Emergencies are unpredictable, and being sure of how ambulance services operate in Dubai and Sharjah can be the difference when every minute counts.
In Dubai and Sharjah, there are two primary categories of ambulance services:
Government Ambulance Services — for free emergencies via 998 or 999
Private Ambulance Services — convenient, pre-booked medical transport for accidents and scheduled medical transfers
They both play a critical role. In this guide, you’ll discover how they operate, when to call each, what they charge, and why EMHAS is the go-to provider for private ambulance services in Dubai and Sharjah.
Ambulance Services: Public vs Private
Government Ambulance Services in Dubai & Sharjah
For life-threatening, critical emergencies, strokes, heart attacks, and accidents, always call 998 or 999 for an instant response.
In Dubai, the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS) operates the public fleet with equipped paramedics and advanced gear. Sharjah has a government ambulance service that adopts the same round-the-clock service through the National Ambulance system.
Key points:
24/7, free of charge for real emergencies
Highly qualified government paramedics
Quick dispatch for critical cases
Dial 998 (ambulance) or 999 (police/emergency)
Private Ambulance Services in Dubai & Sharjah
When every second counts, you deserve more than waiting and worrying; you deserve reliable, on-time, fully equipped private ambulance services in Sharjah and Dubai that put your family’s safety first.
Whether it’s a planned hospital visit, a medical emergency where government help is delayed, or safe inter-hospital transfers
EMHAS provides trusted private ambulances for both Dubai and Sharjah, available 24/7.
Here’s what you need to know about private ambulances: when to use one, how much it costs, what will happen, and why thousands use EMHAS.
What’s Special About Private Ambulance Services?
Public ambulances, operated by Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS) or National Ambulance in Sharjah, are for life-threatening, critical situations. Call 998 or 999 in these cases.
But public ambulances can’t always manage: – Non-emergency patient transports – Special elderly or disabled care – Event medical stand-by – ICU-level transports with special monitoring – Planned hospital trips where time and comfort are crucial.
This is where EMHAS comes in: A licensed ambulance service in Dubai and Sharjah provides you with flexible, on-time, safe transportation for any medical requirement.
When Should You Call a Private Ambulance?
Uncertain if you require an ambulance for private use? Ask yourself:
✔️ Is the patient in need of medical attention while in transit?
✔️ Would driving a normal car cause additional injury or discomfort?
✔️ Is the patient bedridden, elderly, or disabled?
✔️ Does the situation require special equipment such as oxygen or stretchers?
✔️ Is this a prearranged hospital transfer where time and comfort are an issue?
✔️ Do you require standby ambulances for an event or corporate function?
If you answered yes to any of those, a private ambulance is a better option. EMHAS offers all levels — basic to advanced ICU transport.
Types of Private Ambulance Services
Non-Emergency Medical Transfers
Patient-safe, comfortable travel home from the hospital, dialysis rides, or nursing home tours.
Emergency Private Ambulances
When public units are occupied or behind schedule, our fast-response fleet will meet urgent requirements with paramedics onboard.
Inter-Hospital Transfers
If patients have to be transferred between hospitals for tests, surgery, or ICU treatment, we provide safe, medically monitored transport.
Event Ambulance Standby
For corporate functions, marathons, and school sports, the requirement for a standby ambulance and trained medics is sometimes unavoidable. EMHAS makes it easy.
Private Ambulance Cost in Dubai & Sharjah — What to Pay
Numerous individuals ask, “How much is a private ambulance?“
Unlike free government ambulances (used in an emergency only), private ambulances are billed depending on:
- Type of ambulance — Basic, Level 1, Level 2, or ICU
- Distance traveled
- Additional medical personnel required (nurse, paramedic)
- Special equipment (oxygen, ventilator) used
- Time of day (midnight urgent call might be more expensive)
Normal private ambulance rates:
- Basic non-emergency ambulance: AED 600–800
- Basic ambulance with evacuation/escort: AED 800–1000
- Level 1 advanced ambulance: AED 1000–1200
- ICU ambulance with full life-support: AED 1500–2000+
Fair Pricing: EMHAS gives you transparent, straightforward, all-inclusive prices — get an exact price that suits your transport requirements at any time, with no surprise charges.
Dubai vs Sharjah Private Ambulance Rules — What You Should Know
Dubai:
Governed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and DCAS for regulation.
Private operators such as EMHAS are required to have strict fleet compliance.
Patients in transit can only be handled by licensed medical staff.
Sharjah:
Regulation by the local Health Authority and National Ambulance guidelines.
Private providers are required to have up-to-date permits.
Insurance cover regulations are the same — always carry your card!
Wherever you are, EMHAS is legal under both Emirates’ regulations — you can relax!
How to Book an Ambulance in Dubai or Sharjah
Book easily with EMHAS:
- Call or WhatsApp our 24/7 hotline
- Give us patient information: condition, address, destination, special requirements
- Get a transparent cost quote, fixed price, no surprise add-ons
- Our crew arrives quickly, with live tracking and real-time reporting
What’s Included in a Private Ambulance?
All ambulances are not created equal. A good private ambulance, such as EMHAS, assures:
- Clean, sanitized interiors
- Stretcher, oxygen, defibrillator
- Cardiac monitors for ICU-grade treatment
- Qualified paramedics or nurses on board
- Smooth ride with experienced drivers
- Additional comfort for patient & family
Why Families Trust EMHAS for Private Ambulance Services
- Licensed & DHA-approved — full compliance in both Emirates
- Fast dispatch — average response 20–30 mins
- Transparent pricing — no surprise bills
- Extra care — gentle handling, family updates, paperwork assistance
- Complete Dubai & Sharjah coverage — and inter-Emirate trips on request
Tips You Need to Know Before Booking
Keep insurance details handy at all times
Book in advance if you know when you’re going to avoid last-minute stress
Store the EMHAS number (+971548887520 WhatsApp | 80023456000 Call) together with 998/999 — you’ll never panic when you need assistance.
Are You Ready to Book Your Private Ambulance?
Don’t wait until you’re panicking — plan and know your trusted team. For 24/7 private ambulance services in Dubai & Sharjah, EMHAS is there for you whenever you need us.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a public and private ambulance in Dubai?
What’s the difference between a public and private ambulance in Dubai? A public ambulance in Dubai is run by the government (DCAS) and is dispatched free of charge for emergencies when you dial 998 or 999. These ambulances are mainly for critical, life-threatening cases and respond as fast as possible, but can be delayed during peak times. Private ambulances, like EMHAS, are fully licensed medical transport services that you can pre-book for non-emergency or semi-emergency needs. They offer planned hospital visits, inter-hospital transfers, transport for elderly or disabled patients, event standby cover, and ICU-level care if needed — all with transparent pricing and professional staff. Private ambulances give you more flexibility, comfort, and faster scheduling compared to waiting for a government unit if it’s not an extreme emergency.
When should I call a private ambulance instead of a government one?
In Dubai and Sharjah, a government ambulance (by dialing 998) is your first call for a critical, life-threatening emergency, like severe chest pain, stroke, major accident trauma, or any condition where immediate medical response is needed to save a life.
But there are many situations where a private ambulance is a safer, faster, and more practical choice:
Planned hospital visits:
If you need to transport an elderly or disabled patient to or from a hospital, a private ambulance ensures comfort, professional handling, and medical monitoring if required.
Inter-hospital transfers:
If a patient must move from one hospital to another for surgery, specialized treatment, or better care, a private ambulance provides ICU-level support and keeps the patient stable during transfer.
Non-urgent medical transport:
For regular trips like dialysis sessions, physiotherapy appointments, or long-distance moves between Emirates, a private ambulance is ideal.
Event standby:
Private ambulances are often required for sporting events, corporate functions, exhibitions, and large gatherings. They remain on-site, ready to handle any incident immediately.
When the public service is delayed or busy:
In rare cases, public ambulances may be tied up during peak times or citywide emergencies. A private ambulance like EMHAS can fill that gap quickly.
So, if the condition is not immediately life-threatening but safe medical supervision is still needed, or if you want the comfort and flexibility of pre-booking, always call a private ambulance. EMHAS operates 24/7 in Dubai and Sharjah, with trained medical staff and well-equipped vehicles ready to reach you when you need them.
How much does a private ambulance cost in Dubai or Sharjah?
The cost of a private ambulance in Dubai or Sharjah can vary based on several factors, so it’s important to understand what you’re paying for and what’s included.
A private ambulance is a paid service — unlike government ambulances, which are free for emergencies. Private services cover planned, non-emergency, or special medical transport that government units do not handle.
Typical price factors include:
- Service level: Basic patient transfer, advanced care, or ICU-level support with full life-saving equipment.
- Distance: The longer the journey (for example, inter-hospital or inter-emirate transfers), the higher the cost.
- Medical staff needed: If a nurse, paramedic, or doctor must accompany the patient, this affects the cost.
- Equipment on board: Some patients may need oxygen support, ventilators, or cardiac monitors — this can influence the final rate.
- Time of day: Urgent dispatch at night or during weekends may have an extra charge.
On average, a private ambulance in Dubai or Sharjah may range from AED 600 to AED 2000+, depending on these factors:
No hidden charges: When you book with EMHAS, you get a clear, transparent quote before the trip starts. You only pay for what you need. For the most accurate price, call EMHAS at 80023456000 or WhatsApp at +971548887520 — our team will give you an exact quote based on your situation.
Do private ambulances have medical staff on board?
Yes — a professional private ambulance service like EMHAS always includes qualified medical staff to ensure safe, supervised transport for every patient.
The type of medical crew depends on the patient’s condition and the level of care needed:
Basic transfers:
For non-urgent transport (like hospital discharges or check-up visits), an ambulance driver trained in basic first aid and patient handling is on board.
Advanced or urgent transfers:
For patients who need continuous monitoring — such as elderly patients, disabled individuals, or those recovering from surgery — a trained paramedic or registered nurse accompanies the patient to monitor vital signs, administer oxygen, or provide immediate care if needed.
ICU-level transfers:
For critical or inter-hospital moves requiring life-support equipment (ventilators, cardiac monitors, IV drips), a full medical team is deployed — often including an ICU nurse, a paramedic, and sometimes a doctor, depending on the complexity of the case.
Private ambulances like EMHAS are equipped with stretchers, oxygen tanks, defibrillators, first aid supplies, and emergency medication. The crew is trained to handle unexpected changes in the patient’s condition and communicate with hospitals ahead of arrival if additional urgent care is needed.
How quickly can a private ambulance reach me in Dubai or Sharjah?
Response time is one of the biggest reasons people choose a private ambulance, especially when you want peace of mind that help is on the way without long waits.
In Dubai and Sharjah, reputable providers like EMHAS operate 24/7 with a dedicated fleet and standby medical teams. On average, a private ambulance can reach you in 20–30 minutes, depending on:
Your exact location:
Central city areas are quicker to reach than remote outskirts.
Traffic conditions:
Dubai and Sharjah traffic can affect timings, but EMHAS uses experienced drivers and live GPS tracking to find the fastest routes.
Time of day:
Late nights or early mornings can sometimes mean faster arrival due to lighter roads.
The urgency of the situation:
If your condition is urgent but not critical enough for 998, EMHAS dispatches a priority ambulance with trained staff and needed equipment.