Atlantis Dubai offers free Covid-19 tests for international tourists

The Palm Jumeirah hotel is offering international guests free PCR tests, but UAE residents have to pay

Dubai's Atlantis, The Palm is offering international visitors who stay more than five nights a free Covid-19 PCR test at the hotel before they check out. Courtesy Atlantis

Tourists booking a stay at Dubai's Atlantis, The Palm can take a free Covid-19 test before checking out.

Known for its opulent, marine-themed decor, the resort on Palm Jumeirah is giving international travellers staying five or more nights the option to take a free PCR test, which can detect if they have the coronavirus.

The hotel has partnered with a local UAE clinic to offer guests the option to take the test without having to leave the resort.

"Using our on-site medical centre, the new PCR tests will help to reduce any travel inconveniences and encourage more international guests to visit Dubai’s premier entertainment destination," said Timothy Kelly, executive vice president and managing director at Atlantis.

Who needs a PCR test?

Currently, all travellers flying from Dubai to the UK or Europe must take a Covid-19 PCR test before being allowed to board their flight. Other destinations may also request that travellers have the test before flying, and tourists should check current regulations for their destination.

"The latest initiative also aligns itself with Emirates Airlines' free medical cover for Covid-19-related expenses, designed to boost people’s confidence to travel during the pandemic," added Kelly.

The Dubai airline recently announced that all passengers travelling on any Emirates flight would automatically qualify for free medical cover for Covid-19.

To schedule a test, guests checking in to Atlantis between Tuesday, September 1 and Saturday, December 19 can request an appointment upon check-in. This must be conducted no more than 96 hours before guests are due to depart, but Atlantis recommends that the test is taken between 48 and 72 hours ahead of flight departure times.

Travellers will visit the Guest Clinic reception in the resort at the time of their appointment. The test will be completed there and will take fewer than 10 minutes, with results delivered in 24 hours.

No free tests for guests that are UAE residents

UAE residents staying at the resort can also take a Covid-19 test in-house, but they will have to pay for it. This applies to all UAE resident bookings, even if they are for more than five nights.

This also applies to international visitors who are staying in the resort for fewer than five nights.

The test is priced at Dh400 for those who have to pay, with results delivered within 24 hours for results. For those who need results faster, there is the option to pay Dh500 for a test, with results delivered in 12 hours.

Abu Dhabi residents looking to staycation in Dubai need to provide proof of a recent negative PCR test to pass back over the border.