Essential information for medical emergencies in Dubai. Learn about emergency services, hospitals, ambulance systems, costs, and what to expect during emergencies.
Dubai has a world-class emergency medical system with modern ambulances, trained paramedics, and state-of-the-art emergency departments. The system serves everyone regardless of nationality or insurance status, with life-threatening emergencies receiving immediate treatment.
Understanding how to access emergency care, what to expect, and associated costs can be crucial during medical crises. This guide provides essential information for navigating emergency medical situations in Dubai.
Primary Emergency Numbers:
998 - Ambulance Service
999 - Police/General Emergency
Other Emergency Contacts:
Private Ambulance Services:
| Hospital | Type | Specialties | Wait Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rashid Hospital | Government/Trauma | Major trauma, burns, accidents | 30min-3hrs |
| Dubai Hospital | Government | General emergencies, pediatrics | 1-4hrs |
| Latifa Hospital | Government | Women & children emergencies | 1-3hrs |
| American Hospital | Private | All emergencies, cardiac | 30min-2hrs |
| Mediclinic City | Private | Comprehensive, pediatric ER | 30min-2hrs |
| Saudi German | Private | 24/7 comprehensive | 30min-90min |
| Emirates Hospital | Private | General, fast track | 20min-90min |
Nurse assesses severity, takes vital signs, assigns priority level
Provide Emirates ID/passport, insurance details, emergency contact
Stabilization, pain relief, initial tests as needed
Full examination, medical history, treatment plan
Blood tests, X-rays, CT/MRI if required
Medications, procedures, or admission if necessary
Home with instructions or hospital admission for further care
Government Ambulance (998):
Service Features:
Equipment Available:
When Ambulance Will Transport:
When They May Not Transport:
Heart Attack/Chest Pain:
Stroke:
Traffic Accidents:
Pediatric Emergencies:
Poisoning/Overdose:
Severe Allergic Reaction:
Important Documents to Keep Ready:
Home Emergency Kit:
Medical Information Card: Create a card with:
Language Support:
Key Arabic Phrases (Phonetic):
Communication Tips:
Discharge Instructions:
Follow-up Requirements:
Medical Reports:
Prescriptions:
Yes, all emergency departments in Dubai must provide stabilizing treatment for life-threatening conditions regardless of insurance or ability to pay. Payment is discussed after medical stability is achieved. However, for non-life-threatening conditions, you may need to provide payment guarantee or deposit.
Government ambulances (998) are completely free for everyone, including tourists. Private ambulance services charge AED 500-2,000 depending on distance and level of care needed. Air ambulance for emergency rescue is also free when medically necessary.
For major trauma or accidents, Rashid Hospital is the main trauma center. For general emergencies, the nearest hospital is usually best. For children, Al Jalila Children's or Latifa Hospital specialize in pediatrics. If you have insurance, check which hospitals are in-network for non-life-threatening emergencies.
Wait times vary from 20 minutes to 4+ hours depending on severity and hospital. Private hospitals generally have shorter waits (30 minutes-2 hours). Government hospitals may have longer waits but handle complex cases better. Remember, sicker patients are seen first regardless of arrival time.
Yes, you can leave at any time by signing an "Against Medical Advice" (AMA) form. However, this is not recommended if you have a serious condition. Ask about expected wait times and consider urgent care clinics for non-emergencies.
Emergency departments treat everyone, including tourists. You'll need to pay upfront or provide credit card guarantee for non-life-threatening conditions. Travel insurance is highly recommended. Keep all receipts for insurance claims back home. Emergency treatment prices for tourists are the same as for residents without insurance.
Yes, general emergency departments handle initial psychiatric emergencies. They have psychiatric consultants available. For specialized care, Al Amal Hospital is Dubai's main psychiatric facility. Rashid Hospital and American Hospital have dedicated psychiatric emergency services.
Dubai has a world-class emergency medical system with modern ambulances, trained paramedics, and state-of-the-art emergency departments. The system serves everyone regardless of nationality or insurance status, with life-threatening emergencies receiving immediate treatment.
Understanding how to access emergency care, what to expect, and associated costs can be crucial during medical crises. This guide provides essential information for navigating emergency medical situations in Dubai.
Primary Emergency Numbers:
998 - Ambulance Service
999 - Police/General Emergency
Other Emergency Contacts:
Private Ambulance Services:
| Hospital | Type | Specialties | Wait Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rashid Hospital | Government/Trauma | Major trauma, burns, accidents | 30min-3hrs |
| Dubai Hospital | Government | General emergencies, pediatrics | 1-4hrs |
| Latifa Hospital | Government | Women & children emergencies | 1-3hrs |
| American Hospital | Private | All emergencies, cardiac | 30min-2hrs |
| Mediclinic City | Private | Comprehensive, pediatric ER | 30min-2hrs |
| Saudi German | Private | 24/7 comprehensive | 30min-90min |
| Emirates Hospital | Private | General, fast track | 20min-90min |
Nurse assesses severity, takes vital signs, assigns priority level
Provide Emirates ID/passport, insurance details, emergency contact
Stabilization, pain relief, initial tests as needed
Full examination, medical history, treatment plan
Blood tests, X-rays, CT/MRI if required
Medications, procedures, or admission if necessary
Home with instructions or hospital admission for further care
Government Ambulance (998):
Service Features:
Equipment Available:
When Ambulance Will Transport:
When They May Not Transport:
Heart Attack/Chest Pain:
Stroke:
Traffic Accidents:
Pediatric Emergencies:
Poisoning/Overdose:
Severe Allergic Reaction:
Important Documents to Keep Ready:
Home Emergency Kit:
Medical Information Card: Create a card with:
Language Support:
Key Arabic Phrases (Phonetic):
Communication Tips:
Discharge Instructions:
Follow-up Requirements:
Medical Reports:
Prescriptions:
Yes, all emergency departments in Dubai must provide stabilizing treatment for life-threatening conditions regardless of insurance or ability to pay. Payment is discussed after medical stability is achieved. However, for non-life-threatening conditions, you may need to provide payment guarantee or deposit.
Government ambulances (998) are completely free for everyone, including tourists. Private ambulance services charge AED 500-2,000 depending on distance and level of care needed. Air ambulance for emergency rescue is also free when medically necessary.
For major trauma or accidents, Rashid Hospital is the main trauma center. For general emergencies, the nearest hospital is usually best. For children, Al Jalila Children's or Latifa Hospital specialize in pediatrics. If you have insurance, check which hospitals are in-network for non-life-threatening emergencies.
Wait times vary from 20 minutes to 4+ hours depending on severity and hospital. Private hospitals generally have shorter waits (30 minutes-2 hours). Government hospitals may have longer waits but handle complex cases better. Remember, sicker patients are seen first regardless of arrival time.
Yes, you can leave at any time by signing an "Against Medical Advice" (AMA) form. However, this is not recommended if you have a serious condition. Ask about expected wait times and consider urgent care clinics for non-emergencies.
Emergency departments treat everyone, including tourists. You'll need to pay upfront or provide credit card guarantee for non-life-threatening conditions. Travel insurance is highly recommended. Keep all receipts for insurance claims back home. Emergency treatment prices for tourists are the same as for residents without insurance.
Yes, general emergency departments handle initial psychiatric emergencies. They have psychiatric consultants available. For specialized care, Al Amal Hospital is Dubai's main psychiatric facility. Rashid Hospital and American Hospital have dedicated psychiatric emergency services.