We took a PCR test in one of the Drive-Thru SEHA centers in Dubai. We needed one as we were planning to have a staycation in one of the hotels in Abu Dhabi and having a negative PCR test result (and Green Pass status in Al Hosn App) is still a requirement in order for us to enter malls, restaurants, and other facilities in Abu Dhabi. If we did not have a Green Status, we will only stay in our hotel room.
We were looking for the cheapest PCR testing center available and it’s good that the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) has established testing centers in a few locations in Dubai. The cost of the SEHA PCR test is only AED 50 per person. If we had to go to private hospitals and clinics, it may cost about AED 100 minimum.
Contents
Requirements
In order to get the 50-dirham PCR test in Dubai, you need to download the SEHA App. You can download the SEHA App on your smartphone via:
- Android Google Play – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.linkdev.seha&hl=en
- App Store – https://apps.apple.com/ae/app/seha/id436297690
How to Book a AED 50 PCR Test in Dubai via SEHA App
Step 1: Open SEHA App.
Step 2: Choose your desired screening method (choose PCR Test)
Step 3: Click on “Book an Appointment”.
Step 4: Select the number of individuals.
Step 5: Enter the personal details such as the name, date of birth, and Emirates ID (Passport Number for tourists)
Step 6: Select your screening center, date, and time of booking.
Step 7: Complete the payment.
Step 8: Get your QR code.
Step 9: Go to your designated PCR Testing Center.
Step 10: The staff will confirm your schedule and booking. Once confirmed, they will do the swab.
Step 11: Wait for your text message result. We got our result the next day around 7am.
So the above is the process of getting a PCR test done at the SEHA drive-thru for only 50 Dirhams. The next day, we received our test results (with negative result) which meant that we could go and visit Abu Dhabi tourist spots.
Things to Note
Here are some personal observations during the whole procedure.
- The label in the app said that we were going to get a DPI test even if I chose PCR Test. I called the SEHA hotline to make sure that it’s not a DPI, but a PCR test. They confirmed that it is indeed a PCR Test.
- We chose the Citywalk SEHA branch because it was the most accessible from our location.
- The PCR test was quick as there were not a lot of cars during our visit. They only limit a certain number of vehicles per hour.
- Once you get a negative PCR test result, it will also coincide with the Al Hosn App and will show a Green Status. You need to download the Al Hosn App as well (very important especially in the emirate of Abu Dhabi).
- We went to the Citywalk SEHA branch to get a PCR Test in Dubai. For only AED 50, you can use this PCR test especially in cases of travel where the city/destination requires you to present one.
Free SEHA COVID-19 TEST to the Following People
People under the following categories get free PCR test. It is a requirement to download and book the appointment in the SEHA App:
- UAE nationals
- Children of Emirati women
- Domestic workers working in Emirati Households
- People suffering from chronic diseases
- Residents above 50 years old
- People of determination
- Pregnant women
Note: You can avail of a free screening only once every 4 months.
List of SEHA COVID-19 DRIVE THROUGH CENTERS
Here’s a list of SEHA Drive Through centers where you can book a AED 50 PCR Test. Take note that these are all drive-thru centers.
RAS AL KHAIMAH
SEHA Drive-Through Center: Eid Prayer Ground – Dafan Al Khor – Ras al Khaimah
Google Map Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=16138420303679756715
DUBAI
SEHA Drive-Through Center: Al Khawaneej – Dubai
Google Map Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=11340251169572689080
SEHA Drive-Through Center: Al Mina – Port Rashid – Dubai
Google Map Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=2551104671615130984
SEHA Drive-Through Center: City Walk – Al Wasl – Dubai
Google Map Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=17922612224579560487
SEHA Drive-Through Center: Dubai Parks – Dubai
Google Map Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=10893408489581516631
SHARJAH
SEHA Drive-Through Center: Al Rahmaniya – Mazairah – Sharjah
Google Map Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=9509347814152724807
AJMAN
SEHA Drive-Through Center: Al Jerf 2 – Ajman
Google Map Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=17106217792656372138
FUJAIRAH
SEHA Drive-Through Center: NBF Fujairah Run – Fujairah
Google Map Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=9072531835526049213
UMM AL QUWAIN
SEHA Drive-Through Center: Sheikh Khalifa Hall – Umm Al Quwain
Google Map Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=10510636620413292601
ABU DHABI
SEHA Drive-Through Center: Deerfields – Al Bahia – Abu Dhabi
Google Map Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=13824757014497743301
SEHA Drive-Through Center: Healthcare Center – Al Shamkhah – SH-20 – Abu Dhabi
Google Map Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=8497381240208808380
SEHA Drive-Through Center: Al Maqtaa Street – Rabdan – Al Maqta’ – Abu Dhabi
Google Map Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=4410052362645114276
SEHA Drive-Through Center: Mubadala Arena – Arabian Gulf St – Al Rawdah – W57 – Abu Dhabi
Google Map Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=7770875197014290327
SEHA Drive-Through Center: Al Manhal – W4 – Abu Dhabi
Google Map Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=15516919415551901191
SEHA Drive-Through Center: Al Madina Zayed – The First St – Zone 1 – Abu Dhabi
Google Map Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=17477421872031216663
SEHA Drive-Through Center: Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival – Al Wathba – Al-Wathba South – Abu Dhabi
Google Map Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=5561978249424408829
SEHA Drive-Through Center: Al Marfa – Abu Dhabi
Google Map Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=16848521939323997386
SEHA Drive-Through Center: Zayed City – Abu Dhabi
Google Map Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=2802879439623773820
SEHA Drive-Through Center: Alyhyali – Mzeer’ah – Mzeer’ah – Abu Dhabi
Google Map Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=13734735569181896853
SEHA Drive-Through Center: Ghayathi – Ghayathi – Abu Dhabi
Google Map Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=8974685656383886978
SEHA Drive-Through Center: SEHA Screening Center – Dalma
Google Map Location:
SEHA Drive-Through Center: Al Sila – Ghweifat Road, A – Baya Al Sila – Abu Dhabi
Google Map Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=11831538863118497351
SEHA Drive-Through Center: Al Hili – Abu Dhabi
Google Map Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=17467673825661207984
SEHA Drive-Through Center: ‘Asharij – Al Sallan – Abu Dhabi
Google Map Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=9705868403265182953
Summary
The process was quick and convenient. We were glad that there’s a cheap option to get the PCR test in Dubai. After all, any money saved is definitely a substantial amount especially in these challenging times.
Tourists can also book this PCR test if they are looking for the cheapest PCR test in UAE. In our case, since we wanted to use the hotel facilities and explore Abu Dhabi, it is important to get a PCR (with negative result) test.
We hope you found this guide helpful in making that decision of going through the SEHA Drive-Thru centers.
Contact Information
Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA)
Website: https://www.seha.ae/screening-locations/
SEHA Hotline: 8001717
Working hours: 7AM to 10PM from Sunday to Thursday, 8AM to 10PM on Saturday
SEHA Call center is closed on Friday.