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1. An In-Depth Guide to Important Contact Numbers in Oman

   Whether you are a resident, an expatriate, or a tourist visiting the Sultanate of Oman, having access to essential contact numbers can be a lifeline during emergencies or unexpected circumstances. Oman is a country that takes the safety and well-being of its people and visitors very seriously. The government and various organizations have established a robust system of emergency and support services that are accessible through dedicated hotlines and contact numbers. Knowing who to call, and when, can make a significant difference during stressful situations.

   This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, providing not just a list of numbers, but also context and advice on their usage. We’ll cover all the major regions of Oman, including Muscat, Salalah, Dhofar, and other key cities, as well as specific scenarios—from medical emergencies to cybercrimes, and from taxi services to municipal concerns.

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   1. The Universal Emergency Number: 9999

   Number: 9999
   Purpose: For all major emergencies including police, fire, ambulance, and rescue services.

   The number 9999 is Oman’s universally recognized emergency hotline. In moments of crisis—whether it’s a fire, a serious accident, a health emergency, or a security threat—this is the number you should dial. The dispatchers are trained professionals who can quickly assess your situation and send the appropriate assistance.

   When to call:

   • You witness or experience a fire, explosion, or hazardous material incident.

   • Medical emergencies such as chest pain, severe injury, or loss of consciousness.

   • Crimes in progress or immediate threats to safety (theft, assault, etc.).

   • Natural disasters, such as flooding or earthquakes.

   Tips:

   • Try to remain calm and provide clear details: your location, nature of the emergency, and any relevant information.

   • If you’re on the highway or in a remote area, mention landmarks or nearby road signs.

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   2. Reporting Cyber Extortion and Online Threats

   Number: 80077444
   Purpose: For reporting cyber extortion, cyberbullying, or any form of online threat.

   With the rise of the digital world, cybercrimes have unfortunately become more common. The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has set up a dedicated cybercrime reporting hotline. If you or someone you know is facing threats online, blackmail through social media, or phishing scams, call this number immediately.

   Scenarios:

   • Receiving threatening emails or messages demanding money or personal information.

   • Online harassment or defamation.

   • Suspicious links or emails that might be phishing attempts.

   Advice:

   • Do not delete messages or evidence before contacting authorities.

   • Do not engage further with the perpetrator.

   • Protect your privacy on all digital platforms.

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   3. Visa and Immigration Inquiries

   Number: 80080011
   Purpose: For all matters relating to visas, immigration status, and entry/exit requirements.

   Whether you’re a visitor confused about your visa type, or an expatriate trying to renew your residency permit, this hotline is your first point of contact for all government-related immigration inquiries. Officials here can guide you through documentation, application processes, and general legal requirements.

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   4. Marine Emergencies

   Number: 1991
   Purpose: For all emergencies at sea, including boating accidents, distress calls, or environmental hazards.

   Oman’s long coastline is home to many fishermen, sailors, and tourists enjoying marine activities. If you’re in distress at sea—whether due to an accident, capsized vessel, or environmental threats like oil spills—dial 1991 for immediate maritime assistance.

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   5. Royal Oman Police (ROP) Regional Stations

   The ROP operates throughout Oman, with several important regional contact numbers:

   • Main Police Hotline: 560099

   • Ruwi (Muscat): 701099

   • Salalah: 290099

   When to use:

   • Report crimes, suspicious activity, or lost property.

   • Request police assistance for non-life-threatening issues.

   • Obtain information about legal procedures or police clearance certificates.

   Tip: Knowing your nearest police station’s number can expedite response times during neighborhood incidents or travel mishaps.

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   6. Civil Defence & Ambulance Services

   Civil Defence in Oman encompasses not just firefighting, but also disaster response, rescue operations, and ambulance services. Here’s a breakdown of key numbers by region:

   Muscat and General:

   • Civil Defence & Ambulance Main: 24343666

   Dhofar and Southern Oman:

   • Dhofar Regional Office: 23234599

   • Sadha: 23234975

   • Salalah: 23290077

   • Awqad: 23212146

   • Raysut: 23219131

   • Mirbat: 23268594

   • Taqa: 23258077

   Ambulance, Salalah (Awqad): 99479463

   Purpose:

   • Fire outbreaks, rescue missions, traffic accidents, and medical emergencies.

   • Flooding, landslides, or other natural disasters.

   Advice:

   • When calling, specify the location clearly (city, area, landmarks).

   • For medical emergencies, describe symptoms or injuries for better preparedness.

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   7. Hospital and Medical Emergency Numbers

   Rapid medical response can be a matter of life and death. Here are the most important hospital numbers you should know:

   Sultan Qaboos Hospital, Salalah: 23216100

   A major hospital serving the southern region, equipped for emergencies, surgeries, and specialized care.

   Royal Hospital Emergency Room, Atheiba (Muscat): +968 2459 9457

   This is one of Oman’s top referral hospitals, particularly for Muscat and the northern regions. It handles severe traumas, pediatric emergencies, and complex medical cases.

   PDO Ambulance (for incidents on Petroleum Development Oman properties): +968 2467 7444

   If you work or reside on PDO property, this is your direct ambulance line for any incidents.

   KIMS Oman Emergency Room (Wattayah/Ruwi): +968 2476 0123

   A private hospital group offering emergency care, with English-speaking staff.

   Badr Al Samaa Emergency Services:

   • Sur: +968 2554 6112

   • Al Khoud: +968 2454 6099

   • Al Khuwair: +968 2448 8323

   • Ruwi: +968 24799760

   These hospitals are known for their 24/7 emergency services, serving both locals and expatriates.

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   8. Water and Electricity Emergencies

   Water Emergency:

   • General: 1445 / 23290052

   • Salalah: 1445

   Electricity Emergency:

   • Muscat and General: 154 / +968 2469 8818 / +968 2471 4300 / +968 2470 1821 / 23219188

   • Salalah: 154

   Water and electricity disruptions can be more than mere inconveniences—they can pose serious hazards, especially in hospitals, homes with infants, or during extreme heat. These dedicated hotlines are your fastest route to reporting outages, leaks, bursts, or unsafe electrical installations.

   Tips:

   • Report as soon as you notice disruptions to prevent further damage.

   • Avoid handling electrical appliances during water leaks.

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   9. Airport and Travel Emergencies

   Salalah International Airport: 23295747

   For flight-related emergencies, lost baggage, or urgent travel information in southern Oman.

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   10. Taxi and Towing Services

   Muscat Taxi Service: +968 9914 3222

   Muscat Tow Truck: +968 9914 3222

   For transportation emergencies, stranded motorists, or late-night rides, these services are invaluable. Taxis in Oman are reliable and regulated, but always use official numbers for your safety.

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   11. Municipality Services

   General Municipality Hotline: +968 8007 7222

   Municipalities handle a wide range of public concerns: sanitation, pest control, road hazards, waste disposal, and more. Use this number to report issues such as potholes, uncollected garbage, or stray animals.

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   12. Additional Emergency Numbers (General and Regional)

   • General Emergency (Alternative): 999

   • Immediate Fire, Flood, or Police Assistance: 9999

   • Water Emergency (Alternative): 1442

   • Police Station, Salalah: 23290099

   • Police Station, Sadha: 23234170

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   How to Use Emergency Numbers Effectively in Oman

   • Stay Calm: In any emergency, your composure matters. Take a deep breath and speak slowly.

   • Know Your Location: If you’re unsure of where you are, look for street signs, landmarks, or share your GPS location if possible.

   • Language: Most emergency operators speak Arabic and English. If you’re a non-Arabic speaker, state your language preference early.

   • Save Numbers: Save these contacts on your phone under clear labels (e.g., “Oman Police,” “Hospital Emergency”).

   • Inform Others: If you are a parent, teacher, or group leader, ensure everyone in your care knows key numbers and how to use them.

   • Practice Drills: Especially in workplaces and schools, periodic drills can help everyone react faster when real emergencies strike.

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   Real-Life Scenarios and the Importance of Preparedness

   Imagine you’re hiking in the Dhofar mountains when a sudden storm causes flash flooding. Your phone is your lifeline. Calling 9999 connects you with Civil Defence, who can dispatch search and rescue teams equipped for mountainous terrain.

   Or perhaps you’re a parent and your child swallows something dangerous at home in Muscat. Dialing 24343666 gets you in touch with the nearest ambulance and emergency medical staff, guiding you on immediate steps while help is on the way.

   Maybe you’re traveling for business, and your passport is lost or stolen. The visa and police numbers can help you file a report and initiate replacement procedures, minimizing travel disruption.

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   Cultural Context: Omani Hospitality and Community Support

   It’s important to note that Omani society is built on hospitality and mutual care. In everyday life, neighbors, store owners, and even passersby will often help you contact authorities or provide guidance if you’re in distress. However, having the right numbers at your fingertips ensures that you don’t have to rely solely on others—especially in remote areas or during large-scale incidents.

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   Conclusion: Stay Safe, Stay Informed

   Oman is a remarkably safe country, with a well-organized and responsive emergency infrastructure. While we all hope to never need most of these numbers, being prepared is a sign of responsibility—for yourself, your loved ones, and your community.

   Keep this guide accessible, share it with others, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the appropriate services in times of need. By doing so, you contribute to the safety and resilience that make Oman a wonderful place to live, work, and explore.Electricity Emergency (Salalah): 154 Municipality: +968 8007 7222