The police and ambulance services can be contacted by dialling 999.

You should be aware that the ambulance service is much smaller than in many western countries and is mainly used by the hospitals and for the transport of road accident victims. If you need to get to a hospital urgently, it is generally faster to take your own transport or to call a taxi.

The fire service can be contacted on 997.

In the event of a water or electrical supply emergency, call 991.

At least one pharmacy will be open 24 hours a day. Details of the 24 hours pharmacy for your area will be printed in the local newspaper, or can be obtained by calling the 24-hour municipality emergency number (Dubai 04 2232323).

Dubai's public hospitals, and some of the private hospitals, provide a good accident and emergency service:

• Al Wasl 04-3341111
• Dubai Hospital 04-2714444
• Rashid Hospital 04-3371111
• American Hospital (Private) 04-3367777
• Wellcare Hospital (Private) 04-2827788

Be aware that if you use one of the private hospitals, you will be asked to pay for any treatment that you receive. By law, these hospitals must clearly display the costs of all treatments in their reception areas.