Going for Umrah is a journey many Muslims spend months or even years preparing for. We think about flights, hotels, Ihram, documents, medicines, comfortable shoes and what to pack. But there is one small part of preparation that is easy to overlook: knowing who to call if something goes wrong.
Most pilgrims will complete their Umrah without needing emergency assistance. Still, knowing the right numbers can make a stressful situation much easier to manage.
Whether you are staying in Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah or travelling between cities, save the important Saudi Arabia emergency numbers in your phone before you leave home.
Saudi Arabia has dedicated numbers for police, ambulance services, Civil Defence, road security and health advice. The Saudi national emergency information service also lists 911 as the unified emergency number, while several individual services continue to operate through their dedicated numbers.
Important Saudi Arabia Emergency Numbers at a Glance
Here are some of the most useful numbers pilgrims should have saved:
These numbers are listed by Saudi government and official emergency-service sources.
Important: Emergency services and contact arrangements can change. Save the numbers before travelling and check official Saudi sources for the latest information.
1. 911 — Unified Emergency Number
911 is Saudi Arabia's unified emergency number and can be used for urgent emergency and security situations. The Saudi national portal lists 911 as the Unified Emergency Number, while Saudi Civil Defence also states that it can be contacted through 911 or 998.
For pilgrims, this can be a useful number to remember when you are unsure which emergency service you need.
For example, if there is a serious situation and you are not sure whether you need police, an ambulance or another emergency service, the unified emergency number may be the simplest starting point.
Save it as: Saudi Emergency — 911
2. 999 — Police and Security
999 is the number listed for police/security patrols in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Red Crescent Authority and Saudi Communications, Space & Technology Commission both list 999 for security patrols/police.
You may need police assistance if you experience a serious security incident, theft or another situation requiring police intervention.
For pilgrims, it is particularly useful to have this number saved because unfamiliar surroundings, language differences and large crowds can make an unexpected incident feel much more difficult.
Save it as: Saudi Police — 999
3. 997 — Ambulance and Saudi Red Crescent
If someone is seriously ill or injured and needs urgent medical assistance, 997 is the Saudi Red Crescent ambulance number.
The Saudi Red Crescent Authority officially lists 997 for ambulances, and the Saudi national emergency portal also lists 997 for ambulance services.
This is one of the most important numbers for Umrah pilgrims to save.
Large crowds, long walks, heat, dehydration, falls and existing medical conditions can sometimes lead to situations where urgent medical attention is needed.
Save it as: Ambulance — 997
If someone is unconscious, having difficulty breathing, experiencing severe chest pain, suffering a serious injury or experiencing another potentially life-threatening emergency, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.
4. 998 — Civil Defence
998 is the Civil Defence emergency number.
Civil Defence handles emergencies including fires and rescue situations. The Saudi Civil Defence website currently lists both 911 and 998 for contacting Civil Defence.
This number can be particularly important in situations involving:
- Fire
- Building emergencies
- Rescue situations
- Major incidents
- Other situations requiring Civil Defence assistance
Save it as: Civil Defence — 998
5. 996 — Road Security and Highway Emergencies
If you are travelling between Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah or other Saudi cities, it is useful to know 996, the Road Security number.
Saudi Arabia's Communications, Space & Technology Commission lists 996 as Road Security, and the Saudi Red Crescent Authority also lists the same number.
This is especially relevant if you are travelling by road and encounter a serious roadside or highway-related problem.
Save it as: Road Security — 996
6. 993 — Traffic and Road Accidents
Saudi Arabia also lists 993 for traffic services/traffic accidents.
The national emergency contact page lists 993 for traffic accidents, while the national numbering information identifies 993 with the General Department for Traffic.
If you are involved in a road accident, make sure everyone is safe first and contact the appropriate emergency service when required.
If there are injuries, 997 may be appropriate for ambulance assistance.
Save it as: Traffic — 993
7. 937 — Ministry of Health
Not every health problem requires an ambulance.
For health advice and medical guidance, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health operates the 937 service.
The Ministry of Health says the 937 service operates 24/7 and provides medical consultations, health guidance and assistance with health-related enquiries.
This can be useful for pilgrims who are unsure whether a health issue requires urgent medical attention or who need medical advice.
For example, you may have questions about:
- A minor illness
- Medication
- Symptoms that develop during your trip
- Health guidance
- Poisoning-related concerns
- Where to seek appropriate medical care
Save it as: Saudi Ministry of Health — 937
Remember that 937 is not a replacement for an ambulance during a life-threatening emergency. If someone needs immediate emergency medical assistance, use the appropriate emergency service.
8. 123 — Air Ambulance
Saudi Arabia's national emergency information page lists 123 for air ambulance services.
Most pilgrims will never need this number, but it is useful to know that specialist emergency transport services are available when required.
You do not normally need to decide yourself whether an air ambulance is necessary. In an emergency, medical or emergency authorities can determine the appropriate response.
9. 994 — Border Guard
994 is listed for the Saudi Border Guard.
This is unlikely to be a number most Umrah pilgrims need during a normal pilgrimage, but it can be useful to keep in your emergency contact list, particularly if you are travelling beyond the main pilgrimage cities.
Save it as: Border Guard — 994
10. 995 — Narcotics Control
Saudi Arabia lists 995 for narcotics control.
This is not a number most visitors will need, but it is included here because it is part of Saudi Arabia's official emergency/contact system.
What Should You Do If Someone Gets Sick During Umrah?
A medical problem can be frightening, especially if you are in a busy area around Masjid al-Haram or Masjid an-Nabawi.
Try not to panic.
First, assess whether the person needs immediate emergency medical attention.
If the situation is serious:
- Move the person to a safe place if it is possible to do so safely.
- Call 997 for an ambulance or use 911 for unified emergency assistance.
- Follow the instructions given by emergency services.
- If you are travelling with a group, notify your group leader or travel coordinator.
- Keep the person's passport and identification documents accessible if possible.
- Take their medication information with you if it can be done safely.
For less urgent medical questions, 937 provides 24/7 Ministry of Health support and medical consultation.
What If You Get Lost in Makkah or Madinah?
Getting separated from your family or travelling companions can happen, particularly in crowded areas.
Before leaving your hotel, make sure everyone in your group knows:
- The hotel name
- The hotel's address
- A nearby landmark
- The hotel telephone number
- The name of the area
- Where to meet if someone becomes separated
A simple but very useful tip is to take a photograph of your hotel entrance and hotel information on your phone.
You can also keep a small card in your pocket with the hotel name and address.
This is particularly helpful for elderly pilgrims or children who may have difficulty remembering their accommodation details.
If you become separated, try to stay calm and move to a safe, identifiable location rather than continuously walking around looking for your group.
Keep Your Hotel Location on Your Phone
Before leaving your hotel for Haram or for a day of sightseeing, take a screenshot of:
Hotel name Hotel address Google Maps location Hotel telephone number
Do this even if you think you will remember the way.
After several hours of walking, especially when tired, it can be surprisingly easy to become confused about which road or entrance you used.
A screenshot also works when your mobile data connection is temporarily unavailable.
What Information Should You Give Emergency Services?
When calling an emergency service, try to give clear and simple information.
Tell them:
- What happened
- Where you are
- Whether anyone is injured
- How many people need help
- Your phone number
- A nearby landmark or hotel
- Any important medical information you know
If you are near a large landmark, hotel or recognisable entrance, mention it.
For example, instead of saying:
"We are somewhere near the Haram."
Try to provide a specific location, hotel name, street or nearby landmark.
The more accurately emergency services can identify your location, the easier it may be for assistance to reach you.
Save Your Emergency Numbers Before You Leave Australia
If you are travelling from Australia for Umrah, do not wait until you arrive in Saudi Arabia to organise your emergency contacts.
Before your flight:
Create an emergency contact list
Save the numbers under easy-to-recognise names:
Saudi Emergency — 911 Police — 999 Ambulance — 997 Civil Defence — 998 Road Security — 996 Traffic — 993 Health Ministry — 937
You can also save the phone numbers of:
- Your hotel
- Your travel agent
- Your travel companions
- Your group leader, if applicable
- Your country's embassy or consulate
- Your travel insurance provider
- Your airline
This takes only a few minutes and can save valuable time later.
Keep Important Information Offline
Mobile phones are extremely useful during Umrah, but you should not depend entirely on internet access.
Take screenshots or keep an offline note containing:
- Emergency numbers
- Hotel details
- Passport information
- Visa information
- Travel insurance details
- Flight details
- Emergency contact names
- Your embassy or consulate contact information
You can also keep a small printed emergency card in your wallet or Umrah bag.
This is especially helpful if your phone battery dies.
What If Your Phone Battery Dies?
Imagine needing help but your phone has only 1% battery left.
This is why a small power bank can be one of the most useful items in your Umrah bag.
Before leaving your hotel, especially for a long day:
Charge your phone.
And if possible:
Carry a power bank.
Also keep your hotel information written somewhere outside your phone.
A little preparation can make a big difference.
Don't Forget Elderly Family Members
If you are travelling with parents, grandparents or elderly relatives, emergency preparation becomes even more important.
Consider giving each person a small card containing:
- Their name
- Hotel name
- Hotel phone number
- Your phone number
- Another family member's phone number
- Any important medical information
- Emergency numbers
If an elderly family member becomes separated from the group, this information can help someone assist them.
For children, you can use a similar approach and place the information securely in a pocket or small ID card.
Makkah Emergency Numbers
The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites' Makkah city guide also provides emergency information for visitors.
It lists:
- Police — 999
- Civil Defence — 998
- Saudi Red Crescent — 997
- Road-related emergency services — 996
- Electricity emergency — 933
- Water emergency — 931
The guide also provides specific local service contacts and consular information.
If you are staying in Makkah, saving the hotel details and the nearest recognisable landmark alongside these emergency numbers is a sensible precaution.
A Simple Emergency Checklist for Umrah
Before leaving for Saudi Arabia, check that you have:
☐ Saved 911 ☐ Saved 999 ☐ Saved 997 ☐ Saved 998 ☐ Saved 996 ☐ Saved 993 ☐ Saved 937 ☐ Saved your hotel's phone number ☐ Saved your hotel address ☐ Saved your travel companion's numbers ☐ Saved your travel insurance details ☐ Saved your embassy/consulate contact ☐ Downloaded or screenshotted important travel documents ☐ Packed a power bank ☐ Kept a small emergency card in your wallet or bag
A Final Reminder for Every Pilgrim
Nobody plans to have an emergency during Umrah.
You may travel to Makkah and Madinah, complete your pilgrimage, visit the holy sites and return home without needing any of these numbers.
But emergency preparation is not about expecting something bad to happen.
It is about being prepared just in case.
When you are in an unfamiliar country, surrounded by large crowds and sometimes travelling with children or elderly family members, having the right information immediately available can give you and your family extra peace of mind.
Save the important numbers now. Put your hotel information in your phone. Keep a backup copy offline. Make sure the people travelling with you know where to find the information.
And most importantly, if a serious emergency occurs, seek professional emergency assistance rather than trying to handle the situation yourself.
Planning Your Umrah from Australia?
If you are travelling from Australia and still arranging your Umrah journey, Miqat Travels can help with personalised Umrah travel arrangements, including flights, accommodation, transport and visa assistance.
We are an Australian-based travel agency based in Brisbane, helping pilgrims plan their journey according to their travel dates, departure city, accommodation preferences and requirements.
You can explore our Umrah options and contact us to discuss your travel plans.
Travel prepared. Travel informed. And may Allah make your journey easy, safe and accepted. Ameen.
Sources and official references
Saudi Arabia's national emergency contact information lists the country's emergency and support numbers, including 911, 999, 997, 998, 996, 993 and 937.
The Communications, Space & Technology Commission's national numbering information provides the official allocation of emergency service numbers.
The Saudi Red Crescent Authority confirms ambulance 997, Civil Defence 998, security patrols 999, Road Security 996 and other important numbers.
The Saudi Ministry of Health confirms that 937 provides 24/7 medical consultation and health-related support.
