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Emergencies and key laws

For anyone at any step. Save these numbers in your phone before you fly.

999Police
998Ambulance
997Fire
901Dubai Police, non-emergency

If something goes wrong

Car accident
  1. Stop, turn on your hazard lights and check for injuries.
  2. If anyone is hurt, call 999 (police) or 998 (ambulance).
  3. If it’s minor and nobody is hurt, report it in the Dubai Police app, then move off the road if told to.
  4. Garages need a police report before insurers will pay for repairs.
Fire at home
  1. Get everyone out. Don’t use the lift.
  2. Call 997 (fire).
  3. Tell your building security.
  4. Photograph the damage for your landlord and insurer.
Medical emergency
  1. Call 998 for an ambulance, or go to the nearest emergency department.
  2. Take your Emirates ID and insurance card.
  3. Save your insurer’s helpline in your phone now.
Flooding and storms
  1. Follow official alerts on your phone.
  2. Don’t drive through standing water.
  3. Move your car to higher ground if you can.
Lost passport
  1. Report it to the police and get a report.
  2. Contact the British Embassy for an emergency travel document or a replacement.
  3. Then transfer your residence visa to the new passport.
Losing your job
  1. Your employer cancels your visa, and your family’s visas end too.
  2. Check your grace period: usually 60 days in Dubai to find work or leave.
  3. Check your end-of-service payment with the gratuity calculator.

Six laws that catch people out

MedicinesSome common UK medicines need a free permit before you travel. Read more
Photos and postsPhotographing people without consent, or insulting someone online, can be a crime. Read more
Alcohol21 and over, in licensed places or at home. Never in public. Read more
DrivingZero tolerance on drink-driving. Speed cameras are everywhere. Read more
Money and debtsUnpaid debts and bounced cheques can lead to a travel ban. Read more
RamadanDon’t eat, drink or smoke in public in daylight during the holy month. Read more
Laws that catch people outHealthcare and insuranceGratuity calculator

General guidance. In an emergency, follow the instructions of the police, ambulance or fire service.