Seeing suspicious behaviour in Dubai does not make a resident responsible for investigating it. The safest contribution is to move away from immediate risk, contact the appropriate police channel and describe what was actually observed. Confrontation, pursuit and public accusations can make a situation more dangerous and can spread incorrect information.
Dubai Police’s official 901 information guide distinguishes emergencies from non-urgent matters. It directs urgent situations to 999 and identifies 901 as the non-emergency channel for enquiries and information, including reporting beggars and other important information. Dubai Police also lists Police Eye among its digital services. Current app options can change, so use the service labels shown in the official Dubai Police app or website at the time of reporting.
Choose the channel according to immediate risk
Call 999 when there is an immediate threat to life, serious injury, violence in progress, fire requiring an emergency response or another situation where delay could cause harm. Use 901 for non-urgent Dubai Police enquiries or information. A digital reporting service may be suitable when the situation is not unfolding as an emergency and the app provides the relevant category.
The UAE emergency-numbers guide helps separate emergency and non-emergency calls. Save official numbers in the phone rather than trusting a forwarded image.
Observe facts without becoming involved
From a safe location, note the time, general place, direction of travel and a factual description of the behaviour. Separate observation from interpretation: “a person repeatedly approached stopped vehicles asking drivers for money” is more useful than assigning a motive you cannot verify. If a vehicle is involved, note the plate only when it can be seen safely and legally.
Do not follow a person, block a vehicle, demand identification or stage a recording. Never create a risk to obtain a closer photograph. If police staff ask you to remain available, follow their instructions while staying in a safe public place.
| Situation | Appropriate first step | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate danger or violence | Move to safety and call 999 | Confronting or live-streaming |
| Non-urgent suspicious activity | Use 901 or the relevant official app service | Posting names or faces publicly |
| Possible cybercrime | Preserve messages and use the official reporting route | Replying, paying or deleting evidence |
| Suspicious request for money | Decline safely and report factual details | Stopping in an unsafe traffic location |
| Uncertain situation | Ask 901 which service is appropriate | Guessing that no report is needed |
Useful details for a report
- Exact or nearest identifiable location and direction of movement.
- Time observed and whether the activity is still happening.
- Objective description of actions, clothing or vehicle.
- Any immediate safety concern, injury or vulnerable person involved.
- Photos or video only when already obtained safely and lawfully.
Protect identity, evidence and other people
Send evidence only through the official channel requested by police. Do not publish a person’s face, number plate or alleged offence on social media. Public posts can identify innocent people, interfere with an investigation or expose the reporter’s location. Keep the report reference where one is provided.
If the incident involves a phone or online account, the lost-phone guide explains how to protect SIM and banking access. Suspicious audio or video should be assessed with the deepfake-scam guide, while fake booking pages are covered in the event-ticket scam guide.
Handle common public situations calmly
When someone approaches a vehicle for money, keep doors locked, avoid stopping where traffic becomes unsafe and do not share personal or financial details. A person who appears distressed may still need help, but assistance should be routed through an appropriate official service rather than an unsafe roadside interaction.
After a traffic collision, use the process in the Dubai minor-accident guide instead of Police Eye unless officers direct otherwise. Noise from a property has its own escalation path in the noise-complaint guide. A lost passport or official document should follow the steps in the lost-passport guide.
The quality of a report comes from safe, timely and factual information—not from the reporter taking risks. When in doubt about the correct non-urgent channel, call 901 and ask.
Questions people often ask
When should I call 999 instead of using Police Eye?
Call 999 when there is immediate danger, serious injury, violence in progress or another emergency requiring rapid police response.
What is Dubai Police 901 for?
901 is the non-emergency contact for Dubai Police enquiries and information, including reports that do not require an immediate emergency response.
Should I confront a person before reporting suspicious behaviour?
No. Move to safety, observe only what you can without risk and let police assess the situation.
Can I post a suspicious person’s photograph online?
Do not publish accusations, faces or identifying details. Provide relevant evidence privately through the official police channel.
What if I am unsure which reporting service applies?
For a non-urgent Dubai matter, call 901 and describe the situation so staff can direct you. Use 999 if danger is immediate.
