Crisis-Ready Society Emergency
Foundations

Expats: be ready far from home

Living away from your home country adds extra layers to any emergency: residency papers, an embassy to reach and family in another time zone. This page helps expatriate residents sort documents, contacts and insurance, and know whose instructions to follow.

Foundation for every scenario

Each step names the official source it comes from. Tap the name to see the source.

In the UAEAbu Dhabi's AD999 app and Dubai's DCAS SOS app let you call for emergency help from your phone, and DCAS SOS shares the patient's exact location.u.ae

Prepare

  • Check whether your home country offers registration for citizens living abroad, and sign up.Canada
  • Subscribe to your government's travel advice email alerts for the UAE.GOV.UK
  • Keep passports and visas for the whole family valid, stored safely but easy to reach.GOV.UK
  • Keep paper and digital copies of each person's passport and other ID.Canada
  • Make sure your employer holds up to date next of kin details.GOV.UK
  • Pick emergency contacts both close by and out of town.Canada
  • Confirm health cover for each family member; since 1 January 2025, employers in every emirate must provide health insurance for private sector employees and domestic workers.MoHRE
  • Learn your employer's evacuation and contingency plans.MoHRE

Use and maintain

  • Follow instructions from UAE authorities and keep up with local and international news.GOV.UK
  • Watch for official warning texts from NCEMA, the Interior Ministry and police.u.ae
  • Call 999 for police, 998 for ambulance or 997 for civil defence anywhere in the UAE.u.ae
  • Tell family at home and abroad whether you are safe or need help.GOV.UK
  • If told to shelter, stay indoors or go to the nearest safe building or shelter.GOV.UK
  • Contact your insurer and airline to learn what help they can give.GOV.UK
  • Make your own plans to leave if needed; do not count on a government evacuation.GOV.UK
  • Abroad with valid UAE residency? Register on MOFA's Tawajudi for residents for help returning in emergencies.UAE Ministry of Foreig

Review and restock

  • Do not approach or touch drone or missile fragments or any unusual objects.GOV.UK
  • Keep your departure plans under review.GOV.UK
  • Tell your insurer promptly about any damage and photograph it for your claim.Red Cross
  • Keep receipts for lodging, repairs and supplies you pay for.Red Cross
  • See a doctor or support service if you or your family feel overwhelmed.GOV.UK

Watch: 60-second guides

Expats in the UAE: be ready far from home

Videos need an internet connection. Some videos mention numbers for other countries: in the UAE call 999 police, 998 ambulance, 997 fire. More on our YouTube channel.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get started with being ready as an expat?
  • Check whether your home country offers registration for citizens living abroad, and sign up.Canada
  • Subscribe to your government's travel advice email alerts for the UAE.GOV.UK
  • Keep passports and visas for the whole family valid, stored safely but easy to reach.GOV.UK
  • Keep paper and digital copies of each person's passport and other ID.Canada
What are the key steps for being ready as an expat?
  • Follow instructions from UAE authorities and keep up with local and international news.GOV.UK
  • Watch for official warning texts from NCEMA, the Interior Ministry and police.u.ae
  • Call 999 for police, 998 for ambulance or 997 for civil defence anywhere in the UAE.u.ae
  • Tell family at home and abroad whether you are safe or need help.GOV.UK
What should I do after an emergency (being ready as an expat)?
  • Do not approach or touch drone or missile fragments or any unusual objects.GOV.UK
  • Keep your departure plans under review.GOV.UK
  • Tell your insurer promptly about any damage and photograph it for your claim.Red Cross
What should I have ready for being ready as an expat?
  • Valid passports and residence visasGOV.UK
  • Paper and digital copies of each person's ID and passportCanada
  • Medical insurance detailsCanada
  • Insurer phone number and policy numberGOV.UK
  • Next of kin contact detailsCanada
  • Copy of your emergency plan with contact numbersCanada
  • UAE emergency numbers: 999, 998, 997u.ae
  • Cash in small notesCanada
Is there anything specific to know in the UAE?

Abu Dhabi's AD999 app and Dubai's DCAS SOS app let you call for emergency help from your phone, and DCAS SOS shares the patient's exact location.u.ae

Answers are based only on the sourced steps on this page and their official sources.

Official sources

  1. UK Government (GOV.UK, FCDO): If you're affected by a crisis abroad
  2. UK Government (GOV.UK, FCDO): United Arab Emirates travel advice
  3. Government of Canada: Registration of Canadians Abroad
  4. UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Tawajudi for residents who are outside the country
  5. UAE Government Portal (u.ae): Handling emergencies
  6. UAE Government Portal (u.ae): Emergency phone numbers and apps
  7. UAE Government Portal (u.ae): Getting a health insurance
  8. Government of Canada: Emergency kit checklist
  9. Government of Canada: Make an emergency plan
  10. American Red Cross: Recovering Financially
  11. UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE): Health insurance scheme

Steps are written in our own words from these pages. If advice from your local authority differs, follow your local authority.

Last reviewed against these sources: 27 October 2026.

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