Dubai Tourist Police: Contact Numbers, App, Complaints & Tourist Help (2026)

You are walking through the Gold Souk when someone overcharges you by three times the market rate. Or your passport is missing from your hotel room. Or a taxi driver refuses to use the meter and demands double. In that moment, most tourists have no idea who to call or what to do next. Dubai is widely considered one of the safest destinations in the world, but that safety has real people behind it — and the Dubai Tourist Police is exactly the department designed for these situations.

This guide covers everything a visitor needs: direct contact numbers, how the Dubai Police App works, how to file a complaint step by step, and what your rights are as a tourist on UAE soil. No fluff — just what you actually need before, during, or after a problem occurs.

Before you even land, it helps to know what is and isn't acceptable in Dubai — understanding local laws is the first layer of staying safe.

What Is the Dubai Tourist Police Department?

The Dubai Tourist Police is a dedicated unit operating under the General Department of Criminal Investigation within Dubai Police. It was established specifically to assist international visitors who face problems during their stay — whether that's theft, scams, accidents, medical emergencies, or legal confusion.

Unlike the general emergency line (999), the Tourist Police is designed for non-life-threatening situations that still require official assistance. Officers are trained to handle tourist-specific scenarios and are multilingual — with support available in English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu, and several other languages spoken by visitors arriving from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe.

Who Runs It and Who Leads It

The Tourist Police Department falls under the General Department of Criminal Investigation, led by Brigadier Khalfan Obaid Al Jallaf. The department operates year-round, with officers stationed across Dubai's major tourist zones and available via multiple contact channels.

According to official Dubai Police records, the Tourist Police received over 3,500 comments, inquiries, and assistance requests from tourists in a single year — a number that reflects both the scale of tourism in Dubai and how actively the department engages with visitors.

Dubai Tourist Police Contact Numbers — Quick Reference

Before anything else, save these numbers. The situation will be stressful enough — you should not be searching for contacts in the middle of it.

How to Use the Dubai Police App for Tourist Help

The Dubai Police App is one of the most practical tools a tourist can have on their phone. It works entirely in English, and you do not need to speak Arabic to navigate it. Most importantly, it lets you file reports and track complaints without physically visiting a station.

• Download the Dubai Police app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)
• Select your language — English is fully supported
• Tap Services from the main menu
• Choose the relevant category: Tourist Complaint, Lost & Found, Police Report, etc.
• Fill in your details and describe the incident clearly
• Submit — you will receive a reference number immediately
• Use that reference number to track the status of your complaint under My Requests

Step-by-Step: Filing a Complaint via App

1. Open the Dubai Police App and tap Services
2. Select Report a Crime or Tourist Complaint depending on your situation
3. Enter your passport number, nationality, and contact details
4. Describe the incident in the provided text field — be specific about time, location, and what happened
5. Attach any evidence: photos, screenshots, or receipts if available
6. Submit the form — a confirmation with your case reference number will appear
7. Check updates under Follow Up in the app

Response times vary by case type, but most straightforward tourist complaints receive an initial response within 24 to 48 hours. For urgent matters, call 901 directly rather than waiting for an app response.

What Dubai Police Help for Tourists Actually Covers

A common misconception is that the Tourist Police only handles minor issues. In reality, the department covers a wide range of situations — from stolen wallets to serious incidents involving medical emergencies in remote areas.

In 2024, Dubai Police airlifted a British tourist who was hiking in the Hatta mountains and became unable to move due to exhaustion and high blood pressure. Officers located him, administered first aid on-site, and arranged emergency transport to hospital. This is the level of response the tourist assistance framework provides — not just administrative help, but genuine on-the-ground intervention.

The Tourist Police handle:

• Theft and pickpocketing — including hotel theft and bag snatching
• Taxi and transport fraud — overcharging, refusal to use meters
• Gold Souk and market scams — counterfeit goods, inflated pricing
• Property scams targeting new arrivals or short-term renters
• Lost passports and travel documents
• Stranded tourists — whether medical, financial, or logistical
• Noise complaints and disturbances at tourist venues
• Tourist-related traffic accidents

Areas and Zones Covered by Dubai Tourist Police

Tourist Police officers are deployed across all of Dubai's primary visitor zones. Coverage includes:

• Dubai Marina & JBR Zone — beach patrol, waterfront incidents
• Downtown Dubai / Burj Khalifa Zone — high-footfall tourist area, crowd management
• Deira & Gold Souk Zone — market fraud, heritage area patrol
• Dubai International Airport (DXB) — arrival and departure assistance
• Jumeirah Beach / Palm Jumeirah — coastal safety and resort-area coverage
• Hatta and mountain zones — emergency response for adventure tourists

Tourist Police vs Regular Dubai Police — Key Differences

Smart Police Stations (SPS) in Dubai — Where to Find Them

Smart Police Stations are automated, 24/7 walk-in facilities where you can file reports, obtain official certificates, and access police services without waiting for a staffed counter. For tourists who need a police report certificate — often required for insurance claims after theft — an SPS is the fastest option.

Current SPS locations across Dubai include:

• Dubai Mall (Downtown)
• Mall of the Emirates (Al Barsha)
• Dubai Marina Walk
• Deira City Centre
• Dubai International Airport — Terminal 1 and Terminal 3
• Mirdif City Centre
• Ibn Battuta Mall (Jebel Ali)
• Al Rigga (Deira)

Kiosks are fully automated with touchscreen interfaces available in English and Arabic. You will need your passport or UAE ID to verify identity. For tourists who have lost their passport, bring any secondary identification and explain the situation at the kiosk — the system will direct you to the appropriate service path.

How to File a Complaint with Dubai Tourist Police

Many tourists hesitate to file formal complaints because they assume the process is complicated or time-consuming. It is not. Dubai Police has specifically simplified the tourist complaint process to remove barriers for international visitors.

If you have been overcharged by a business, scammed at a market, or had something stolen, knowing your legal standing in the UAE is relevant context — especially if the incident involves your visa status or documentation.

Online Complaint Process — Step by Step

1. Visit the Official Government Portal (Dubai Police website)
2. Select Online Services then Tourist Complaint
3. Choose your complaint category: fraud, theft, transport issue, etc.
4. Enter your personal details — passport number, nationality, and contact information
5. Describe the incident in detail: date, time, location, and what occurred
6. Upload supporting evidence if available — photos, screenshots, receipts
7. Submit the form. You will receive a case reference number via SMS or email
8. Track your complaint status using the reference number on the same portal

Alternatively, call 901 and an officer will guide you through the process verbally, then follow up with a digital record of your case.

What Happens After You File a Complaint

Once your complaint is submitted, a case reference number is assigned. You can track this number online or through the Dubai Police App. For straightforward cases — taxi fraud, market overcharging, minor theft — most tourists receive an initial response within 24 to 48 hours. Complex cases involving criminal investigation may take longer and could require a follow-up visit to a police station or SPS.

You will receive updates via SMS or email depending on what contact information you provided during submission. If your case requires a physical police report certificate for insurance purposes, visit any Smart Police Station with your reference number — they issue the certificate on the spot.

Anonymous complaints are accepted for certain categories, such as reporting a business for fraudulent practices — however, you cannot track an anonymous complaint afterward.

Common Tourist Situations and the Right Contact for Each

Knowing who to call is half the battle. Here is how to handle the most common tourist emergencies in Dubai.

Lost Passport in Dubai

A lost passport is one of the most stressful situations for any tourist. Call 901 first, then contact your country's embassy or consulate in Dubai. The Tourist Police will provide a loss report, which your embassy needs to issue an emergency travel document. This process typically takes 2 to 5 working days depending on your nationality. Do not attempt to leave the UAE without a valid travel document — this can complicate your departure significantly.

Scam or Fraud

Common tourist scams in Dubai include: counterfeit gold jewellery in the souks, unlicensed taxi drivers, fake tour packages, and inflated restaurant bills. If you have been targeted, save all evidence — receipts, photos of the item, screenshots of any communication, and the name or location of the business. File a complaint through the Dubai Police App or call 901. Tourist Safety Dubai officers specifically track recurring scam locations and use these complaints to take action against offenders.

If you were misled about what is legal to bring into the country, it also helps to review what items are banned in Dubai before your next trip.

Stranded or Medical Emergency

Call 999 if there is immediate risk to life. Call 901 if you are stranded, lost, or need assistance that is not immediately life-threatening. The Dubai Tourist Police has coordinated with Dubai Ambulance and the Hatta Emergency Response unit for tourists in remote areas. If someone in your group has high blood pressure, cardiac issues, or mobility problems, call 901 proactively — officers can send medical assistance or arrange transport to hospital.

What NOT to Do When Contacting Dubai Police

This section matters more than most tourists realise. Getting the response you need depends on approaching the situation correctly.

• Do not call 999 for non-emergencies. Using the emergency line for non-urgent complaints wastes response capacity. Use 901 for tourist assistance matters.
• Do not file a complaint without evidence. Verbal complaints without supporting documentation are harder to act on. Always photograph the incident, receipt, or individual involved if it is safe to do so.
• Do not attempt to argue aggressively with police officers. Even if you are in the right, aggressive behaviour toward law enforcement is treated seriously in the UAE.
• Do not ignore a visa issue connected to your incident. If your overstay or documentation is involved, address both separately. Understanding the legal and financial realities of visiting Dubai before your trip removes this risk entirely.
• Do not self-incriminate. If you are unsure whether your own actions were legal (for example, a dispute about a payment that went wrong), contact your embassy before filing a formal statement.

Your Rights as a Tourist in Dubai

Many tourists do not know that the UAE has clear legal protections for international visitors. These rights exist regardless of your nationality.

• You cannot be detained without cause. Dubai Police cannot hold you without reasonable grounds. If you are stopped, ask calmly for the reason.
• You have the right to contact your embassy. If you are arrested or detained, request embassy contact immediately. Officers are legally required to inform your embassy.
• You have the right to an interpreter. If you do not speak Arabic, you are entitled to translation services during any formal police proceeding. Request this explicitly.
• You have the right to bail in most non-violent cases. Contact a UAE-registered legal representative if bail is relevant to your situation.
• You have the right to a police report certificate. After filing a complaint, you are entitled to receive an official record of that complaint — important for insurance and embassy documentation purposes.

Knowing your rights matters. It also matters to arrive in the country prepared — understanding Dubai visit visa requirements and what is expected of you as a visitor reduces the chance of misunderstandings that escalate unnecessarily.

If you are planning a trip and want to make the most of your time in the city, the Dubai Airport guide covers everything from arrival procedures to transit options — a useful read for first-time visitors.

Dubai Tourist Police vs Abu Dhabi Tourist Police

Many visitors to the UAE travel between Emirates — Dubai and Abu Dhabi are only about 90 minutes apart. Tourist Police services are not shared between Emirates, so knowing the right contact for each location matters.

If you are visiting Yas Island, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, or the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, you are in Abu Dhabi's jurisdiction — call +971 2 800 2626 for tourist assistance there, not 901.

Conclusion

Dubai is a genuinely safe city. The Tourist Police department, Smart Police Stations, and the Dubai Police App are all designed to make the experience of getting help as simple as possible for international visitors. The department receives thousands of interactions per year — evidence that these channels are actively used and actively monitored.

The most important thing is knowing the right number before you need it. Save 901 in your phone now, download the Dubai Police App before you land, and keep a note of your nearest Smart Police Station.

If you are still in the planning phase, reading about things to avoid in Dubai helps you arrive better informed about local customs and legal boundaries. For health-related travel preparation, the medical tips for visiting Dubai guide covers vaccinations, insurance, and hospital access. And for a full overview of getting around the city confidently, the Dubai travel guide is a solid starting point.