Saliva testing has been used to screen more than 2,000 pupils in Abu Dhabi for Covid-19.
Less invasive than PCR swabs, the tests are being offered to pupils at 25 schools in the emirate.
Spit-screening is only conducted after securing parental consent. Results are received after six to 12 hours.
The project started at Al Rabeeh School in October and the second phase is now under way, Abu Dhabi Media Office said on Sunday.
Pupils between the ages of four and 12 are currently eligible.
The scheme is being undertaken by the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, the Department of Education and Knowledge and the Biogenics Laboratory.
"This is an easy test for young children and for their families as well," said Dr Umniat Alhajiri, community health director at the centre.
"Some children even enjoy the process of giving a saliva sample."
Dubai's health authority in November also introduced a saliva test for children.
Youngsters between 3 and 16 travelling abroad or getting tested as a precaution can visit one of 19 government-run centres.
Meanwhile, tens of thousands of pupils returned to private schools on Sunday after a three-week winter break.
Children in all public schools in the Emirates and pupils in private schools in Abu Dhabi will study remotely for the next fortnight.
Cases in the UAE have been rising steadily over the past few weeks.
Another 1,590 cases of Covid-19 were reported across the UAE on Sunday, ending a four-day streak of the highest number of daily infections reported.
Pupils return to Abu Dhabi schools in August
-
Stephen Haw sees off his sons Hugo, nine and Hector, seven at the gates of Brighton College in Abu Dhabi. All photos by Victor Besa / The National -
Johnny Archer, nine and mother, Anna pictured before the start of the school day -
A father gives his daughter a final hug before school -
Darcey Clement, nine, says goodbye to her dog Bella, before going to class -
Eshan Boly, aged nine, in front of Brighton College in Khalifa Park -
Children have been at home since March when schools closed -
Parents have been preparing their children for the big day, ensuring they have masks and sanitisers and are aware of the need to follow various rules -
Parents have been preparing their children for the big day, ensuring they have masks and sanitisers and are aware of the need to follow various rules -
Pupils brought their own lunch in cool boxes given that school canteens are closed -
Parents see their children off at the school gates -
Schools and authorities have implemented a series of guidelines to ensure staff and pupil safety -
Parents see their children off at the school gates. Abu Dhabi has a staggered return to the school year
