Al Ain
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Emergency Services
Sections
1. General Emergency Number
- 999: This is the central emergency number in the UAE for police, medical, and fire emergencies. It is available 24/7 and can be used for all types of emergencies. Operators are multilingual and can assist in English, Arabic, and other languages.
2. Medical Emergencies
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
- Ambulance Services: Ambulances in Al Ain are operated by the Abu Dhabi Police and SEHA (Abu Dhabi Health Services Company). They are equipped with advanced medical equipment and trained paramedics.
- Emergency Contact Number: Dial 998 or 999 for an ambulance.
- Cost: Ambulance services are generally free for residents and visitors in life-threatening situations. However, hospital treatment costs may apply depending on your insurance coverage or residency status.
Hospitals with Emergency Departments in Al Ain
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Tawam Hospital
- Location: Tawam, Al Ain
- Contact: +971 3 767 7444
- Notes: A government hospital with a 24/7 emergency department. It is part of SEHA and offers high-quality care.
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Al Ain Hospital
- Location: Khalifa Bin Zayed Street, Al Ain
- Contact: +971 3 763 5888
- Notes: Another SEHA-operated hospital with a 24/7 emergency department.
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Mediclinic Al Ain
- Location: Al Jimi, Al Ain
- Contact: +971 3 766 7666
- Notes: A private hospital with emergency services. Costs may apply for uninsured patients.
Procedure for Medical Emergencies
- Call 998 or 999 and provide the following:
- Your location (use landmarks if unsure of the address).
- The nature of the emergency (e.g., accident, heart attack).
- The number of people involved.
- Follow the dispatcherβs instructions and stay on the line until help arrives.
- If you can, bring your Emirates ID or passport to the hospital for identification and insurance purposes.
Cultural Considerations
- Modesty is important in the UAE. If you are assisting someone, ensure their privacy and dignity are respected.
- Gender segregation is observed in some cases, so female patients may be attended to by female medical staff when possible.
3. Police Assistance
Al Ain Police Services
- Emergency Contact Number: Dial 999 for immediate police assistance.
- Non-Emergency Contact Number: Dial 901 for non-urgent inquiries or services.
- Services Provided:
- Reporting crimes or suspicious activities.
- Assistance in traffic accidents.
- Lost and found services.
- General public safety concerns.
Procedure for Police Assistance
- Call 999 and provide:
- Your location.
- A clear description of the situation.
- Any relevant details (e.g., vehicle license plate in case of a traffic incident).
- Follow the instructions provided by the operator.
- Police officers in Al Ain are professional and approachable. They are trained to handle situations with sensitivity and efficiency.
Cultural Considerations
- Always remain respectful and cooperative when dealing with the police.
- Avoid raising your voice or making gestures that could be misinterpreted as aggressive.
- Public displays of anger or frustration are frowned upon and may escalate the situation.
4. Fire Services
Civil Defence (Fire Department)
- Emergency Contact Number: Dial 997 for fire emergencies.
- Services Provided:
- Firefighting and rescue operations.
- Assistance during building collapses or hazardous material incidents.
- Fire safety inspections and awareness programs.
Procedure for Fire Emergencies
- Call 997 and provide:
- Your location (building name, street, or nearby landmarks).
- The nature of the fire (e.g., residential, vehicle, industrial).
- Any immediate dangers (e.g., trapped individuals, gas leaks).
- Evacuate the area if it is safe to do so and follow the instructions of the fire department upon their arrival.
Cultural Considerations
- Fire safety is taken very seriously in the UAE. Ensure your residence or workplace complies with fire safety regulations (e.g., functioning fire alarms and extinguishers).
- Avoid obstructing emergency responders or taking photos/videos of the incident, as this is considered disrespectful.
5. Other Emergency Support Services
Electricity and Water Emergencies
- Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC): For power outages or water supply issues.
- Contact: 800 2332 (24/7 hotline).
Poison Control
- Contact: 800 424 (Toll-free number for the UAE Poison Control Center).
- Services: Assistance with poisoning incidents, including chemical, food, or medication-related cases.
Mental Health Support
- Estijaba Helpline: 800 1717 (24/7 mental health support provided by SEHA).
- Services: Confidential support for mental health crises or emotional distress.
Roadside Assistance
- Abu Dhabi Police Roadside Assistance: Dial 999 for emergencies like vehicle breakdowns or accidents.
- Private Services: Many insurance companies and private providers offer roadside assistance. Check your policy for details.
6. Key Cultural and Practical Considerations
- Language: While Arabic is the official language, most emergency responders speak English. If you do not speak either language, try to find someone nearby who can assist with translation.
- Identification: Always carry your Emirates ID (for residents) or passport (for visitors), as it may be required during emergencies.
- Respect for Authority: Emergency personnel are highly respected in the UAE. Always follow their instructions without argument.
- Modesty and Privacy: Be mindful of cultural norms, especially when assisting individuals of the opposite gender.
- Traffic Laws: If you are involved in a traffic accident, do not move your vehicle until the police arrive, unless instructed otherwise.
7. Summary of Emergency Numbers in Al Ain
| Service | Number | |---------------------------|------------| | General Emergency | 999 | | Ambulance | 998 | | Fire Department | 997 | | Non-Emergency Police | 901 | | Electricity/Water Issues | 800 2332 | | Poison Control | 800 424 | | Mental Health Support | 800 1717 |
By familiarizing yourself with these emergency services and procedures, you can ensure a swift and effective response in case of any emergency in Al Ain. Always remain calm and provide clear information to responders to help them assist you efficiently.