this number include heart attacks, serious injuries, seizures, childbirth complications, or accidents involving unconscious individuals. Operators may guide you through first-aid steps until help arrives, so keep your phone charged and location services enabled.

Ambulance response times are fast in urban areas but can vary in remote zones. Sharing your GPS location through apps like “Hayaak” or “Abu Dhabi Police” can help speed things up.

997 connects you to the Civil Defence for fires

If you see smoke or flames—whether it’s a kitchen fire, car explosion, or building blaze—997 is the number to call. This connects you with Abu Dhabi Civil Defence, which dispatches fire engines, rescue units, and emergency response crews.

Civil Defence teams are trained to handle not just fires, but chemical spills, gas leaks, and structural collapses. If you’re in a high-rise building or a residential complex, also alert your building’s security to activate internal protocols.

Just like in Türkiye, where calling 110 alerts the fire brigade, in Abu Dhabi you must use 997 for fire-related issues.

996 is the helpline for coast guard emergencies

If you’re out at sea—on a jet ski, yacht, or ferry—and face any kind of maritime danger, 996 connects you to the Coast Guard. This number is essential for reporting lost vessels, drowning incidents, or water-based crimes.

Abu Dhabi has a long coastline with active beach and marine tourism. Whether you’re at Saadiyat Beach, Al Bateen Marina, or Hudayriyat Island, the coast guard monitors all official beach zones and responds to emergency calls with marine patrol boats.

Foreign visitors enjoying sea sports are often unaware of this number, but knowing it can mean the difference between a scare and a tragedy.

991 is used for electricity emergencies

If your apartment experiences a sudden blackout, exposed wiring, or dangerous electric sparking, 991 is the number for Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC).

This service handles electrical disruptions across residential and commercial districts. They also respond to transformer issues, power surges, and outages caused by storms or accidents.

The ADDC call center asks for your account number or building reference, so keeping a copy of your tenancy contract or utility bill nearby helps when making the call.

992 is for water-related emergencies

Whether it’s a burst pipe, severe flooding in your parking lot, or broken water supply to your villa, dial 992 to reach the ADDC water emergency team.

This number connects you to technicians who specialize in water pressure issues, pipeline leaks, and damaged meters. Water supply in Abu Dhabi is a critical utility, and complaints are usually handled within hours depending on severity.

In newer districts like Khalifa City or Al Raha Gardens, fast-growing infrastructure sometimes leads to water pressure problems. Reporting them promptly helps not just your home, but your neighborhood as well.

Additional services through smart apps

The Abu Dhabi Police app is one of the most downloaded platforms in the city. Through this app, you can report crimes, upload photos, check traffic fines, and track emergency response teams.

Another useful tool is the “Hayaak” chatbot, available on several government portals. You can use it to explain your issue and receive guided steps to reach the appropriate department.

Both services are available in Arabic and English, and offer real-time updates on complaint status, location sharing, and ticket numbers.

If you’re a Turkish speaker and feel unsure during a call, using the app interface may be more comfortable than speaking on the phone, especially in stressful moments.

Knowing your location speeds up help

According to the www.few.ae , one of the most common issues during emergencies is unclear or inaccurate location sharing. In a city filled with similar-looking buildings and long avenues, even a small delay in giving your exact spot can slow response.

Saving your building number, nearest landmarks, and street name in your phone notes is a smart habit. If you use ride-hailing apps like Careem or Uber, reviewing your last few drop-off points can help you give precise details during a call.

Some residents print small cards with their address and keep them in wallets or cars for quick access. It’s a habit worth copying.

Emergency numbers work across all emirates

Even though this guide focuses on Abu Dhabi, these emergency numbers are valid throughout the UAE. Whether you’re in Dubai, Sharjah, or Ras Al Khaimah, 999 still connects you to the police, 998 to ambulance, and so on.

Response teams are coordinated through centralized systems, and your location determines which unit gets dispatched. That means no need to memorize different codes for each city—just save these in your contacts with labels like “Ambulance UAE” or “Fire UAE.”

For added safety, we recommend saving the numbers in both English and your native language to help others in your household who may not speak fluent English.

Better safe than sorry

Emergencies are rare, but when they happen, preparedness makes all the difference. Whether you’re a tourist staying for a week or a resident with long-term plans, understanding Abu Dhabi’s emergency system builds confidence.

It takes just five minutes to save these numbers. But when it matters most, those five minutes could make the biggest difference of all.