Where to get a cheap PCR test in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the UAE

Many PCR test centres are now taking up to 48 hours to deliver results due to demand

A man taking a PCR test at the centre in Mina Rashed. Pawan Singh / The National

Long queues at VPS Healthcare testing centre. Pawan Singh / The National

Cars queue up at the MenaLabs Covid-19 drive-through testing centre. There has been a huge increase in the number of people getting tested for the coronavirus as schools opened for the second term and new weekly testing rules for government employees in Abu Dhabi came into force. Antonie Robertson / The National

Many people are also getting tested before travelling overseas. A negative test prior to departure is required for most destinations. Pawan Singh / The National

The average waiting time was two hours at the MenaLabs Covid-19 drive-through testing centre on Monday. Antonie Robertson / The National

Some testing centres reported a huge rush and that demand for PCR tests had trebled in recent days. Antonie Robertson / The National

Long queues at testing centres and clinics in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Antonie Robertson / The National

To enter Abu Dhabi, vaccinated people must show Al Hosn green pass and those who are not must present a negative PCR test taken less than 96 hours prior to crossing the border. Antonie Robertson / The National

Queues at the Seha Covid-19 drive-through testing centre at Mina Rashed in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Queues outside Parkview Hospital Covid-19 testing facility in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Rapid tests are becoming more popular for those needing a quick turnaround to travel or attend events that require proof of negative status. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Covid-19 case numbers in the UAE rose steadily through December as Omicron infections surged globally. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Live updates: follow the latest news on Covid-19 variant Omicron

Demand for PCR testing surged as pupils returned to schools and workplaces after the winter break.

Demand was greatest at clinics that offer more affordable testing rates, starting at Dh50. All clinics run by Abu Dhabi's Seha group have tests for Dh50.

Many testing centres are offering free PCR screening with the purchase of a ticket to Expo 2020 Dubai, which means it could cost you as little as Dh45.

Be advised that some screening centres now said results can take up to 48 hours, up from less than 12 hours a month ago.

Many companies have implemented stricter workplace regulations after the New Year celebrations, requesting staff working in offices to test more regularly to help curb the spread of Covid-19.

Here is a list of some clinics offering affordable PCR testing in the UAE.

Dubai

Seha Covid-19 screening centre, City Walk, Dubai

Price: Dh50 for PCR test (results within 48 hours)

Appointment: Drive through (book via mobile application)

Opening times: 10am to 8pm

Location: City Walk and Dubai Parks and Resorts, Dubai

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General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Jafiliya, Dubai

Price: Dh80 for labourers (results within 48 hours)

Appointment: Walk-in

Opening times: 7am to 11pm

Location: Jafiliya, Dubai

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Rizek mobile application, Dubai

Price: Dh99 for home PCR test (results within 48 hours)

Appointment: Home visit (book via mobile application and use code RR99)

Opening times: 7am to 11pm

Location: Dubai

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Mena Labs drive-through Covid-19 screening tent, Umm Suqeim Road

Price: Dh110 for PCR test (results within 24 hours)

Appointment: Drive through (no appointment necessary)

Opening times: 7am to midnight

Location: Umm Suqeim Road, Dubai

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Abu Dhabi

Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital, Abu Dhabi

Price: Dh50 (results within 24 hours)

Appointment: PCR testing centre is available at building F (appointments not necessary but preferred)

Opening times: 8am to 5pm

Location: Airport Road, Abu Dhabi

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Mediclinic Al Noor Hospital

Price: Dh50 (results within 24 hours)

Appointment: Walk-in on first floor

Opening times: 10am to 9pm, Saturday to Thursday; 9am to 5pm, Friday

Location: Khalifa Street, next to First Abu Dhabi Bank

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Medeor Hospital, Abu Dhabi

Price: Dh50 (results within 24 to 48 hours)

Appointment: Walk-in on first floor

Opening times: 9am to 9pm

Location: Muroor Road

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NMC Bareen International Hospital, Abu Dhabi

Price: Dh50 (results within 24 hours)

Appointment: Walk-in or drive-through (no appointment required)

Opening times: Walk-in is 10am to 10pm; drive-through is 24/7

Location: Mohammad bin Zayed City, Zone 15

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Sharjah

Seha Covid-19 screening centre, Al Bait Metwahhed, Sharjah

Price: Dh50 for PCR test (results within 48 hours)

Appointment: Drive through (book via mobile application)

Opening times: 10am to 8pm

Location: Al Bait Metwahhed, Sharjah

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NMC Medical Centre, Buhairah Corniche, Sharjah

Price: Dh100 for PCR test (results within 72 hours)

Appointment: Walk in

Opening times: 8am to 8pm

Location: Buhairah Corniche, Sharjah

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Thumbay Hospital Sharjah

Price: Dh100 for PCR test (results within 48 hours)

Appointment: Walk in

Opening times: 9am to midnight

Location: Thumbay Hospital Daycare, University City Road, Muweila, Sharjah