Covid-19 PCR test price capped at Dh50 by UAE government

Ministry of Health says clinics cannot charge more and results must be delivered within 24 hours

Medics at Biogenix Labs in Masdar City hold up PCR and saliva test samples two days before the return to schools. Victor Besa / The National

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The cost of PCR coronavirus tests has been capped at Dh50, the Ministry of Health and Prevention said on Monday.

Clinics cannot charge more than that amount and results must be delivered within 24 hours.

The previous price limit was Dh65 in Abu Dhabi and Dh150 in Dubai, with rules differing in the other emirates.

The change comes into effect on Tuesday, August 31.

On Tuesday, clinics in Dubai were still charging Dh150. Dubai's authorities, which have set out separate coronavirus rules in recent months, were asked for clarification.

PCR tests and rapid results have been crucial to getting workplaces, schools and public events back on track.

The maximum price has been cut several times by the authorities to ensure it is affordable across the country. Free tests for pupils and employees in the workplace are common.

On Monday, the authorities said tests for all pupils in Abu Dhabi would be free throughout September. Tests for the 2022 Fifa World Cup Qatar qualifier between UAE and Lebanon, at Zabeel stadium on Thursday, are also free.

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  Perla Mansour, 4, takes a saliva test before the start of the new school term. All photos: Victor Besa / The National

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  Mohammed Al Suwaidi gets a swab test in Abu Dhabi as part of the new back-to-school rules.

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  Many parents have taken their children to Biogenix Labs in Masdar City to take PCR or saliva tests.

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  The Mansour family from Egypt attended a clinic in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday to get their oldest child tested for Covid-19 before returning to school next week.

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  Health workers keep the mood cheery for young pupils getting tested.

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  Special queues have been sectioned off at clinics across Abu Dhabi for school pupils who need to get tested.

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  Khalifa Al Nahdi, 4, queues for a test.

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  Pupils will need to show a negative nasal PCR or saliva test result taken within 96 hours before they can return to in-person classes next week.

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  Health workers hold up some of the many samples taken from school pupils.

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  A young Abu Dhabi resident gives a saliva sample.

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  Mohammed Al Bisher, 6, takes a saliva test.

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  More than a million pupils will return to school in the UAE after the summer break.

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  Bumper-to-bumper traffic outside Biogenix Labs in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi.

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  Parents take their children to Biogenix Labs in Masdar City to take PCR tests.