• A man taking a PCR test at the centre in Mina Rashed. Pawan Singh / The National
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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 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
    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
    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
    Covid-19 case numbers in the UAE rose steadily through December as Omicron infections surged globally. Chris Whiteoak / The National

PCR result waiting times to shorten as Dubai and Abu Dhabi laboratories increase capacity


Gillian Duncan
  • English
  • Arabic

Related: Costly rapid PCR tests on offer amid demand and delayed results

Clinics in Abu Dhabi and Dubai said waiting times for PCR results should ease in the coming days.

Currently results could take up to three days, more than 48 hours longer than normal.

The delay was because of increased demand fuelled by more travel, intensified testing requirements and a rising number of cases.

Demand remains high as employers ask people to get tested before returning to offices. On Wednesday, as the government reported 2,708 new cases, it said 469,028 were tested in just 24 hours.

The situation has totally stabilised as the labs have now increased their capacity and there is also a slight drop in the test requests
Dr Naveen Kumar Tiwari,
NMC Royal Hospital

“There was a short-term, acute increase in test loads on the 2nd and 3rd as many tourists were returning after the New Year celebration and because of school opening on the 3rd,” said Dr Naveen Kumar Tiwari, specialist in clinical pathology at NMC Royal Hospital, Dubai Investments Park.

“Thereafter, the situation has totally stabilised as the labs have now increased their capacity and there is also a slight drop in the test requests.

“Presently, the requirement of the test has been reduced by 15-20 per cent and reporting has changed back again to 12-24 hours.”

Across Burjeel's network, customers would normally receive their results in less than a day, but the company assures them the increased wait is still less than two days.

The situation has led some people to use expensive home testing services that promise fast results for as much as Dh500.

  • Lab staff working in the sample preparation room at Dubai Airport (DXB). All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
    Lab staff working in the sample preparation room at Dubai Airport (DXB). All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
  • Close to Terminal 2, the laboratory is a dedicated centre for around-the-clock processing of RT-PCR test samples collected from passengers at DXB.
    Close to Terminal 2, the laboratory is a dedicated centre for around-the-clock processing of RT-PCR test samples collected from passengers at DXB.
  • Lab staff working in Dubai Airport's in-house lab for processing Covid-19 PCR tests.
    Lab staff working in Dubai Airport's in-house lab for processing Covid-19 PCR tests.
  • One of the world’s busiest airports now has one of the world’s biggest in-house Covid-19 testing laboratories.
    One of the world’s busiest airports now has one of the world’s biggest in-house Covid-19 testing laboratories.
  • The laboratory reduces waiting times for passengers arriving by making sure their PCR test results are delivered in only four to six hours.
    The laboratory reduces waiting times for passengers arriving by making sure their PCR test results are delivered in only four to six hours.
  • Before the lab opened in June, the passengers’ samples were collected from the airport every 12 hours.
    Before the lab opened in June, the passengers’ samples were collected from the airport every 12 hours.
  • Now samples are collected every 30 minutes and transported to the in-house facility operated by Pure Health.
    Now samples are collected every 30 minutes and transported to the in-house facility operated by Pure Health.
  • Carlo Kaabar, medical director of Mohap Laboratories, at Dubai Airport's in-house PCR lab.
    Carlo Kaabar, medical director of Mohap Laboratories, at Dubai Airport's in-house PCR lab.
  • After a batch of samples is received, the staff first check their integrity and verify the passengers’ details using barcodes.
    After a batch of samples is received, the staff first check their integrity and verify the passengers’ details using barcodes.
  • Dubai Airport's in-house lab for processing Covid-19 PCR tests.
    Dubai Airport's in-house lab for processing Covid-19 PCR tests.
  • If passengers test positive, they need to undergo isolation and follow the Dubai Health Authority guidelines.
    If passengers test positive, they need to undergo isolation and follow the Dubai Health Authority guidelines.
  • Lab staff scanning the barcode of a Covid-19 PCR sample.
    Lab staff scanning the barcode of a Covid-19 PCR sample.

“Earlier, we were able to release results even in 12 hours. However, with the current surge in testing, turnaround time has increased,” said Dr Seema Oommen, the head of Burjeel Medical City's Covid lab.

“But by increasing our capacities and by sticking to the tier system placed by the authorities, we are still able to release the results in 24 to 36 hours.

“Priority is always given to emergency, ICU cases and all patients due for surgery.”

She said she expects demand to continue at the current level for the foreseeable future.

“However, the country has always adapted rapidly to such needs, and labs are adding capacity or activating dormant capacity to bring the turnaround time down.

“Once again, even today the turnaround here is way less than in many other countries.”

Some clinics continue to require longer wait-times as they adapt to increased demand, and customers at Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Centre’s screening sites were on Tuesday being told to expect a wait of two to three days for results.

HealthHub clinics are also experiencing longer waits for results.

Normal PCR test results, which cost Dh110, should be expected within 36 hours, while the express service, for Dh139, is taking up to 24 hours, it said.

Aster DM Healthcare said it was not affected by the recent surge in demand and has witnessed no change to its processing times, with results provided in 24 hours.

The UAE has among the best capacity for testing per population, globally.

According to Our World in Data, the country is the world’s fourth top tester, with almost 11,000 PCR tests performed for every 1,000 people.

But increased demand has stretched labs in recent days.

“More and more people are taking up screening due to the strict adherence to entry rules in all public places as mandated by the authorities,” Dr Oommen said.

“Also, many residents have returned after holidays and of course, there is an increase in tourists, who feel safe visiting UAE due to its strict preventive protocols.”

Many of the UAE’s tests take place in Abu Dhabi, where residents are required to check regularly to maintain their green pass status to visit many public areas.

In December, authorities in the capital increased requirements for testing after the emergence of Omicron, further adding to demand.

The validity of the green pass was reduced from 30 days to 14, meaning people have to record a negative PCR result every 14 days to maintain their green status.

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

Electoral College Victory

Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate. 

 

Popular Vote Tally

The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.

WEST ASIA RUGBY 2017/18 SEASON ROLL OF HONOUR

Western Clubs Champions League
Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Runners up: Bahrain

Dubai Rugby Sevens
Winners: Dubai Exiles
Runners up: Jebel Ali Dragons

West Asia Premiership
Winners: Jebel Ali Dragons
Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins

UAE Premiership Cup
Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Runners up: Dubai Exiles

UAE Premiership
Winners: Dubai Exiles
Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins

THE BIO

Favourite book: ‘Purpose Driven Life’ by Rick Warren

Favourite travel destination: Switzerland

Hobbies: Travelling and following motivational speeches and speakers

Favourite place in UAE: Dubai Museum

Infiniti QX80 specs

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Power: 450hp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000

Available: Now

EPL's youngest
  • Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
    15 years, 181 days old
  • Max Dowman (Arsenal)
    15 years, 235 days old
  • Jeremy Monga (Leicester)
    15 years, 271 days old
  • Harvey Elliott (Fulham)
    16 years, 30 days old
  • Matthew Briggs (Fulham)
    16 years, 68 days old
Masters%20of%20the%20Air
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirectors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Cary%20Joji%20Fukunaga%2C%20Dee%20Rees%2C%20Anna%20Boden%2C%20Ryan%20Fleck%2C%20Tim%20Van%20Patten%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Austin%20Butler%2C%20Callum%20Turner%2C%20Anthony%20Boyle%2C%20Barry%20Keoghan%2C%20Sawyer%20Spielberg%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs

Engine: 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6

Power: 380hp at 5,800rpm

Torque: 530Nm at 1,300-4,500rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed auto

Price: From Dh299,000 ($81,415)

On sale: Now

The biog:

From: Wimbledon, London, UK

Education: Medical doctor

Hobbies: Travelling, meeting new people and cultures 

Favourite animals: All of them 

Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

Generation Start-up: Awok company profile

Started: 2013

Founder: Ulugbek Yuldashev

Sector: e-commerce

Size: 600 plus

Stage: still in talks with VCs

Principal Investors: self-financed by founder

The specs: 2019 Audi A7 Sportback

Price, base: Dh315,000

Engine: 3.0-litre V6

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 335hp @ 5,000rpm

Torque: 500Nm @ 1,370rpm

Fuel economy 5.9L / 100km

COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed 

UFC%20FIGHT%20NIGHT%3A%20SAUDI%20ARABIA%20RESULTS
%3Cp%3E%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20card%3Cbr%3EMiddleweight%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3ERobert%20Whittaker%20defeated%20Ikram%20Aliskerov%20via%20knockout%20(Round%201)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EHeavyweight%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EAlexander%20Volkov%20def%20Sergei%20Pavlovich%20via%20unanimous%20decision%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMiddleweight%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EKelvin%20Gastelum%20def%20Daniel%20Rodriguez%20via%20unanimous%20decision%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMiddleweight%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EShara%20Magomedov%20def%20Antonio%20Trocoli%20via%20knockout%20(Round%203)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELight%20heavyweight%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EVolkan%20Oezdemir%20def%20Johnny%20Walker%20via%20knockout%20(Round%201)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPreliminary%20Card%0D%3Cbr%3ELightweight%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3ENasrat%20Haqparast%20def%20Jared%20Gordon%20via%20split%20decision%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFeatherweight%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EFelipe%20Lima%20def%20Muhammad%20Naimov%20via%20submission%20(Round%203)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWelterweight%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3ERinat%20Fakhretdinov%20defeats%20Nicolas%20Dalby%20via%20split%20decision%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBantamweight%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EMuin%20Gafurov%20def%20Kang%20Kyung-ho%20via%20unanimous%20decision%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELight%20heavyweight%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EMagomed%20Gadzhiyasulov%20def%20Brendson%20Ribeiro%20via%20majority%20decision%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBantamweight%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChang%20Ho%20Lee%20def%20Xiao%20Long%20via%20split%20decision%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
If you go

The flights

Fly direct to London from the UAE with Etihad, Emirates, British Airways or Virgin Atlantic from about Dh2,500 return including taxes. 

The hotel

Rooms at the convenient and art-conscious Andaz London Liverpool Street cost from £167 (Dh800) per night including taxes.

The tour

The Shoreditch Street Art Tour costs from £15 (Dh73) per person for approximately three hours. 

MATCH INFO

Manchester United 2 (Heaton (og) 42', Lindelof 64')

Aston Villa 2 (Grealish 11', Mings 66')

Favourite things

Luxury: Enjoys window shopping for high-end bags and jewellery

Discount: She works in luxury retail, but is careful about spending, waits for sales, festivals and only buys on discount

University: The only person in her family to go to college, Jiang secured a bachelor’s degree in business management in China

Masters: Studying part-time for a master’s degree in international business marketing in Dubai

Vacation: Heads back home to see family in China

Community work: Member of the Chinese Business Women’s Association of the UAE to encourage other women entrepreneurs

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.5-litre%20V12%20and%20three%20electric%20motors%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E1%2C015hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E1%2C500Nm%20(estimate)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Eight-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Early%202024%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh2%20million%20(estimate)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Transmission: seven-speed auto

Power: 420 bhp

Torque: 624Nm

Price: from Dh293,200

On sale: now

Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES

Saturday, May 16 (kick-offs UAE time)

Borussia Dortmund v Schalke (4.30pm) 
RB Leipzig v Freiburg (4.30pm) 
Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin (4.30pm) 
Fortuna Dusseldorf v Paderborn  (4.30pm) 
Augsburg v Wolfsburg (4.30pm) 
Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Monchengladbach (7.30pm)

Sunday, May 17

Cologne v Mainz (4.30pm),
Union Berlin v Bayern Munich (7pm)

Monday, May 18

Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen (9.30pm)

Expert input

If you had all the money in the world, what’s the one sneaker you would buy or create?

“There are a few shoes that have ‘grail’ status for me. But the one I have always wanted is the Nike x Patta x Parra Air Max 1 - Cherrywood. To get a pair in my size brand new is would cost me between Dh8,000 and Dh 10,000.” Jack Brett

“If I had all the money, I would approach Nike and ask them to do my own Air Force 1, that’s one of my dreams.” Yaseen Benchouche

“There’s nothing out there yet that I’d pay an insane amount for, but I’d love to create my own shoe with Tinker Hatfield and Jordan.” Joshua Cox

“I think I’d buy a defunct footwear brand; I’d like the challenge of reinterpreting a brand’s history and changing options.” Kris Balerite

 “I’d stir up a creative collaboration with designers Martin Margiela of the mixed patchwork sneakers, and Yohji Yamamoto.” Hussain Moloobhoy

“If I had all the money in the world, I’d live somewhere where I’d never have to wear shoes again.” Raj Malhotra

How to volunteer

The UAE volunteers campaign can be reached at www.volunteers.ae , or by calling 800-VOLAE (80086523), or emailing info@volunteers.ae.

if you go

The flights

Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.

The hotel

Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.

The tour

Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg

Results

6.30pm Madjani Stakes Rated Conditions (PA) I Dh160,000 1,900m I Winner: Mawahib, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer)

7.05pm Maiden Dh150,000 1,400m I Winner One Season, Antonio Fresu, Satish Seemar

7.40pm: Maiden Dh150,000 2,000m I Winner Street Of Dreams, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson

8.15pm Dubai Creek Listed Dh250,000 1,600m I Winner Heavy Metal, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer

8.50pm The Entisar Listed Dh250,000 2,000m I Winner Etijaah, Dane O’Neill, Doug Watson

9.25pm The Garhoud Listed Dh250,000 1,200m Winner Muarrab, Dane O’Neill, Ali Rashid Al Raihe

10pm Handicap Dh160,000 1,600m Winner Sea Skimmer, Patrick Cosgrave, Helal Al Alawi

Skewed figures

In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458. 

Updated: January 06, 2022, 4:11 AM