Emergency Contacts in Saudi Arabia: Essential Numbers for Visitors

Emergency Contacts in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh is a generally safe city for visitors — Saudi Arabia welcomed 122 million visitors in 2025, and the kingdom consistently ranks among the safest destinations globally for tourists. Crime rates are low, the security infrastructure is well-resourced, and the hospitality culture places a premium on visitor welfare. But emergencies can occur anywhere, and knowing the right numbers, procedures, and resources before you need them is essential preparation for any international trip. This reference guide provides the comprehensive emergency information every visitor to Saudi Arabia’s capital should save to their phone before arrival.

Emergency Numbers

911 is the primary emergency number in Saudi Arabia and connects to a centralized dispatch center that can route your call to police, medical, or fire services as needed. It operates 24/7 and is the single most important number to save. Operators may have limited English — being able to state your emergency in basic Arabic can expedite the response. “Ahtaj musaa’ada” (I need help), “Mustashfa” (hospital), “Shurta” (police), and “Hareeq” (fire) are essential emergency vocabulary. See our Arabic Phrases Guide for additional emergency language.

All emergency numbers work from both Saudi and international mobile phones. No country code is needed — simply dial the number. Emergency calls work even without a local SIM card or active mobile plan.

Medical Facilities

Riyadh has modern hospitals and medical facilities that meet international accreditation standards. The quality of healthcare in Saudi Arabia is among the highest in the Middle East, with significant government investment in medical infrastructure. Major hospitals include:

Major Hospitals

• King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC) — One of the region’s leading medical facilities and a major referral center for complex cases. Located on Zahrawi Street in Al Mathar Ash Shamali. Advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities across virtually all medical specialties. International patients are regularly treated here. English-speaking staff are available.

• King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH) — Part of King Saud University Medical City. A major teaching and treatment hospital with comprehensive services including emergency medicine, surgery, internal medicine, and specialist clinics. Located in the university campus area.

• Saudi German Hospital Riyadh — Private hospital with international staff including many English-speaking physicians and nurses. Offers a wide range of medical services. Multiple locations across Riyadh. Well-suited for international visitors who prefer private healthcare.

• Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group — Multiple hospital locations across Riyadh with modern facilities and a strong reputation. Private healthcare group offering emergency services, specialist consultations, and diagnostic services. English-speaking staff available at most locations.

• King Abdulaziz Medical City (National Guard Hospital) — Major government hospital with comprehensive emergency and specialist services.

• King Fahad Medical City — Large medical complex with specialized centers for oncology, cardiovascular diseases, neuroscience, and pediatrics.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies are widely available throughout Riyadh — in malls, on commercial streets, and in residential neighborhoods. Major chains include Nahdi Pharmacy, Al Dawaa Pharmacy, and Whites Pharmacy. Many medications that require prescriptions in Western countries are available over the counter in Saudi Arabia. However, some medications legal elsewhere are controlled or prohibited in Saudi Arabia — check the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) guidelines before traveling with prescription medications. Always carry medications in original packaging with a copy of the prescription.

Pharmacies typically operate from 9:00 AM to midnight, with some offering 24-hour service. Major hospitals have 24-hour pharmacy services.

Dental Emergencies

Dental clinics are available across Riyadh, and several hospitals have dental departments. For emergency dental issues, hospital emergency departments can provide initial treatment and referral to dental specialists.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for eVisa holders — it is included in the eVisa fee (approximately $140 total including the visa and mandatory insurance). This insurance provides basic coverage for emergency medical treatment during your stay.

Before Travel:

• Save your insurance policy number and the insurance provider’s emergency contact number on your phone
• Carry both digital and physical copies of your insurance documentation
• Understand what your policy covers — eVisa insurance provides emergency coverage but may not cover all medical scenarios, pre-existing conditions, or medical evacuation
• Consider purchasing supplementary travel insurance if your trip involves activities with elevated risk (desert excursions to the Edge of the World, sporting activities)

At the Hospital:

• Present your insurance documentation at admission
• Emergency treatment is provided regardless of insurance status — billing is handled after stabilization
• Private hospitals may request a deposit or credit card imprint for non-emergency treatment
• Keep all medical receipts, discharge summaries, and documentation for insurance claims

Embassy and Consulate Contacts

Most international embassies are located in the Diplomatic Quarter, a dedicated diplomatic zone in western Riyadh. If you lose your passport, are arrested, experience a serious crime, or face a medical emergency requiring consular assistance, your embassy is the primary point of contact.

Major Embassy Contact Numbers

Important: Embassy contact information can change. Verify your country’s embassy details through your foreign affairs ministry website before travel. Many embassies maintain emergency after-hours phone lines for citizens in distress.

The Diplomatic Quarter is accessible by Riyadh Metro and ride-hailing services. See our Best Areas to Stay guide for Diplomatic Quarter hotel information and our Neighborhood Comparison for district analysis.

What to Do in an Emergency

Medical Emergency

1. Call 911 or 997 (ambulance)
2. State your location as precisely as possible — use Google Maps to share coordinates if possible
3. Describe the nature of the emergency
4. If at a hotel, contact the front desk — they can dispatch assistance and communicate in Arabic
5. Go to the nearest hospital emergency department if the situation allows safe transport

Crime or Theft

1. Call 911 or 999 (police)
2. Do not pursue thieves or confront criminals
3. File a police report — you will need this for insurance claims and passport replacement
4. Contact your embassy if your passport is stolen
5. Notify your bank immediately if credit or debit cards are stolen

Traffic Accident

1. Call 911 or 993 (traffic police)
2. Do not move vehicles unless they are blocking traffic in a dangerous position
3. Exchange information with other parties if safe to do so
4. Take photographs of the scene, damage, and license plates
5. A police report is required for insurance claims and vehicle repairs

Lost Passport

1. Contact your embassy immediately
2. File a police report (required for emergency travel document issuance)
3. Your embassy can issue an emergency travel document to allow you to return home
4. Keep photocopies of your passport (digital and physical, stored separately) to expedite replacement

Natural Disaster or Sandstorm

1. Follow instructions from local authorities
2. Stay indoors if possible
3. During severe sandstorms, avoid driving — visibility can drop to near zero
4. Keep windows and doors closed to prevent sand infiltration
5. Cover your mouth and nose if caught outdoors in a dust storm

Safety Tips for Riyadh Visitors

General Safety

• Keep copies of your passport, visa, and insurance documents — digital copies in email or secure cloud storage, physical copies stored separately from originals
• Share your itinerary with someone at home, particularly for desert excursions
• Carry your phone charged with offline Google Maps. A portable charger (10,000+ mAh) is essential
• Register with your embassy’s citizen tracking system if your country offers one
• Save emergency numbers in your phone before departure

Climate-Related Safety

• Stay hydrated — Riyadh’s desert climate causes dehydration rapidly, especially during outdoor activities at the Edge of the World, Wadi Hanifah, and other outdoor attractions. Carry at least two liters of water per person for any outdoor excursion.
• Sun protection — UV exposure in Riyadh is extreme. Sunscreen SPF 50+, wide-brimmed hat, and polarized sunglasses are non-negotiable. Sunburn can develop in under thirty minutes during summer midday hours.
• Heat exhaustion and heatstroke — Symptoms include excessive sweating, dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and confusion. Move to air conditioning immediately. If someone stops sweating and becomes confused or loses consciousness, call 911 — this is potentially life-threatening heatstroke.

Transportation Safety

• Traffic awareness — Riyadh traffic is fast-moving and can be aggressive by international standards. Use pedestrian crossings and overpasses where available. The Riyadh Metro (six lines, eighty-five stations, 176 km) is the safest transportation option.
• Ride-hailing — Use Uber or Careem rather than unmarked taxis. Both apps provide trip tracking that can be shared with contacts.
• Driving — If renting a car, Saudi Arabia drives on the right. Speed limits are enforced by radar cameras. Traffic violations carry fines.

Desert Excursion Safety

• Never venture off-road alone without a 4x4 vehicle, a fully charged phone with offline maps, sufficient water (minimum two liters per person), sun protection, and someone who knows your planned route and expected return time
• Desert temperatures — Can exceed 50 degrees Celsius in summer and drop significantly at night during winter. Dress in layers during winter excursions.
• No facilities — The Edge of the World and Red Sands desert have no shops, restaurants, restrooms, water sources, or emergency services on site. You must be self-sufficient.
• Organized tours are recommended for solo travelers and first-time desert visitors. Tour operators carry communication equipment and know the terrain. Check Visit Saudi for licensed operators.

Natural Hazards

• Extreme heat (May-September): Temperatures routinely exceed 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit). Heat-related illness is a real risk for visitors unaccustomed to desert conditions. Limit outdoor exposure during midday hours (10 AM to 3 PM). See our Best Time to Visit and Weather Guide.

• Sandstorms: Occur primarily during March through May. Moderate dust events reduce visibility and cause respiratory irritation. Severe sandstorms can reduce visibility to near zero and are dangerous for driving. Monitor weather forecasts via smartphone weather apps. Stay indoors during severe events. If caught driving in a sandstorm, pull over, turn on hazard lights, and wait for visibility to improve.

• Flash flooding: Rare but possible during the brief rainy season (November-April). Riyadh receives approximately 100 mm of rainfall annually, but when it rains, water can accumulate rapidly in low-lying areas and wadis. Avoid driving through standing water.

Legal Notes for Visitors

Understanding Saudi Arabia’s legal framework prevents serious problems:

• Alcohol is illegal — possession, consumption, and importation are strictly prohibited. Penalties include imprisonment and deportation.
• Drug offenses carry severe penalties including imprisonment and potential capital punishment. This includes substances legal elsewhere (such as cannabis products).
• Public decency laws apply — dress modestly covering shoulders and knees. See our Dress Code Guide.
• Photography of military installations, government buildings, and security personnel is prohibited and can result in questioning and equipment confiscation. See our Photography Guide.
• Respect for Islam — Do not publicly criticize Islam or Islamic practices. This includes social media posts made while in Saudi Arabia.
• Cohabitation — Unmarried couples may share hotel rooms, but this is a relatively recent change in practice and discretion is advised.

Tourism Support

For non-emergency tourism assistance:

• Saudi Tourism Authority: visitsaudi.com — Official tourism information, licensed tour operators, destination guides
• Riyadh Season: riyadhseason.sa — Event information, ticketing (WEBOOK platform), zone guides
• Discover Riyadh: info@discoverriyadh.ai — Guides, recommendations, travel planning
• Airport Information: King Khalid International Airport information desks at all five terminals. Metro Line 4 (Yellow) connects all terminals to the city.

For trip planning, see our First-Time Visitor Guide, Getting Around Riyadh, and Visa Guide.