Travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah or Hajj is a deeply spiritual journey, but it is also important to prepare for unexpected situations.
Millions of pilgrims arrive in Makkah and Madinah every year. While most journeys are completed safely, emergencies can happen at any time. Medical issues, lost documents, transport problems, heat exhaustion, accidents, and communication difficulties can quickly become stressful if you do not know who to contact.
Before leaving for Saudi Arabia, every pilgrim should save important emergency numbers on their phone and keep a written copy in their luggage.
Having quick access to the right contact can save valuable time during an emergency.
Main Emergency Numbers in Saudi Arabia
Police
999
Call this number for:
- Theft
- Lost property reports
- Criminal incidents
- Personal safety concerns
- Security emergencies
In some regions, the unified emergency system may also connect you through 911.
Ambulance and Medical Emergencies
997
Call immediately if someone is experiencing:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Heat stroke
- Loss of consciousness
- Serious injury
- Medical emergencies requiring urgent treatment
The Saudi Red Crescent operates emergency ambulance services throughout the Kingdom.
Fire Emergency
998
Call this number for:
- Building fires
- Smoke emergencies
- Fire hazards
- Rescue assistance during fire incidents
Civil Defence teams respond to these emergencies.
Traffic Accidents
993
Contact traffic police if:
- You are involved in a road accident
- There are injuries
- Police attendance is required
For rental vehicle incidents, also notify your rental company.
Highway Emergency Assistance
996
Useful for:
- Vehicle breakdowns
- Highway accidents
- Road emergencies during intercity travel
This number is especially important for pilgrims travelling between Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Taif.
General Emergency Number
112
In many situations, 112 can connect callers to emergency services when they are unsure which department is required.
It can be useful for visitors who need urgent assistance but are uncertain which service should respond.
Unified Emergency Number
911
Saudi Arabia has introduced a unified emergency number system in several major regions.
This number can connect callers to:
- Police
- Ambulance services
- Fire services
- Emergency response teams
Many visitors find this easier because only one number needs to be remembered.
Important Pilgrim Safety Numbers
Border and Coast Guard
994
Useful during maritime emergencies and border-related incidents.
Natural Disaster Emergency
966
Used for disaster-related situations and emergency response coordination.
Anti-Narcotics
995
For reporting drug-related incidents or emergencies.
Passport and Residency Services
992
Can assist with certain passport and immigration-related matters.
What To Do If You Lose Your Passport in Saudi Arabia
Losing a passport is one of the most common travel emergencies.
If this happens:
Step 1
Stay calm and retrace your recent locations.
Check:
- Hotel reception
- Haram lost property offices
- Group leader
- Transport providers
Step 2
Report the loss to local police if required.
Step 3
Contact your embassy or consulate immediately.
They can guide you through obtaining emergency travel documentation.
Step 4
Inform your travel agency or group leader.
They may help coordinate transport and appointments.
What To Do During a Medical Emergency in Makkah or Madinah
Saudi Arabia provides extensive medical services for pilgrims, particularly during Hajj and peak Umrah seasons.
If someone becomes seriously ill:
- Call 997 immediately
- Move the person to a safe area if possible
- Inform nearby security staff
- Provide location details clearly
- Keep identification documents available
Do not attempt to move someone experiencing a serious medical condition unless necessary for safety.
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke During Umrah
One of the most common pilgrim emergencies is heat-related illness.
Warning signs include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Rapid heartbeat
- Excessive sweating
- Fainting
If symptoms appear:
- Move to shade immediately
- Drink water
- Use cooling measures
- Seek medical assistance if symptoms worsen
Heat risks increase significantly during summer and crowded periods.
Safety Tips Every Pilgrim Should Follow
Save Emergency Numbers Before Departure
Store all emergency contacts in your phone before arriving in Saudi Arabia.
Carry Identification
Keep:
- Passport copy
- Hotel card
- Group information
- Emergency contact details
Share Your Location
If travelling alone, keep family members informed of your location.
Keep Your Phone Charged
A power bank can be extremely useful during long days in Makkah and Madinah.
Learn Your Hotel Name
Many pilgrims become separated from their groups because they cannot remember their hotel details.
Save the hotel name in both English and Arabic if possible.
Essential Emergency Numbers at a Glance
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 999 |
| Ambulance | 997 |
| Ambulance | 997 |
| Fire & Civil Defence | 998 |
| Traffic Police | 993 |
| Highway Patrol | 996 |
| Border Guard | 994 |
| General Emergency | 112 |
Staying Prepared During Your Journey
Most pilgrims will never need to use emergency services during Umrah or Hajj. However, being prepared is part of responsible travel.
A few minutes spent saving important emergency contacts before departure can make a significant difference if an unexpected situation occurs.
Whether you are travelling alone, with family, or as part of a group, keeping these numbers accessible allows you to focus on your worship with greater peace of mind throughout your journey in Saudi Arabia.
ServiceNumberPolice999Ambulance997Fire & Civil Defence998Traffic Police993Highway Patrol996Border Guard994General Emergency112Unified Emergency911Passport Services992Natural Disasters966
