When you live in Dubai, knowing how emergencies work is essential — especially when you’re an expat with children or elderly family members.
Dubai’s emergency system is modern, fast and extremely reliable, but many newcomers don’t know the right numbers to call, how ambulances work, or how much ER visits cost.
This 2025 guide clearly explains:
- emergency numbers
- ambulances & response times
- adult & pediatric emergencies
- real costs
- best hospitals for emergencies
- when to call / where to go
1. Emergency Numbers in Dubai (2025)
Main emergency numbers:
- 999 → Police & ambulance
- 998 → Direct ambulance
- 997 → Fire department
- 996 → Coast guard
- 800 424 → Poison & medication hotline
These numbers work 24/7 and respond quickly.
2. Ambulance Services in Dubai
Dubai ambulances are very fast — response time is usually 8 to 12 minutes.
Cost:
Ambulance is often free in real emergencies.
In non-emergency cases, a small fee may apply (400–800 AED).
What they do:
- stabilise the patient
- transport to the nearest appropriate hospital
- perform emergency procedures if needed
3. Emergency Rooms (ER) — What to Expect
Top ER hospitals:
- Rashid Hospital (best trauma center)
- Saudi German Hospital
- Al Zahra Hospital
- Mediclinic Parkview
- King’s College Hospital
- American Hospital
Typical procedures:
- triage
- vitals check
- x-ray / ultrasound
- blood tests
- treatment
ER cost (2025):
- 600–1,500 AED depending on hospital
- With insurance → co-pay 0–20%
4. Pediatric Emergency (Children’s Emergency)
Best hospitals for children:
- Al Jalila Children’s Hospital
- Mediclinic Parkview
- King’s College Hospital Dubai Hills
- American Hospital Pediatrics
Cost:
- Consultation: 300–550 AED
- Pediatric ER: 700–1,200 AED
5. Urgent Care Clinics (Fast & Affordable)
Not all situations require the ER.
For non-life-threatening issues, urgent care clinics are cheaper and faster.
Best urgent care clinics:
- Valiant Clinic
- American Hospital Urgent Care
- Dubai London Clinic
- Aster Urgent Care
Cost:
- 150–350 AED
6. When Should You Go to the ER?
Go to ER for:
- difficulty breathing
- high fever in babies
- chest pain
- severe allergic reactions
- serious accidents
- heavy bleeding
Use urgent care for:
- fever
- infections
- minor injuries
- flu symptoms
- stomach issues
7. Emergency Pharmacy Services (24/7)
Dubai has many 24/7 pharmacies:
- Life Pharmacy
- Aster Pharmacy
- Boots
Many offer delivery within 30 minutes via apps.
8. How Insurance Works in Emergencies
Most insurance plans cover:
- ER services
- ambulance
- initial stabilisation
Co-pay:
0–20% depending on your plan.
Important:
Call the insurance hotline once stabilised to confirm coverage.
9. Tips for Expats to Be Prepared
- save emergency numbers in your phone
- keep your insurance card with you
- know the nearest ER hospital
- prepare a small medical kit at home
- download hospital apps (Mediclinic, Aster, American Hospital)
Conclusion
Dubai offers one of the most efficient emergency systems in the region.
With fast ambulances, modern ER facilities, and excellent pediatric services, expatriates can feel safe and protected.
Call to Action
Find hospitals, emergency clinics, pediatricians and healthcare providers on The Expat Services Directory your trusted partner for health in Dubai.
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