Cheapest COVID-19 tests available in the UAE

Dubai: If you are looking to get yourself tested for COVID-19, you may be wondering which option would be easiest on your pocket. Various COVID-19 testing centres are available, whether as walk-in, drive-through or with the need for an appointment. Here is all you need to know about which COVID-19 tests are available and how much they would cost.

You can get tested for free

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 Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for free at Abu Dhabi Health Services Company Seha screening centres and Dubai Health Authority screening centres:

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.

You can also get tested for free, regardless of which category you fall under, at a Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) screening centre.

You can call the Estijaba toll-free hotline on 800 111 11 where you can find out about the centre closest to you.

Location of MOHAP Screening Centres

Sharjah

• Golf and Shooting Club

• Al Sajaa Shopping Center

• A tent in Al Qasimia area Near to Al Gharb Police Station & Africa Hall

• Wasit Health Center

• Sharjah Health Center

• Lou, Aluoayyah Health Center

• Al Dhaid Health Center

• Al Qassimi Hospital

• Kuwait Hospital

Ajman

• Al Jerf 2

• Al Bait Metwahid Hall

Ras Al Khaimah

• Dafan Al Khor centre, near the corniche

• Al Mairid Health Center

• Al Jazerah Health Center

• Al Digdagah Health Center

• Al Dhait Health Center

• Al Rams Health Center

• Ebrahim Obaidullah Hospital

• Saqar Hospital

• New Abdullah Omran Hospital

• Shaam Hospital

Umm Al Quwain

• Defence Camp

• Al Salama Health Cente

• Falaj Al Mualla Health Center

• Al Khazan Health Center

• Al Rafa Health Center

• Preventive Medical Center

• UAQ Hospital

Fujairah

• National testing centre, near Fujairah Hospital

• Exhibition Centre

Dh50 test

You can also get a Diffractive Phase Interferometry (DPI) test for Dh50 at various centres across the UAE. The DPI test result can be used if you are planning to enter Abu Dhabi.

Location of DPI test centres

Abu Dhabi

• Zayed Sports City

• Abu Dhabi Corniche

• Laser screening centre – Ghantoot

Dubai

• Port Rashid

• Al Khwaneej

• Laser screening centre – Ghantoot before Abu Dhabi border

Sharjah

• Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club

Ajman

• Emirates Hospitality Centre

Ras Al Khaimah

• Dafan Al Khor, near the National Testing Centre

Fujairah

• Fujairah centre, near Fujairah Mall

Al Ain

• Al Hili Wedding Hall

Dh85 test

Seha centres are also offering a PCR test for Dh85 to anyone who needs to get tested. You can call 800 1717 for more information.

Location for Seha test centres

Dubai

• City Walk

• Port Rashid

• Al Khawaneej

Abu Dhabi

• Zayed Sports City

• Al Wathba Screening Centre

• A Bahia Screening Centre

• Al Shamkha screening centre

• Abu Dhabi Corniche

• Al Ain – Asharij Screening Centre

• Al Dhafra – Madinah Zayed

• Al Dhafra – Ghayathi

• Al Dhafra – Al Mifra

• Al Dahfra – Al Silla

• Al Dhafra – Liwa

• Al Dhafra – Delma

Dh150 test

Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is offering the test for Dh150 at all DHA COVID-19 screening centres. You can call the DHA hotline 800 342 for more information.