Dubai Contacts: The Handy List Every Visitor Needs
If you’re heading to Dubai, the first thing you want is a solid list of contacts you can rely on. Whether you’re looking for emergency help, a place to grab cash, or some legal advice, having the right numbers and websites saved saves you time and stress. Below you’ll find the most useful contacts grouped by what you might need most.
Emergency and Health Services
The moment you land, keep these numbers in your phone. Dial 999 for police, fire or ambulance – the UAE’s single emergency line works 24/7. For non‑urgent medical help, call the Dubai Health Authority’s hotline at 04 368 8000. If you need a pharmacy that’s open late, the “Boots” chain has locations across the city and can be reached at +971 4 301 7177. Knowing these contacts means you won’t waste a minute searching online when you need help fast.
Money, Banking and Currency Guidance
Most places in Dubai accept credit cards, but it’s smart to have some cash for markets and taxis. The official currency is the UAE Dirham (AED). You can exchange money at the airport, any major bank, or licensed exchange offices – the Emirates NBD branch at Dubai Mall is a favorite. For ATM locations, look for the “Plus” or “Cirrus” logos; they’re everywhere and usually free for local cards. If you wonder whether you can pay with US dollars, the answer is no – shops accept only AED or cards, so exchange before you go.
Need a quick loan or a short‑term credit line? The Dubai Financial Services Authority lists approved lenders on its website. Always double‑check the interest rates and read the fine print – the UAE has strict rules against hidden fees, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Traveling with a credit card? Most banks in Dubai require a PIN for POS transactions, so set a 4‑digit PIN before you leave. Remember to inform your home bank about your travel dates to avoid a blocked card. If your card gets declined, a nearby “Money Exchange” sign will point you to a place that can process it instantly.
When it comes to budgeting, the average daily cost for a solo traveler sits around 300 AED for meals, transport and modest activities. Couples can expect about 500 AED per day, while families need roughly 800 AED. Use these figures as a baseline and adjust based on the neighborhoods you choose – Downtown and Marina are pricier than Deira or Al Qusais.
If you run into a legal hiccup, the Dubai Police non‑emergency line (04 609 9999) can point you to the right department. For visa or immigration questions, contact the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs at +971 4 313 2222. Their agents speak English and can guide you through extensions or work permits.
Last but not least, for any travel‑related queries – from dress code rules to nightlife guidelines – the Dubai Tourism website (visitdubai.com) offers up‑to‑date FAQs and downloadable contact sheets. Bookmark it, and you’ll have all the do’s and don’ts right at hand.
Having these contacts saved on your phone or printed on a small card means you can focus on enjoying Dubai’s skyline, beaches and food, without worrying about where to turn when something comes up. Safe travels!
