COVID-19: Where you can get PCR test for Dh40, Dh50 or up to Dh150 in the UAE.
Dubai: Travelling out of the country and need a COVID-19 test urgently? Across the UAE, there are drive through and walk-in PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing centres which you can visit to test for COVID-19. Here are the details of the cost, location and timings of the centres in the UAE.
Are you eligible for a free PCR test?
Firstly, there are free tests being offered across the UAE to certain categories. If you fall under any of the following categories, you can book a COVID-19 PCR test for free at Abu Dhabi Health Services Company Seha screening centres and Dubai Health Authority (DHA) screening centres across the UAE: 1. Emirati citizens and their domestic workers, whether they exhibit symptoms or not. 2. People in high-risk categories. 3. People of determination. 4. Residents over the age of 50 years. 5. Residents who are showing COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with a COVID-19 positive case. The free test can be availed only once in four months.
PCR test for Dh40.
PCR testing centres operated by Seha charge Dh40 for a PCR test, but you are required to book an appointment first.
How to book an appointment.
1. Download the ‘Seha’ app, which is available for Apple and Android devices. 2. Once you access the app, you will see the option for ‘COVID-19 screening appointment’. 3. Next, tap ‘Book an appointment’ and select the category as ‘Individual’. 4. It will then give you the details for categories that are eligible for a free PCR test. Select the option for a free PCR test if you are eligible and if you are not, select ‘I will pay for my appointment’. 5. Enter your personal details like your name, date of birth, Emirates ID number, mobile number and email address. 6. Select the location of testing centre nearest to you and choose from the appointment dates available. 7. Make the payment for the test. It is important to note that the payment is non-refundable. 8. Once you complete the payment, you will receive a confirmation message with the date, time and location of your PCR test. 9. You can then visit any of the drive-through centres listed below to take the test. 10. At the time of taking the sample, the healthcare professional taking your sample will give you an estimate of how long you may need to wait to get the result. 11. The result will be delivered to you via SMS and email.
SEHA Centres across the Emirates.
Abu Dhabi.
1. Al Dhafra Screening Center – Dalma - Daily 8 am to 8 pm Dalma Ferry Terminal, Al Dhafra Region - Abu Dhabi.
2. Al Dhafra Screening Center - Madinat Zayed: Daily 8 am to 8 pm Zayed City - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates.
3. Al Dhafra Screening Center – Marfa: Monday - Friday 7 am – 4 pm Al Marfa - Abu Dhabi.
4. Al Dhafra Screening Center – Sila - Monday - Friday 9 am – 4 pm Ghweifat Road, A - Abu Dhabi.
5. Al Dhafra Screening Center – Liwa Daily 8 am - 8 pm Liwa Hospital, Mzeer'ah - Abu Dhabi.
6. Abu Dhabi Screening Center Al Madina Daily 8 am - 10 pm Zayed The First St - Zone 1 - Abu Dhabi.
7. Abu Dhabi Screening Center Al Rabdan Daily 8 am to 10 pm Al Maqtaa Street - Rabdan - Al Maqta' - Abu Dhabi.
8. Abu Dhabi Screening Center - Al Manhal Daily 8 am – 10 pm Al Manhal - W4 - Abu Dhabi.
9. Abu Dhabi Screening Center – Al Wathba Daily 8 am - 10 pm Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival - Al Wathbah - Al-Wathba South - Abu Dhabi.
10. Abu Dhabi Screening Center Al Bahia Daily 8 am - 10 pm Deerfields - Al Bahyah - Abu Dhabi.
11. Abu Dhabi Screening Center Al Shamkha Daily 8 am - 10 pm Al Shamkha, Abu Dhabi.
Dubai.
1. SEHA COVID-19 Drive Through Screening Center Al Khawaneej Daily 10 am - 8 pm Al Khawaneej, Dubai.
2. SEHA COVID-19 Drive Through Screening Center Dubai Park Sunday to Friday 9 am to 6 pm Sheikh Zayed Rd - Dubai.
Al Ain.
1. SEHA COVID-19 Drive Through Screening Center Asharij Daily 8 am - 10 pm Sowwah Square Tower 3 - Al 'Iqabiyyah - Al Sallan.
2. SEHA COVID-19 Drive Through Screening Center Al Hilli Daily 8 am - 10 pm Al Hili - Abu Dhabi.
3. SEHA COVID-19 Drive Through Screening Center Al Sarouj Daily 8 am - 10 pm Al Sarouj - Abu Dhabi.
4. SEHA COVID-19 Drive Through Screening Center Al Aamerah Daily 8 am – 8 pm Al Aamerah - Abu Dhabi.
Fujairah SEHA COVID-19 Drive Through Screening Center Fujairah Daily 10 am - 8 pm NBF Fujairah Run - Fujairah.
Ras Al Khaimah SEHA COVID-19 Drive Through Screening Center Ras Al Khaimah Dafan Al Khor Daily 10 am - 8 pm Eid Prayer Ground - Dafan Al Khor - Ras al Khaimah.
Sharjah SEHA COVID-19 Drive Through Screening Center Sharjah Al Rahmaniya Mazairah Daily 10 am – 8 pm Al Rahmaniya - Mazairah - Sharjah.
Umm Al Quwain SEHA COVID-19 Drive Through Screening Center Umm Al Quwain Daily 10 am - 8 pm Sheikh Khalifa Hall - Umm Al Quawain.
Ajman SEHA COVID-19 Drive Through Screening Center Ajman Al Jerf 2 Daily 10 am – 7.30 pm Al Jerf 2 - Ajman.
Dh50 PCR test.
Emirates Health Services, which is operated under the UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), manages the PCR testing centres and COVID-19 related queries, with testing centres located in Sharjah, Dubai, RAK, Ajman, Fujairah. The cost for the PCR test at an EHS centre is Dh50.
While you can get a test at an EHS centre on a walk-in basis, it is advisable to get an appointment through the app.
How to book an appointment.
1. Download the ‘COVID-19 EHS’ app, which is available for Apple and Android devices. 2. Once you open the app, you will see the option to Book PCR Appointments on the home screen. Tap on ‘Book Appointment’. 3. Select the desired date range for when you need a PCR test, the Emirate and centre and tap ‘Search’ to view available slots. 4. Select the time slot suitable for you and then tap ‘next’. 6. If you fall under a certain category like ‘UAE National’ or ‘Children of UAE National’, choose it accordingly. 7. Provide your Emirates ID number and contact details. 9. Next, tap on ‘Confirm’. 10. You will receive a one-time password, which you need to confirm to book the appointment.
EHS is currently only allowing PCR tests to be booked, and walk-ins are not allowed. So, you can select the PCR test centre closest to you while booking the appointment.
PCR tests up to Dh150.
The cost of PCR tests at DHA centres has been capped at a maximum cost of Dh150. So, while you may get a test for cheaper, the cost for a regular test should not exceed Dh150. However, it is important to note that this cost is for regular tests and tests that are done on a priority basis, or through an at-home testing option may cost more.
How to book an appointment with DHA.
1. Download the app – ‘DHA’, which is available for both Apple and Android phones. 2. Under ‘Book appointments’, select ‘PCR test appointment’. 3. The app will then provide you with details of the categories that are eligible for a free PCR test. Tap on ‘Proceed to book appointment’. 4. Select the testing centre location closest to you. 5. Next, select the date and time of the appointment from the available slots. 6. Tap on ‘Preview and book appointment’. 7. Agree to the paying the service fees during the appointment. 8. Tap on ‘Confirm booking’.
Testing centre locations.
1. Al Nahda Occupational Health Screening & Medical Fitness Center: Monday to Thursday 7:30am to 9pm, Friday 7:30am to 12pm, 4pm to 8pm, Saturday 8am to 8pm Al Qusais 1st - 10th St - Al Nahda - Dubai.
2. Al Karama Medical Fitness Center: Sunday to Thursday 7am to 10pm, Friday 7am to 12pm, 3pm to 8pm, Saturday 8am to 8pm Fajer Building, Opposite Karama Post Office, 9 - 19dStreet - Al Karama - Dubai.
3. Al Yalayis Medical Fitness Center: Monday to Thursday 7am to 10pm, Friday 7:30am to 12pm, 4pm to 8:30pm, Saturday 7am to 3pm D57 - Dubai Investments Park - Dubai.
4. Drive through COVID-19 testing - Nad Al Hammar – Open 24 hours 410th St - Nadd Al Hamar - Dubai.
5. Drive through COVID-19 testing - Nad Al Sheba – Sunday to Thursday 7:30am to 9:30pm Near Nad Al Sheba Market - Nad Al Sheba 1 - Dubai.
6. Drive through COVID-19 testing - Al Mankhool – Sunday to Thursday 7:30am to 9:30pm, Saturday 8am to 1pm D75, Al Mankhool - Dubai.
By Appointment Only.
The following locations require individuals to book an appointment for a PCR test.
1. Drive Through Health Center Al Lisaily - Daily 8am to 12am 410th St - Nadd Al Hamar - Dubai.
2. Al Lusaily Health Center – Monday to Thursday 7:30am - 3:30pm, Friday 7:30am – 12:30pm Dubai.
3. Al Badaa Health Centre: Sunday to Thursday 7:30am to 9:30pm, Saturday 8am to 1pm Sheikh Zayed Road.
4. Al Barsha Health Centre: Open 24 hours Al Barsha - Al Barsha 3.
5. Nadd Al Hammar Health Center: Open 24 hours 63 8C Street - Nadd Al Hamar - Dubai.
6. Al Mizher Health Centre: Monday to Thursday 7:30am to 10pm, Friday 7:30am to 9pm 42 C St - Al Mizhar - Al Mizhar 1 - Dubai.
7. Al Mankhool Health Centre: Sunday to Thursday 7:30am to 9:30pm, Saturday 8am to 1pm Al Mankhool Rd - behind Eid Musalla mosque - Al Mankhool - Dubai.
8. Al Towar Health Center: Monday to Thursday 7:30am to 10pm, Friday 7:30am to 12pm Al Nahda St - Al Twar - Al Twar 1 - Dubai.
9. Zabeel Health Center: Monday to Thursday 7:30am to 3:30pm, Friday 7:30am to 12:30pm Near Club Roundabout - Za'abeel - Za'abeel 2 - Dubai.
10. Nadd Al Sheba Health Centre: Sunday to Thursday 7:30am to 9:30pm Nad Al Sheba - Dubai.
You can also get a PCR test at over 200 private healthcare establishments registered with DHA. The cost of the test, however, will vary from one hospital or clinic to the other. DHA advises individuals to contact the healthcare facility directly for appointment details.
- The writer is an intern with Gulf News.