Al Hosn green pass: where to get a PCR test in Abu Dhabi

From government-run drive-through centres to private clinics, there are plenty of options for Covid-19 testing in the emirate

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  A health worker takes swab sample at a coronavirus drive-through screening centre in Abu Dhabi.

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  A health worker collects a swab sample.

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  A health worker wearing protective clothing administers a swab test.

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  A woman undergoes a nasal swab.

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  A health worker checks a man's temperature before conducting a coronavirus test at a drive-through testing centre.

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  A nurse measures the body temperature of a small girl.

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  A nurse collects a swab sample at the drive-through centre.

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  A man has his temperature checked.

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  A nurse administers a swab test.

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  A technician takes a nasal swab.

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  Cars line up as people wait to enter the drive-through testing centre.

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 offers Covid-19 PCR tests in a number of locations in Abu Dhabi. The National

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