Dubai issues urgent public safety advisory with clear rules for emergency situations
Residents urged to rely on verified official updates only
DUBAI – A newly released safety guide by the Dubai Media Office provides detailed instructions for residents and visitors across the United Arab Emirates on how to respond during official emergency alerts.
Issued in multiple languages, the advisory reinforces that Dubai remains safe and fully operational, while outlining precautionary measures designed to ensure calm and organised responses in critical situations.
The guide – offering instructions in Arabic, English, Urdu, Hindi, Tagalog, Chinese, and Russian – centres on actions to take upon receiving an official alert from the Ministry of Interior UAE via mobile phones, urging the public to remain composed and avoid panic at all times. It highlights that these measures are preventive, aimed at supporting public safety without disrupting daily life.
Inside buildings
Residents inside homes or offices are instructed to immediately move to interior areas, keeping away from balconies, windows, and glass surfaces. The advisory stresses avoiding glass partitions and remaining clear of any exposed areas within buildings.
Individuals are told to stay in place and follow instructions issued through building announcements or security personnel. The use of lifts is discouraged unless explicitly directed by authorities.
The guide also emphasises the importance of waiting for an official “all-clear” notification before resuming normal activities. Only after receiving confirmation from the Ministry of Interior should residents return to their routine, and even then, they are advised to do so calmly.
Outdoor measures
For those outdoors at the time of an alert, the guidance is immediate and direct: move indoors without delay. Residents are urged to enter the nearest building and avoid open spaces entirely.
If driving, individuals should park their vehicles safely, exit promptly, and seek shelter in a secure location. The advisory highlights the importance of staying away from external walls, glass panels, windows, and balconies, which may pose additional risks.
Remaining in exposed or open areas is strongly discouraged, with the focus placed on finding enclosed and protected spaces as quickly as possible.
Verified updates
Authorities have placed significant emphasis on the flow of information during emergencies. The guide instructs residents to rely solely on verified updates issued through official channels.
Sharing or circulating unverified messages, audio clips, or videos is strongly discouraged, as misinformation could lead to confusion or unnecessary panic. Instead, residents are urged to monitor trusted government sources for accurate and timely updates.
This approach reflects broader efforts to ensure that public communication remains clear, consistent, and reliable during any emergency situation.
Emergency contacts
The guide also reiterates key emergency contact numbers across Dubai, confirming that all essential services remain staffed and operational. Residents can reach the police on 999, Civil Defence on 997, and ambulance services on 998.
Additional helplines include the Dubai Health Authority at 800342, Dubai Health at 80060, and Dubai Airports at 04 224 5555. Authorities underline that these services continue to function without interruption, ensuring immediate assistance when required.