GACS Safe Traveller
Scam alerts & emergency checklist for Dubai
The emergency numbers and step-by-step incident checklist below are free, right now, no account needed. A free GACS account adds scam alerts for Dubai while you're traveling.
With a free GACS account you get:
- ✓Email alerts when new scams are reported in Dubai while you're there
- ✓Save Dubai to your dashboard so your checklist is one tap away
- ✓The weekly safety digest — new scam playbooks before they reach you
No credit card. No spam. One-click unsubscribe.
Emergency numbers in Dubai
Police999
Ambulance998
Fire997
Coast Guard996
Tourist support (DTCM)+971 600 555 559
Dubai Police (Tourist Security Dept)+971 4 608 0000
Dubai Consumer Protection (Ain Dubai)600 545 555
RTA (transport complaints)8009090
Most embassies are in Abu Dhabi (1.5h drive); consulates in Dubai (Deira, Bur Dubai). Check mofaic.gov.ae.
If something happens: the first 10 minutes
- 1Get to a safe, public spot (café, hotel lobby, shop) and call Police on 999 if anyone is hurt or in immediate danger.
- 2Freeze cards immediately in your bank app (do this before calling the bank — it's faster). Revoke Apple Pay / Google Pay from a trusted device if your phone was taken.
- 3Change the password on your primary email from a trusted device, then sign out of every other session. Email is the master key to everything else.
- 4Contact Dubai Police (Tourist Security Dept) on +971 4 608 0000 to file a report — you'll need the reference number for insurance, banks, and your embassy.
- 5If your passport, wallet, or phone is gone, contact your embassy or consulate now — they can issue emergency travel documents, often same-day. Most embassies are in Abu Dhabi (1.5h drive); consulates in Dubai (Deira, Bur Dubai). Check mofaic.gov.ae.
- 6Photograph the scene, receipts, fake tickets, or the scammer if it's safe — timestamped photos strengthen your police report and any chargeback claim.
- 7Tell your accommodation (hotel front desk / host) — they've usually seen the exact scam before and can vouch for you at the police station or help with a translator.
- 8Report the scam to GACS so the next traveller in Dubai sees the warning — it takes 60 seconds and helps the whole community.
Screenshot this checklist so it's on your phone even without data.
Traveling with family or friends?
Send them the free Dubai guide so they know the top scams before they land.
The top 5 scams in Dubai — with playbooks — are free and ad-free → Read the free Dubai guide
