General Information » Essential Info » Police

Abu Dhabi has a large and active police force. The police force is highly respected, and take community involvement seriously. They are easily recognisable in their ash grey uniforms, traffic police are differentiated by having white sleeves and a white belt. Senior officers wear a light olive green uniform.

Police cars are also clearly visible. They are red and white in colour, with blue and red lights on the roof. Police are armed, though fortunately they seldom need to use their weapons, as violent crime is extremely rare in Abu Dhabi.

The police are very approachable. They will be helpful if you need to ask simple questions, like directions, and will respond promptly if there is a problem.

The police do a lot to encourage community involvement in fighting crime and can often be found giving talks and holding exhibitions at schools and shopping malls discussing everything from road safety to drug awareness.

The emergency telephone number is 999. The central control room will handle your emergency and direct the appropriate services to you. You can use this number if you are involved in a traffic accident, or if you wish to report a crime or criminal behaviour. They can also direct other emergency services (fire, ambulance and rescue), though the fire department can also be called directly, on 997. They are also willing to deal quickly with 'nuisance' problems, such as rowdy neighbours and harassment of women.

If you are involved in a traffic accident, it is essential that you call the police immediately, you cannot get your car repaired without a police accident clearance form. You should call the central control room on 999 or on 4462462. The control room will be able to tell you if it would be appropriate to move your vehicle out of the way of other cars. They are also able to direct other emergency services your way if you need them. Give clear directions so that the police are able to get to you quickly. Never leave the scene of an accident, even if the damage is minor and nobody is injured.

The Abu Dhabi police website (www.adpolice.gov.ae) is up to date and has plenty of handy information.