UAE launches ‘UAE Emergency Number Day’ to promote proper use of 999

Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Interior (MOI), in cooperation with Dubai Police General HQs and police general headquarters across the UAE, has launched the “UAE Emergency Number Day” campaign, observed annually on 9th September under the slogan “Every Second Counts.” The campaign aims to promote the responsible use of the emergency number 999 and raise awareness among community members about the correct number to contact depending on the nature of each situation, helping ensure faster assistance and the protection of lives and property. The campaign highlights the distinction between 999, designated for emergencies requiring urgent intervention, and 901, which is used for general enquiries and non-emergency police services. The Ministry said raising awareness of this distinction helps keep emergency lines available for genuine emergencies. To reach different segments of society, the campaign's awareness messages are being delivered in multiple languages. Another key focus of the campaign is the importance of providing accurate and clear information when reporting an incident. Callers are urged to provide their precise location, clearly explain the circumstances, cooperate with the call taker and answer questions accurately. This information enables operations rooms to assess the situation, determine the required response and dispatch specialised teams as quickly as possible. The campaign's activities aim to reduce non-emergency calls to 999, improve the quality of reports and educate community members on the correct way to request assistance. The initiative also highlights the efforts of emergency personnel and their role in protecting lives and property. Brigadier General Abdul Aziz Al Ahmad, Director of Central Operations at the Ministry of Interior, said that designating 9th September as “UAE Emergency Number Day” reflects the importance of strengthening public awareness about the proper use of police communication channels. He said the slogan “Every Second Counts” highlights the critical importance of time in emergency situations, where prompt reporting and accurate information can directly contribute to faster response times and the saving of lives. Brigadier Turki Abdulrahman bin Faris, Director of the General Department of Operations at Dubai Police, stressed that the accuracy of information provided during emergency calls is essential to achieving a rapid response. He urged community members to provide their exact location, describe the situation clearly and cooperate with the call taker, enabling operations rooms to assess incidents effectively and deploy the appropriate teams and resources without delay. He also noted that the campaign highlights the work of call takers, operations room personnel, field teams and support units, and their role in protecting lives and property. Brigadier bin Faris emphasised that public cooperation begins with using 999 exclusively for emergencies and 901 for enquiries and non-emergency police services, helping ensure emergency lines remain available for those who require urgent assistance.