Which hospitals stock antivenom in 2026?

Rashid Hospital Dubai, Tawam Hospital Al Ain, and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City Abu Dhabi keep full stocks and treat tourists free in emergencies.

Is 999 the right number for desert bites?

Yes. Call 999 from any network; ambulance teams carry antivenom and can arrange helicopter pickup from remote campsites.

Can I treat a snake bite myself?

Only apply a pressure bandage, keep the limb still, and reach hospital. Do not cut, suck or tie a tourniquet.

Snake and Scorpion Safety When Camping in UAE Deserts

Know the Two Main Risks

The UAE desert is home to the saw-scaled viper and the Arabian fat-tailed scorpion. Both are active at night when temperatures drop. The viper reaches 60 cm and leaves two puncture marks; the scorpion is smaller but its sting causes intense pain within minutes. Encounters rise between October and April when cooler nights bring them closer to campsites.

Choose a Safer Campsite

Pick flat, rocky ground away from wadi beds and rodent burrows. Clear a 3-metre radius around your tent and shake out shoes and sleeping bags every morning. Avoid piling gear against rocks or shrubs where snakes shelter. Keep a torch with a red filter so you do not startle wildlife.

What to Pack for Prevention

Thick-soled hiking boots and long trousers tucked into socks.
Snake bite kit with pressure bandage and splint.
Scorpion sting relief: cold pack and antihistamine tablets.
Head torch plus spare batteries.
Two litres of water per person beyond normal needs.

Store all food in sealed containers and remove rubbish each evening to reduce rodent activity that attracts snakes.

First Aid Steps If Bitten or Stung

Stay calm and limit movement. For a snake bite, apply the pressure bandage from the bite site upward, immobilise the limb, and note the time. Do not cut, suck or apply ice. For a scorpion sting, wash the area, apply a cold pack wrapped in cloth, and take an antihistamine if swelling starts. Call 999 immediately from any network. Tell the operator your exact GPS location and describe the animal if seen.

Where to Get Antivenom in 2026

Public hospitals with 24-hour antivenom stock include Rashid Hospital in Dubai, Tawam Hospital in Al Ain, and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in Abu Dhabi. All are linked to the national ambulance service. Treatment is free for tourists under the emergency care rules set by MOH. Keep your passport and insurance card ready. Evacuation by helicopter from remote desert areas usually takes under 45 minutes once the call is logged.

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