Helplines in United Arab Emirates
If anyone is in immediate danger, call the police on 999 or an ambulance on 998. For mental health support at any hour, the SAKINA mental health hotline on 800 725462 is free and run by the Abu Dhabi Department of Health. It offers psychological first aid and a direct route to qualified mental health professionals.
In Dubai, the Itma'en Mental Wellbeing Hotline on 800506 answers in Arabic and English, every day from 9:00 to midnight. It is free, confidential and open to citizens, residents and visitors, with referral to specialist teams where medical follow-up is needed. SAKINA lists Arabic as its language. If you need English outside Itma'en's hours, call 999 or 998 anyway, as emergency services usually find a way to help.
Women and children affected by violence can call the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children helpline on 800111, free and 24/7. It is open to people across the UAE, not only in Dubai, and you can also reach it on WhatsApp at +971 800111 or by chat. The helpline gives urgent help and information about shelter services. Shelter addresses are kept confidential, and the helpline arranges places.
If you are on a foreign SIM, dial the numbers as shown. If speaking is difficult, the DFWAC WhatsApp and chat routes let you write instead. Each number was checked at its official source, and the date of the check is shown next to it.
Emotional support
800-SAKINA Mental Health Support Hotline (Department of Health Abu Dhabi)
Mental health hotline run by the Abu Dhabi Department of Health with Sakina (SEHA), offering psychological first aid and direct access to qualified mental health professionals.
- Hours: 24/7
- Languages: Arabic
- Cost: free
- Website
Checked 2026-10-19 · source
Itma'en Mental Wellbeing Hotline (Dubai)
Confidential mental wellbeing guidance from specialised counsellors for citizens, residents and visitors in Dubai, with referral to specialist teams when medical follow-up is needed.
- Hours: Daily 9:00 to midnight
- Languages: Arabic, English
- English available
- Cost: free
- Website
Checked 2026-10-19 · source
Domestic violence
Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) Helpline
Free helpline for women and children affected by violence, open to residents of Dubai and the wider UAE, with urgent help and information about shelter services.
Checked 2026-10-19 · source
Questions about getting help in the United Arab Emirates
What is the emergency number in the United Arab Emirates?
In the United Arab Emirates, call 999, 998 and 997 in an emergency. If someone's life is at risk, don't wait: call straight away. Emergency calls are free.
Is there a free mental health helpline in the United Arab Emirates?
Yes. 800-SAKINA Mental Health Support Hotline (Department of Health Abu Dhabi) (800 725462) and Itma'en Mental Wellbeing Hotline (Dubai) (800506). Details, opening hours and the official source for each number are listed on this page.
Can I get help in English in the United Arab Emirates?
Yes. These services say they offer English: Itma'en Mental Wellbeing Hotline (Dubai) (800506).
Where can women experiencing violence get help in the United Arab Emirates?
Contact Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) Helpline (800111). Shelter addresses are kept confidential for safety, so the helpline is the way in. In immediate danger, call 999.
Numbers are checked against each service's own website on the date shown. Services change, so if a number doesn't work please tell me: hello@michellefernando.com.