⚠️ Immediate Emergency Services
When every second counts, these numbers connect you directly to Saudi Arabia’s emergency response teams:
| Service | Number | Availability | Response Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police | 999 | 24/7 in English & Arabic | <5 minutes urban areas |
| Medical Emergency | 997 | Bilingual operators | Average 7-minute response |
| Fire Department | 998 | English-speaking staff | <10 minutes city centers |
| Traffic Accidents | 993 | Roadside assistance included | Varies by location |
Critical Tip:
“Program these numbers into your phone immediately after arrival. Many rental cars have emergency stickers on the sun visor.”
📱 Non-Emergency But Essential Contacts
For situations requiring official assistance without immediate danger:
- Tourist Police: 920 (Dedicated English support)
- COVID-19 Hotline: 937 (Vaccination info & test results)
- Power Outages: 933 (Report electrical emergencies)
- Water Emergencies: 925 (Main line breaks/flooding)
Business Travelers Note:
Many corporate compounds have direct lines to:
- Private security teams
- On-site medical clinics
- Embassy liaisons
✈️ Visitor-Specific Information
For International Travelers:
- Mobile Phones:
- Dial 112 without SIM card
- Free call from any Saudi telecom
- Landlines:
- Prefix with 0 (e.g., 0-999)
- Hotels:
- Most have emergency buttons on room phones
Language Assistance:
- Say “English speaker” when connected
- Use simple phrases: “Accident”, “Police”, “Ambulance”
- Ask for “tarjuman” (translator) if needed
(Monetization Spot: Language translation app affiliate link)
🏥 Hospital Network Directory
Top English-speaking medical facilities:
| City | Hospital | Contact | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riyadh | King Faisal Specialist | +966 11 442 7000 | Trauma Center |
| Jeddah | Saudi German Hospital | +966 12 682 9000 | Cardiac Care |
| Dammam | Johns Hopkins Aramco | +966 13 877 7777 | Pediatrics |
Insurance Note:
Government hospitals provide free emergency care to all. Private facilities require payment or insurance.
(Local Service Ad Placement: Health insurance comparison tools)
🚗 Transportation Emergencies
Specialized assistance for:
- Rental Car Breakdowns: Contact your provider’s 24/7 line
- Ride-Hail Issues: Uber/Careem in-app emergency button
- Airport Police: +966 11 525 3333 (RUH Airport)
❓ Life-Saving FAQ
Q: What if I call the wrong emergency number?
A: All operators can redirect your call – stay on the line.
Q: Do responders speak English in rural areas?
A: Less guaranteed – use translation apps or Arabic phrases:
- “Musa’ada!” (Help!)
- “Ana mareed” (I’m sick)
Q: How are emergency locations identified?
A: Use:
- Nearby landmarks (mosques, malls)
- GPS coordinates from apps like Google Maps
🛡️ Prevention Resources
- US Embassy Alerts: SA Embassy Site
- Saudi Red Crescent: www.srca.org.sa
- Virtual Safety Briefings: Many tour operators provide pre-arrival webinars