Latest: Dubai cuts cost of Covid-19 test to Dh150 in government clinics
School workers, bank employees and residents with a valid flight booking on some airlines can secure discounts on the PCR nasal swab in Abu Dhabi.
Clinics and hospitals across the city have introduced a reduced rate for the test as part of ongoing efforts to drive down Covid-19 infection rates in the emirate.
In line with a nationwide strategy to test as many people as possible for the virus, some healthcare facilities have also offered free screenings for residents working in certain sectors.
At Medeor Hospital, employees from Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank can get discounted PCR testing at its walk-in facility located along Muroor Road, around-the-clock.
At Mediclinic Al Noor Hospital, school pupils and school workers who want to get tested will be charged only Dh199 for the PCR nasal swab.
And passengers with a valid flight booking on Etihad can also take a PCR test at Mediclinic Hospital on Airport Road for just Dh199 too.
To avail the discount, it's mandatory to book an appointment online, via phone or present ID when checking in at the chosen facility.
Previously, the test typically cost Dh370 at all clinics in the capital. It is still free of charge for those suspected to have contracted the virus and those in vulnerable categories including people with chronic illness, UAE nationals, and those aged 50 and above.
People can also book a PCR nasal swab test at more than 20 screening centres operated by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, or Seha, located across five locations in the city including Abu Dhabi Corniche and Zayed Sports City.
Prices at these facilities are still set at Dh370.
Here, The National has put together a list of some clinics offering affordable PCR testing:
Mediclinic Al Noor Hospital, Abu Dhabi
Price: Dh199 for school pupils or staff (results within 48 hours); Dh250 for normal appointment (results within 48 hours)
Appointment: Walk-in (via Emergency Room)
Opening times: 24/7
Location: Khalifa Street (next to National Bank of Abu Dhabi)
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Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital, Abu Dhabi
Price: Dh199 for Etihad Airways passengers (results within 24 hours); Dh472 for at-home service (results within 24 hours)
Appointment: Call 800 2022 to arrange test booking 48 hours before travel (proof of flight ticket required)
Opening times: 24/7
Location: Airport Road, Abu Dhabi
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Medeor Hospital, Abu Dhabi
Price: Dh200 (results within 48 hours); Corporate discount for ADCB bank employees; Dh250 (results within 12 hours)
Appointment: Walk-in or book appointment via 80055
Opening times: 24/7
Location: Muroor Road
_______________
NMC Bareen International Hospital, Abu Dhabi
Price: Dh189 for passengers travelling on Etihad Airways (results 24 hours); Dh300 for normal appointment (results within 24 hours)
Appointment: Walk-in
Opening times: 10am to 5pm (via fever clinic) after 5pm (via urgent care clinic)
Location: Mohammad Bin Zayed City, Zone 15
_______________
Burjeel Medical Centre, Abu Dhabi
Price: Dh200 (results within 48 hours); Dh250 (results within 12 hours)
Appointment: Walk-in or book appointment via 80055
Opening times: 9am to 8pm (via laboratory reception)
Location: Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi
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.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
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How to register as a donor
1) Organ donors can register on the Hayat app, run by the Ministry of Health and Prevention
2) There are about 11,000 patients in the country in need of organ transplants
3) People must be over 21. Emiratis and residents can register.
4) The campaign uses the hashtag #donate_hope
The Pope's itinerary
Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial
Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport
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What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
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If you go
The flights
The closest international airport for those travelling from the UAE is Denver, Colorado. British Airways (www.ba.com) flies from the UAE via London from Dh3,700 return, including taxes. From there, transfers can be arranged to the ranch or it’s a seven-hour drive. Alternatively, take an internal flight to the counties of Cody, Casper, or Billings
The stay
Red Reflet offers a series of packages, with prices varying depending on season. All meals and activities are included, with prices starting from US$2,218 (Dh7,150) per person for a minimum stay of three nights, including taxes. For more information, visit red-reflet-ranch.net.
HAJJAN
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David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
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Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
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Liverpool 4
Salah (19'), Mane (45 2', 53'), Sturridge (87')
West Ham United 0
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Company name: Letstango.com
Started: June 2013
Founder: Alex Tchablakian
Based: Dubai
Industry: e-commerce
Initial investment: Dh10 million
Investors: Self-funded
Total customers: 300,000 unique customers every month
'Gehraiyaan'
Director:Shakun Batra
Stars:Deepika Padukone, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Ananya Panday, Dhairya Karwa
Rating: 4/5
