When to seek urgent care in the UAE: numbers and danger signs
Knowing who to call and when to go is one of the most important things a new parent in the UAE can have clear in their head. The UAE's emergency system is well resourced, but it works differently from the UK's 111 and 999 split or the US's single 911 number. This guide covers the numbers to save, the situations that need immediate action, and the hospitals and services available across the emirates.
Emergency numbers in the UAE
999: the national emergency number
999 is the UAE's national emergency number, reached from any phone including a mobile with no SIM credit. It connects police, ambulance, and fire services across all seven emirates. If your baby is in a life-threatening situation, this is the number to call.
998: Dubai and Abu Dhabi ambulance
In both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, 998 connects directly to the ambulance service and can mean a faster dispatch in those cities. Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS) and SEHA Ambulance (Abu Dhabi) both use this number. Save it alongside 999.
Non-emergency health line: 800-HEALTH (800 43258)
The MOHAP national health line (800 43258) is a free, non-emergency advice line run by the Ministry of Health and Prevention. It is open 24 hours and useful for guidance on whether a symptom needs urgent attention or can wait for a clinic appointment.
DHA patient relations (Dubai): 800-342
For queries about Dubai Health Authority facilities, appointments, and patient rights, call 800-342. This is a non-emergency line for navigating the DHA system, not for urgent clinical situations.
When to call 999 immediately
Call 999 without hesitation if your baby:
- Is not breathing or their breathing is very slow, noisy, or laboured
- Has a seizure (fitting, stiffening, jerking movements)
- Loses consciousness or becomes unresponsive
- May have swallowed a poison or household chemical
- Has suffered severe burns or scalds
- Has a suspected head injury from a fall
While waiting for the ambulance, do not leave your baby alone. If you know infant CPR, begin it if needed. If you are not sure, the operator will guide you.
When to go to A&E
For situations that are serious but not immediately life-threatening, go to an A&E department rather than waiting for a clinic appointment:
- Fever: any temperature above 38°C in a baby under 3 months; temperature above 39°C in a baby aged 3 to 6 months; or any fever lasting more than 3 days in an older baby
- Breathing difficulty that is not resolving, including persistent fast breathing, noisy breathing, or the skin pulling in between the ribs
- Rash with fever, particularly a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass
- Persistent vomiting that prevents your baby keeping any milk down
- Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, sunken fontanelle (soft spot), no wet nappies for 6 hours or more, or a baby who seems limp and unusually drowsy
- Inconsolable crying that has lasted more than 2 hours and has no obvious cause
- A fall or impact where you are concerned about injury
Private A&E vs government A&E in the UAE
Both options are available across the major cities, and the right choice often depends on your insurance coverage.
- Government A&E is free for UAE nationals and Emiratis. Expatriate patients are typically charged without insurance, though fees are regulated. Wait times can vary; for genuine emergencies, triage systems prioritise by severity.
- Private A&E is generally faster for non-critical situations and is covered by most comprehensive insurance plans, provided the hospital is in your network. Out-of-pocket costs without insurance can be high.
- Check your insurance card and app for your network's nearest A&E before an emergency arises. Many UAE insurers also have a 24-hour helpline printed on the card.
Children's hospitals in the UAE
Dubai
- Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital (Al Jaddaf, Dubai): the UAE's first dedicated children's hospital, with a 24-hour paediatric emergency department
- Latifa Hospital (Oud Metha, Dubai): government hospital with a paediatric and obstetric focus; one of the largest newborn units in Dubai
Abu Dhabi
- Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (Abu Dhabi city): a major government referral hospital with paediatric emergency services
- Al Corniche Hospital (Abu Dhabi): the main maternity hospital in Abu Dhabi, with specialist newborn care
- Tawam Hospital (Al Ain, affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine): a regional referral centre for complex cases including paediatric oncology
Telemedicine: a practical option for non-emergencies
Telemedicine is widely used across the UAE and genuinely useful for getting a doctor's opinion on a non-critical concern at any hour. Many comprehensive health insurance plans include access to 24/7 doctor-on-call apps at no extra cost. Services commonly available in the UAE include Doctor on Call, Okadoc, and NMC On Call. Check your insurer's app or policy documents to see which are covered. A telemedicine consultation can help you decide whether a symptom needs A&E tonight or can wait until your paediatrician's clinic opens in the morning.
Frequently asked questions
What number do I call in an emergency in the UAE?
Call 999 for any life-threatening emergency across all emirates. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, 998 connects directly to the ambulance service and can be faster. Both numbers work from any phone, with or without credit.
When should I take my baby to A&E in the UAE?
Go to A&E if your baby has a high fever, difficulty breathing, a rash with fever, persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, or inconsolable crying lasting more than 2 hours. Call 999 immediately if your baby is not breathing, has a seizure, or loses consciousness.
What temperature counts as a fever in babies in the UAE?
A temperature of 38°C or above is a fever. In a baby under 3 months, any fever of 38°C warrants an immediate A&E visit. In babies aged 3 to 6 months, a temperature of 39°C or above is the threshold for urgent care. If you are unsure, call 800-HEALTH (800 43258) for advice.
Which hospitals have children's emergency departments in Dubai?
Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital (Al Jaddaf) and Latifa Hospital (Oud Metha) are the main government children's hospitals in Dubai. Many large private hospitals also have paediatric emergency departments. Check your insurance network in advance.
Does my insurance cover A&E visits in the UAE?
Most comprehensive policies cover A&E visits, subject to co-pays and network restrictions. Government A&E is free for UAE nationals. For expats, using an in-network private hospital usually gives the smoothest insurance experience. Keep your insurance card with you at all times.
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