That loud notification that wakes you up at 12 AM isn’t just content! It’s a safety warning. The Ministry of Interior (MoI) is urging residents across the UAE to prioritise protection over posting, stressing that ignoring emergency instructions could lead to fines or legal accountability. Keep reading for a clear breakdown of what to do when an alert sounds and the fines you can avoid during this time of crisis.
Also Read: BREAKING: 7 Important Updates From The UAE Government Media Briefing – March
Follow Alerts, Not Your Phone
Recent reports have revealed some residents and drivers leaving their homes or stopping on roads to record mobile warning notifications. The Ministry stressed that these alerts exist to protect the public, not provide content for social media feeds. Immediate compliance is mandatory.
Seek Shelter Immediately!
In guidelines issued on Wednesday, residents were instructed to immediately move to a safe shelter or remain indoors until an official ‘all clear ‘ notification is announced for their area. The Ministry stressed that these alerts are issued for public protection and require full compliance until clearance is given.
Motorists who receive an alert while driving are advised not to stop on highways or exit their vehicles prematurely. Instead, they should continue safely to their destination and seek the nearest secure shelter upon arrival.

Respecting The Law Can Save Lives
Violating these safety instructions is considered a legal offence. Authorities urge full public cooperation to ensure the effectiveness of the UAE’s emergency response framework.
Use Emergency Lines Responsibly
Residents are reminded that the national emergency hotline, 999, should only be used for genuine emergencies. Misuse could hinder urgent response efforts.
Tips for residents and visitors:
- Take shelter immediately and stay put until further notice.
- Avoid sharing unverified information or rumours online.
- Call 999 only for real emergencies to keep lines clear for critical cases.
Save These UAE Emergency Numbers
In case of an emergency, you can call the following numbers while anywhere in the UAE:
- 999 for Police
- 998 for Ambulance
- 997 for Fire Department (Civil Defence)
- 996 for Coastguard
- 995 for Find and Rescue
- 991 for electricity failure
During life-threatening emergencies, your safety is the real cause for concern. Don’t risk it for a social post and instead, follow MoI instructions, stay sheltered. And when in need, dial the emergency lines for any support. And as always, stay safe and keep reading Gulf Buzz for all the latest updates and lifesaving tips!