Read also: Abu Dhabi updates Al Hosn app entry rules for malls, restaurants, hotels and supermarkets
Covid-19 screening will soon be mandatory to visit most public places in Abu Dhabi.
The "green pass" system on Al Hosn app will be used for entry to a number of indoor and outdoor venues from Tuesday.
They include shopping malls and large supermarkets, gyms, hotels and facilities within, as well as public parks and beaches, private beaches and swimming pools, entertainment centres, cinemas, museums, restaurants and cafes.
Anyone who has received the second dose of a Covid-19 vaccine at least four weeks prior can achieve green status on the app for 30 days after presenting a negative PCR test.
Those who have not been vaccinated will be marked green for three days and can enter venues only during this period.
The system applies to people aged 16 and above.
The National finds out where you can get tested in Abu Dhabi and how much it will cost.
The cost of a Covid-19 PCR test
In March, the cost of taking a PCR test was reduced to Dh65 from Dh85 at sites operated by Seha, Abu Dhabi’s public hospital operator.
Most private clinics charge the same or slightly more, including Mediclinic and Biogenix centres.
Results can take less than 24 hours, but most clinics state they can take up to 48 hours.
There are lots of options for testing.
Seha facilities
Seha runs testing centres across the emirate.
There are several drive-through centres in Abu Dhabi. They include Zayed Sports City, the Corniche, Al Bahia and Al Shamkha. Others include Al Hili and Al Masoudi, both in Al Ain.
Testing at Seha centres is free for Emiratis, residents over 50 and those suffering from chronic diseases, pregnant women, those showing coronavirus symptoms, people with disabilities, and domestic workers employed in the households of UAE citizens.
Bookings can be made on the Seha app, which is free to download.
Inside malls
Several malls have testing locations.
Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre and Yas Clinic Group offer PCR testing in the Galleria Mall and Yas Mall, respectively.
Appointments are not necessary.
Private clinics
There is no shortage of options for Covid-19 screening in private facilities.
They include, but are not limited to:
- Biogenix Labs, which is run by G42, is open round the clock in Masdar City. It offers a standard 24-hour service, but the turnaround time can be reduced for a small fee.
- Capital Health Screening Centre operates two sites at Mussafah and Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.
Most hospitals conduct screening.
It is available at Healthpoint Abu Dhabi, and Mediclinic offers tests at several of its branches, including:
- Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital
- Mediclinic Al Noor Hospital
- Mediclinic Baniyas
- Mediclinic Mamoura
- Mediclinic Khalifa City
- Mediclinic Al Ain Hospital
- Mediclinic Al Jowhara Hospital, Al Ain
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
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Based: Business Bay, with offices in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and India
Sector: Technology, digital marketing and e-commerce
Size: 70 employees
Revenue: On track to make Dh100 million in revenue this year since its 2015 launch
Funding: Self-funded to date
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Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
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