Living in Dubai? Here are 10 important phone numbers residents should know

Dubai: Just a few numbers can save you – from fines, hassles, and most importantly, personal tragedies. Don’t scramble to find the right number when you’re in a hurry, or in the middle of an emergency situation. We’ve shortlisted a few key numbers to bookmark or memorise, below, if you are a Dubai resident. Before discovering these essential numbers, it’s important for you to know that the standard toll-free number in Dubai begins with 800. When you’re dialling this number, it means your phone call is free of cost. So, whether it’s a bank you’re calling, a government office, or customer support at a company, you can talk without worrying about the bill. On the other hand, some businesses and governmental organisations use a contact number beginning with 600. These numbers are not toll free, and normal call rates apply. According to the UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), these calls are not typically covered by your mobile plan’s free minutes. The charges can add up, so be aware, if you are on hold for a long time. Here are the key phone numbers you should be aware of, in Dubai: 1. 999, 998, 997 In case of life-threatening emergencies, call the Dubai Police (999), ambulance services (998), or fire department (997). Other important numbers include 996 for marine or water-related incidents, and 995 for find-and-rescue operations. These hotlines are in operation 24/7, but must strictly be used for emergencies. 2. 901 If you require Dubai Police’s help for a non-emergency situation, avoid calling 999, and dial 901 instead. This hotline is operational 24 hours a day and provides 33 different police services, including: General enquiries: Asking about traffic fines, permit applications, or police clearance certificates. Minor incidents: Reporting non-urgent traffic accidents or minor property damage. Tourist support: Connecting with the police for lost items, directions or travel-related assistance. Feedback and suggestions: Following up on a previously filed incident report, or making community suggestions. 3. 7275 While you can pay for public parking digitally in Dubai , via the Parkin or Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) apps, if you’d like to keep it simple, an SMS sent to the right number will work, too. That number is 7275 or ‘PARK’. Exceeding the maximum authorised parking duration can incur a fine of Dh500 in Dubai, and evading payment of parking fees cost you Dh1,000. Just remembering four digits can save you from paying steep penalties. 4. 800 4444 Want to report a crime with complete confidentiality? Dubai’s Al Ameen service allows residents and visitors to communicate with the authorities and report security concerns, social issues, and suspicious activities, while maintaining anonymity. From embezzlement of funds and corruption, to forgery and job exploitation, there are a range of issues that can be reported through Al Ameen’s service. The hotline is open 24/7. 5. 800 988 The Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai introduced 800988 as a unified, 24/7 toll-free hotline to support and protect the most vulnerable segments of society: children, the elderly, and people of determination. On the other end of the phone call are trained specialists who can speak in Arabic and English, as well as hold conversations in sign language. They provide timely support to callers, who can choose to remain anonymous if they prefer. Calling the number 800 988 allows residents to avail of the following services: Child protection: It provides a secure way for children, teachers, or caregivers to report cases of abuse, neglect or violence. Elderly support: It allows the elderly or their caregivers to report abuse, request social support, or inquire about medical and legal services. Support for people of determination: It provides a dedicated channel to report potential exploitation, neglect, or violations against individuals with disabilities. 6. 800 900 The Dubai Municipality is your go-to website for a host of services, from booking recreational facilities around the city, to applying for veterinary services , to sorting out water, waste, and pest control issues . The toll-free municipal hotline runs 24/7, and is a great number to have on hand if you need help dealing with daily challenges around the city, whether it’s reporting food safety violations at a restaurant, getting rid of mosquitoes in your backyard, or requesting bulky waste removal from your doorstep. 7. 600 590000 The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s (MOHRE) hotline and WhatsApp account allows residents to connect and submit enquiries in both English and Arabic, around the clock. You can use the number 600 590000 to log a new grievance or follow up on a filed complaint regarding work-related concerns, such as unpaid salary, gratuity disputes, arbitrary termination, non-payment through the Wage Protection System (WPS), and more. 8. 600 545555 The city’s consumer protection hotline, 600 545555