Abu Dhabi Launches 24/7 Mental Health Hotlines Offering Free Confidential Support

Abu Dhabi residents gained a new 24/7 free mental health hotline in March 2026 when the Department of Health launched 800-SAKINA (800-725462) in collaboration with Sakina for psychological first aid.

Multiple 24/7 Hotlines Serve Residents

The Estijaba helpline at 800-1717 delivers free confidential support from licensed therapists around the clock in Arabic and English along with languages such as Hindi and French. The national Mental Health Support Line known as HOPE at 800-4673 supplies 24/7 confidential emotional and mental health assistance by phone and WhatsApp for people across the UAE including Abu Dhabi.

Emergency Options Focus on Immediate Needs

For situations involving thoughts of self-harm or harm to others the guidance directs residents to call 999 or visit the emergency room at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi or Al Ain Hospital. These steps ensure direct entry to urgent care without additional steps.

Non-Emergency Pathways Use Local Services

Non-emergency support begins with booking an appointment through a primary healthcare doctor at Ambulatory Health Service or at private clinics. No referral is required to see psychiatrists or psychologists in Abu Dhabi which simplifies the process for ongoing care.

Practical Steps for Accessing Help

Residents start by selecting the appropriate hotline based on language preference or urgency level and can follow up by arranging appointments at Ambulatory Health Service locations or private clinics when the situation is not an emergency. The combination of phone lines and local medical sites creates clear routes to licensed support at any time.

The listed services operate continuously and cover a range of needs from immediate crisis response to scheduled consultations. Information on these resources comes directly from official announcements by the Department of Health and related health authorities in the emirate.