UAE Ministry of Interior warns against misusing 999 emergency hotline

The UAE Ministry of Interior (MOI) launched a nationwide awareness campaign on Wednesday, 9 September, to coincide with UAE Emergency Number Day, urging residents to reserve the 999 hotline exclusively for life-threatening situations. The initiative, titled "Every Second Makes a Difference," aims to divert non-urgent enquiries to the 901 service to ensure emergency response times are not compromised. The Critical Distinction Between 999 and 901 The 999 emergency line is strictly for serious incidents requiring immediate police, ambulance, or fire department intervention. Authorities reported that emergency operations rooms continue to receive calls for administrative tasks and general information, which can delay help for those in genuine danger. When dialing 999, callers must provide a precise location, a clear description of the incident, and remain on the line to answer operator questions. In contrast, the 901 hotline is the designated channel for non-emergency police services. Data from Dubai Police indicates the 901 Contact Centre received 274,251 calls at the start of 2026. This service operates 24/7 and covers 33 distinct services that do not require an immediate patrol dispatch. Services Covered by 901 Residents are encouraged to use 901 for criminal and traffic services that are not time-sensitive. This includes reporting bounced cheques, filing minor traffic accident reports where no injuries occurred, and requesting certificates such as criminal status or lost…