NUMBERS TO SAVE IN DUBAI
Airline
Save your airline's contact number on your phone before you travel. If you miss/change/cancel your flight, you'll be able to reach the airline much quicker by phone, rather than in person at customer service desks which can sometimes have lengthy queues.
Hotel
Note your hotel's address and contact number down so you can always find your way back if you get lost in the city. Also, in the event that you need any assistance or guidance of where and what to do in Dubai, the hotel's concierge desk will be more than happy to help you out and make bookings on your behalf when you call in.
Travel Company
Having your travel/tour company's number on hand while traveling is essential as it allows you to promptly reach out for updates, guidance on where to meet, or assistance in case of any unforeseen changes or modifications to your travel itinerary.
Embassy
Find out the contact details and location of your country's consulate or embassy in the UAE. In the unfortunate event that you misplace your passport or require any assistance, they need to be informed immediately. Keep in mind that their operating hours are usually on weekdays and until 3pm. Also, all embassies are located in Abu Dhabi.
Taxis
You can book a taxi in Dubai by either flagging one on the street or using ride-hailing apps like Careem or Uber. Careem offers the option to book public taxis through its ‘Hala Ride’ service, just select that category when booking. (Note: other options like Economy or Business are private cars and don’t follow public taxi rates.)
All public taxis in Dubai are beige, with colored roofs indicating their operating company. They're metered, with starting fares that vary depending on time and location. The minimum fare is AED 12, while airport pick-ups begin at AED 25. Payments can be made by cash or credit card, making it easy and convenient no matter how you book.
Tip: If you decide to use the Careem app to book Hala Rides, check out their list of available promo codes for first-time users.
Emergency Services
In the event of any serious emergencies or accidents anywhere in the UAE, contact Police by dialing 999. If you require Ambulance Services, dial 998. If you require the Fire Department's Services, dial 997. Calls to these numbers are free and can be made from international numbers as well.
Health Insurance Company
Having your health insurance company's number readily available while traveling is crucial for immediate access to assistance, clarity on what’s covered and what’s not, what paperwork you need to take back for claims, ensuring prompt medical support and guidance in case of emergencies or unexpected healthcare needs.
Bank
Write down your bank's international phone number to call in case you require any assistance while traveling. Banks may sometimes block your card if they notice any international transactions, so make sure to let them know in advance of your travel plans. Also, in the event that your card gets lost, stolen, or swallowed by an ATM, you'll need to let your bank know so they can block your account, and prevent any transactions.