998
Universal Emergency · Saudi Arabia
998 is the Saudi Arabia Universal Emergency emergency number. Verified 2026-01. Source: Ministry of Interior. Works from mobile. Free to call. One-tap dial.
📞 About 998 — Universal Emergency in Saudi Arabia
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Saudi Arabia
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call 998
- • Do not call emergency numbers for traffic fines - use the Absher app
- • Do not call 999 for non-urgent police matters - visit the local police station or use the Absher app
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under Saudi law
- • Do not use emergency lines for road conditions or general information
- • Do not call 997 for minor ailments - visit a local clinic or pharmacy
- • Do not call 999 for non-urgent police matters - use the Absher app
- • Do not call 997 for minor ailments - visit a clinic
- • Do not use emergency lines for general information
✈️ Travel Notes — Saudi Arabia
Emergency response is fast and modern in Riyadh, Jeddah, and major cities. The 911 system is well-developed with advanced technology. Saudi Red Crescent provides excellent ambulance services. Medical care is of high standard. Government hospitals offer good emergency care.
🛡️ Traveling to Saudi Arabia? Protect Yourself
Emergency medical treatment and evacuation abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars. We recommend securing travel insurance before your trip.
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What is 998 in Saudi Arabia?
998 is the official Unified Security Operations Center emergency number in Saudi Arabia. This number is operated by Ministry of Interior and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 911 is the unified emergency number in Saudi Arabia. Connects to police, ambulance, fire, and traffic emergencies. Available 24/7. Operators speak Arabic and English. Traditional numbers (997, 998, 999) also active.
When to Call 998
Call 998 immediately in situations involving universal emergency-related emergencies in Saudi Arabia. When you call, clearly state:
- Your exact location (street address, landmark, GPS coordinates if possible)
- The nature of the emergency
- The number of people involved or injured
- Your name and callback number
Stay on the line until the operator tells you to hang up.
Technical Details — 998 in Saudi Arabia
Here are the key technical facts about calling 998 in Saudi Arabia:
- Works from mobile: Yes — you can call from any mobile phone.
- Works without SIM card: Yes — you can call even without a SIM card installed.
- Free to call: Yes — calling is completely free. No credit needed.
- Last verified: 2026-01
- Official source: Ministry of Interior
How to Call 998 from Abroad
If you are calling 998 from outside Saudi Arabia, or from a foreign SIM card, dial the international format: +966 followed by 998 (omitting any leading zero). However, in a genuine emergency within Saudi Arabia, simply dialing 998 directly from any local or roaming SIM will connect you to the Unified Security Operations Center. The universal number 112 is also active across Saudi Arabia and can be dialed from any phone.
All Emergency Numbers in Saudi Arabia
Besides 998 (Unified Security Operations Center), Saudi Arabia has the following emergency services available: Unified Security Operations Center: 911 · Police: 999 · Saudi Red Crescent Ambulance: 997 · Civil Defense Fire Service: 998. Save all these numbers before traveling to Saudi Arabia.
Data Source & Verification Policy
The number 998 is listed as the Unified Security Operations Center emergency line for Saudi Arabia based on data from Ministry of Interior. It was last verified in 2026-01. If this number has changed or is incorrect, please contact us immediately — accuracy of emergency contact information is our highest priority.
Frequently Asked Questions — 998 (Saudi Arabia)
What is 998 in Saudi Arabia? ▼
998 is the Unified Security Operations Center emergency number in Saudi Arabia. 911 is the unified emergency number in Saudi Arabia. Connects to police, ambulance, fire, and traffic emergencies. Available 24/7. Operators speak Arabic and English. Traditional numbers (997, 998, 999) also active.
Can I call 998 without a SIM card in Saudi Arabia? ▼
Yes, you can dial 998 in Saudi Arabia without a SIM card on a GSM phone.
Is calling 998 free in Saudi Arabia? ▼
Yes, calling 998 is completely free in Saudi Arabia. No airtime credit needed.
Does 998 work from mobile in Saudi Arabia? ▼
Yes, 998 works from all mobile phones in Saudi Arabia.
Who do I reach when I call 998 in Saudi Arabia? ▼
Calling 998 in Saudi Arabia connects you to Unified Security Operations Center (Ministry of Interior), available 24/7.
What is the source for 998 being the Universal Emergency number in Saudi Arabia? ▼
Verified from Ministry of Interior: https://www.moi.gov.sa/. Last verified: 2026-01.
Does 911 replace 997, 998, and 999 in Saudi Arabia? ▼
911 is the unified emergency number. Traditional numbers remain active. Both work.
Can I call 911 from a mobile without credit in Saudi Arabia? ▼
Yes. All emergency calls are free and can be made without airtime credit.
Are emergency calls free in Saudi Arabia? ▼
Yes. All emergency calls to 911, 997, 998, and 999 are free of charge.
Do emergency operators speak English in Saudi Arabia? ▼
Yes. 911 operators are bilingual in Arabic and English.