996
Coast Guard · United Arab Emirates
996 is the United Arab Emirates Coast Guard emergency number. Verified 2026-01. Source: Ministry of Interior. Works from mobile. Free to call. One-tap dial.
📞 About 996 — Coast Guard in United Arab Emirates
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
🗣️ Emergency Phrases in United Arab Emirates
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call 996
- • Do not call 998 for minor ailments - visit a local clinic or pharmacy
- • Do not call 999 for non-urgent police matters - use the MOI app or visit the local police station
- • Do not use emergency lines for road conditions or general information
- • Do not call emergency numbers for traffic fines - use the MOI app
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under UAE law with fines and imprisonment
✈️ Travel Notes — United Arab Emirates
Emergency response is fast and excellent throughout the UAE. The country has modern infrastructure and well-equipped emergency services. Medical care is world-class. Ambulance services are advanced. Coast Guard provides comprehensive maritime coverage.
🛡️ Traveling to United Arab Emirates? 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 996 in United Arab Emirates?
996 is the official Coast Guard emergency number in United Arab Emirates. This number is operated by Ministry of Interior and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Maritime emergency number 996. Coast Guard handles all maritime emergencies. Also contactable via VHF Channel 16.
When to Call 996
Call 996 immediately in situations involving coast guard-related emergencies in United Arab Emirates. 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 — 996 in United Arab Emirates
Here are the key technical facts about calling 996 in United Arab Emirates:
- Works from mobile: Yes — you can call from any mobile phone.
- Works without SIM card: A SIM card is typically required. Try 112 if you have no SIM.
- Free to call: Yes — calling is completely free. No credit needed.
- Last verified: 2026-01
- Official source: Ministry of Interior
How to Call 996 from Abroad
If you are calling 996 from outside United Arab Emirates, or from a foreign SIM card, dial the international format: +971 followed by 996 (omitting any leading zero). However, in a genuine emergency within United Arab Emirates, simply dialing 996 directly from any local or roaming SIM will connect you to the Coast Guard. The universal number 112 is also active across United Arab Emirates and can be dialed from any phone.
All Emergency Numbers in United Arab Emirates
Besides 996 (Coast Guard), United Arab Emirates has the following emergency services available: Police: 999 · National Ambulance Service: 998 · Civil Defence Fire Service: 997 · Coast Guard: 996. Save all these numbers before traveling to United Arab Emirates.
Data Source & Verification Policy
The number 996 is listed as the Coast Guard emergency line for United Arab Emirates 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 — 996 (United Arab Emirates)
What is 996 in United Arab Emirates? ▼
996 is the Coast Guard emergency number in United Arab Emirates. Maritime emergency number 996. Coast Guard handles all maritime emergencies. Also contactable via VHF Channel 16.
Can I call 996 without a SIM card in United Arab Emirates? ▼
A SIM card may be required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 996 free in United Arab Emirates? ▼
Yes, calling 996 is completely free in United Arab Emirates. No airtime credit needed.
Does 996 work from mobile in United Arab Emirates? ▼
Yes, 996 works from all mobile phones in United Arab Emirates.
Who do I reach when I call 996 in United Arab Emirates? ▼
Calling 996 in United Arab Emirates connects you to Coast Guard (Ministry of Interior), available 24/7.
What is the source for 996 being the Coast Guard number in United Arab Emirates? ▼
Verified from Ministry of Interior: https://www.moi.gov.ae/en/About.Moi/emergency.services.aspx. Last verified: 2026-01.
Does 911 work in the UAE? ▼
Yes. 911 works in some emirates and redirects to 999. The primary emergency number is 999 for police.
Can I call 999 from a mobile without credit in the UAE? ▼
Yes. All emergency calls are free and can be made without airtime credit.
Are emergency calls free in the UAE? ▼
Yes. All emergency calls to 996, 997, 998, and 999 are free of charge.
Do emergency operators speak English in the UAE? ▼
Yes. Emergency operators are bilingual in Arabic and English. English support is standard.
What number do I call for maritime rescue in the UAE? ▼
996 is the Coast Guard emergency number. Also contactable via VHF Channel 16. Handles all maritime emergencies.