A medic tests a passenger in the back of a taxi at the drive-through screening centre at Mina Rashid in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Staff at Dubai's Mina Rashid centre test drivers. Chris Whiteoak / The National
People wait to be tested for Covid-19 at City Walk's drive-through screening centre in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Drivers queued for at least two hours to be swabbed. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Mina Rashed screening centre manager Dr Mohanna Hasan said most people were getting tested to enter Abu Dhabi or to fly abroad. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The work is difficult in the heat as medics work their way through hundreds of cars. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Government-run hospitals in Dubai will now offer PCR nasal swab tests for Dh150, but visitors have been told to book in advance due to high demand.
Dubai Health Authority said the price had been reduced from Dh250.
The test will be available at the four main government hospitals and 13 primary health centres across the emirate.
Other testing sites at al Shabab Al-Ahli and Al Nasr football clubs, Al Rashidiya Majlis, Al Hamriya Port Majlis and Jumeirah 1 Port Majlis will also offer Dh150 covid tests.
The decision came as the authorities push ahead with widespread testing to identify cases.
It will also reduce the cost burden on people who need to get screened regularly for work, to travel abroad or travel to Abu Dhabi.
Private hospitals in the emirate are not allowed to charge more than Dh250 per test, the authority said.Tests in public and private hospitals were Dh370 a month ago but have steadily come down in price.
Widespread testing has been a hallmark of the country's approach to tackling the virus.
On at least three occasions, all last week, more than 100,000 people were tested on a single day.
Speaking at the launch of a nationwide flu campaign on Monday, Dr Anwar Wagdy Salam, chief medical officer Abu Dhabi's public hospital operator Seha, said more cases of Covid-19 were being diagnosed due to the increased volume of testing.
“We can use this flu campaign to educate about the benefit in fighting both viruses,” he said.
“All of the precautionary measures such as hand hygiene, face masks and physical distancing should continue to be observed."
Where to get tested in Dubai for Dh150 - to book, call 800 342
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina, Abdullahi Shehu, Chidozie Awaziem, William Ekong, Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo, Jamilu Collins, Semi Ajayi Midfielders: John Obi Mikel, Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, John Ogu Forwards: Ahmed Musa, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Henry Onyekuru, Odion Ighalo, Alexander Iwobi, Samuel Kalu, Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze
On Standby: Theophilus Afelokhai, Bryan Idowu, Ikouwem Utin, Mikel Agu, Junior Ajayi, Valentine Ozornwafor
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
TWISTERS
Director: Lee Isaac Chung
Starring: Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos
Bournemouth 0-4 Liverpool
Arsenal 1-0 Huddersfield Town
Burnley 1-0 Brighton
Manchester United 4-1 Fulham
West Ham 3-2 Crystal Palace
Saturday fixtures:
Chelsea v Manchester City, 9.30pm (UAE)
Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur, 11.45pm (UAE)
Cricket World Cup League 2
UAE results Lost to Oman by eight runs Beat Namibia by three wickets Lost to Oman by 12 runs Beat Namibia by 43 runs
UAE fixtures Free admission. All fixtures broadcast live on icc.tv
Tuesday March 15, v PNG at Sharjah Cricket Stadium Friday March 18, v Nepal at Dubai International Stadium Saturday March 19, v PNG at Dubai International Stadium Monday March 21, v Nepal at Dubai International Stadium
Du Football Champions
The fourth season of du Football Champions was launched at Gitex on Wednesday alongside the Middle East’s first sports-tech scouting platform.“du Talents”, which enables aspiring footballers to upload their profiles and highlights reels and communicate directly with coaches, is designed to extend the reach of the programme, which has already attracted more than 21,500 players in its first three years.
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto On sale: Now Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)
