Aside from the COVID-19 testing being done at government health care facilities in the UAE, there are several drive-thru test centers across the country as well. So if you think you might need to get tested, keep on reading to know the centre nearest you.
Last week, the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, SEHA, opened 13 drive-thru test centres, which were built in just 10 days! The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) is now able to conduct thousands of tests per day, as part of the efforts to help contain and prevent the outbreak.
Contents
Where to Get Tested for COVID-19 in UAE
If you think you might have symptoms of the virus, like fever, dry cough, and difficulty breathing, consult a health care professional right away. On the other hand, if you do not have any symptoms, but would still like to get tested, this is possible as well.
Keep in mind, though, that when it comes to testing, priority is given to people who:
- Exhibit symptoms associated with the virus, like fever, dry cough, and difficulty breathing;
- Have had close contact with a confirmed (or suspected) COVID-19 case, or travel history within the past 14 days;
- Is part of a “vulnerable” group, including: pregnant women; people above 60; those with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases; or those with a compromised immune system such as cancer or severe acute respiratory illness.
NOTE: If you are asymptomatic (do not have any symptoms) but would like to get tested without a doctor’s approval, you can go ahead but take note that your insurance will not cover the cost of the test.
Drive-Thru Centres in the UAE
Without further ado, here are the COVID-19 drive-thru test centres in the UAE, including their location, timings, cost, and how to book a test:
#1 – Al Bahia, Abu Dhabi
Location: Al Bahia, Abu Dhabi (at Bahya Parking Ground, off Al Mu’ayid Street)
Timings: Sundays to Thursdays, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Cost: AED 370
How to Book a Test: Call SEHA on 800 1717 or via SEHA mobile app
#2 – Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi
Location: Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi (near Al Wathba Camel Heritage Centre)
Timings: Sundays to Thursdays, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Cost: AED 370
How to Book a Test: Call SEHA on 800 1717 or via SEHA mobile app
#3 – Ghayathi, Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi
Location: Ghayathi, Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi (near Al Ghayathi Market)
Timings: Saturdays to Thursdays, 8:00 am to 12:00 noon and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Cost: AED 370
How to Book a Test: Call SEHA on 800 1717 or via SEHA mobile app
#4 – Madinat Zayed, Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi
Location: Madinat Zayed, Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi (near Al Dhafra Mall, Madinat Zayed)
Timings: Saturdays to Thursdays, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Cost: AED 370
How to Book a Test: Call SEHA on 800 1717 or via SEHA mobile app
#5 – Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi
Location: Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi (at Mubadala Arena, Zayed Sports City Complex)
Timings: Sundays to Thursdays, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Cost: AED 370
How to Book a Test: Call SEHA on 800 1717 or via SEHA mobile app
#6 – Al Hili, Al Ain
Location: Al Hili, Al Ain (near Al Hili Park)
Timings: Sundays to Thursdays, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Cost: AED 370
How to Book a Test: Call SEHA on 800 1717 or via SEHA mobile app
#7 – Asharej, Al Ain
Location: Asharej, Al Ain (at Maqam 2)
Timings: Sundays to Thursdays, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Cost: AED 370
How to Book a Test: Call SEHA on 800 1717 or via SEHA mobile app
#8 – Al Khawaneej, Dubai
Location: Al Khawaneej, Dubai (at “Last Exit”)
Timings: Sundays to Thursdays, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Cost: AED 370
How to Book a Test: Call SEHA on 800 1717 or via SEHA mobile app
#9 – Port Rashid, Dubai
Location: Port Rashid, Dubai (at main gate)
Timings: Sundays to Thursdays, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Cost: AED 370
How to Book a Test: Call SEHA on 800 1717 or via SEHA mobile app
#10 – Al Nasr Club, Dubai
Location: Al Nasr Club, Dubai (in Oud Metha)
Timings: Sundays to Thursdays, 8:00 am to 6:30 pm
Cost: Free for the categories mentioned above
How to Book a Test: Call Dubai Health Authority (DHA) on 800 342
NOTE: This centre is only for pregnant women, people above 60, or those with ongoing chronic diseases.
#11 – Dubai Festival City, Dubai
Location: Dubai Festival City, Dubai (at Festival City Mall)
Cost: AED 370 for those with symptoms / AED 425 for asymptomatic cases
How to Book a Test: Call Al Futtaim Health Hub on 042608777
#12 – Al Qusais, Dubai
Location: Ground Floor, Manazel Deira Building, Al Nahda Street, Al Qusais 2, Dubai
Cost: AED 370 for those with symptoms / AED 425 for asymptomatic cases
How to Book a Test: Call Al Futtaim Health Hub on 042608777
#13 – Silicon Oasis, Dubai
Location: Lynx Tower, No. 6, Silicon Oasis, Dubai
Cost: AED 370 for those with symptoms / AED 425 for asymptomatic cases
How to Book a Test: Call Al Futtaim Health Hub on 042608777
#14 – Discovery Gardens, Dubai
Location: Zen Cluster, Building 6, Street 1 A, Discovery Gardens, Dubai
Cost: AED 370 for those with symptoms / AED 425 for asymptomatic cases
How to Book a Test: Call Al Futtaim Health Hub on 042608777
#15 – Al Warqa, Dubai
Location: Mushroom Building No. 3, Al Warqa 1, Dubai
Cost: AED 370 for those with symptoms / AED 425 for asymptomatic cases
How to Book a Test: Call Al Futtaim Health Hub on 042608777
#16 – International City, Dubai
Location: Warsan Building, opposite T01 Spain Cluster, International City, Dubai
Cost: AED 370 for those with symptoms / AED 425 for asymptomatic cases
How to Book a Test: Call Al Futtaim Health Hub on 042608777
#17 – Sharjah
Location: Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, Sharjah
Timings: Sundays to Thursdays, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Cost: AED 370
How to Book a Test: Call SEHA on 800 1717 or via SEHA mobile app
#18 – Ajman
Location: Al Jurf 2, Ajman
Timings: Sundays to Thursdays, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Cost: AED 370
How to Book a Test: Call SEHA on 800 1717 or via SEHA mobile app
#19 – Umm Al Quwain
Location: Defence Camp, Umm Al Quwain (next to Al Maqta 1)
Timings: Sundays to Thursdays, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Cost: AED 370
How to Book a Test: Call SEHA on 800 1717 or via SEHA mobile app
#20 – Ras Al Khaimah
Location: Dafan Al Khor Centre, Ras Al Khaimah
Timings: Sundays to Thursdays, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Cost: AED 370
How to Book a Test: Call SEHA on 800 1717 or via SEHA mobile app
#21 – Fujairah
Location: Near Fujairah Hospital, Fujairah
Timings: Sundays to Thursdays, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Cost: AED 370
How to Book a Test: Call SEHA on 800 1717 or via SEHA mobile app
Once again, if you would like to consult a doctor and/or book a COVID-19 test, you can contact DHA, SEHA, or MOHAP on 800 111 11.
Chek out this video featuring the drive-thru test centres in the UAE, as shared by @SEHAHealth on Twitter:
We’re proud to have launched 13 additional drive-through testing facilities for COVID-19 across all 7 emirates, as part of our ongoing initiative to deliver on HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s vision to ensure the safety of the nation and limit the spread of the virus. pic.twitter.com/SRahToCs4O
— SEHA – شركة صحة (@SEHAHealth) April 11, 2020
What to Expect at a Drive-Thru Test Centre
Upon reaching a drive-thru centre, you will have to go through two check points. At the first check point, you will need to show your Emirates ID to confirm your appointment and details. At the second check point, a physician or nurse will take a nasal swab.
The nasal swab will require you to tilt your head back while a sample is taken from the end of your nose. This may cause discomfort, but is not painful. After the test, you will be asked to return home and practice self-quarantine. Your test results will be ready in two or three days.
If your test is negative, you will receive an SMS or call from the health authority. If your test is positive, health authorities will contact you and recommend that you continue self-quarantine at home or in the hospital, depending on your symptoms. They will also conduct contract tracing among all the people that you may have come into close contact with.
If you think you need to take a COVID-19 test, please do not hesitate to contact the health authority nearest you. In any case, keep on following the guidelines issued by the UAE government, such as staying at home and practicing social distancing. During the times when you need to go out and buy necessities, don’t forget to take these precautionary measures before entering your home.
