Covid-19 & Dubai

With Covid cases rising worldwide and in Dubai as well, screening tests are becoming increasingly widespread. Remember, we had managed to reach just 50 cases per day, only to climb back above 3,000 cases within a few weeks. In the United Arab Emirates, there are several ways to get tested:

• Standard tests = PCR test: SARS-CoV-2 PCR or RT-PCR (an equivalent designation for Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a laboratory technique used to detect the virus's genetic material in a sample. It requires a sample to be taken from the most accessible area where the virus concentration is highest, namely the nasopharynx, behind the nostrils.
• Antigen tests: Rapid antigen tests are an additional tool for reducing chains of viral transmission. They supplement RT-PCR tests, which remain the reference technique for detecting Covid-19 infection.

When is it essential to get Covid-19 tests?

If you have symptoms! The four main symptoms are fatigue, fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms are sometimes reported: body aches or back pain; sore throat, runny nose; and possibly nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. You should also get tested if you have been in contact with or live with an infected person. If you are traveling, it is very likely that Covid-19 screening will be required. You will generally only need to take a PCR test within 72 hours before your flight. You may be asked to show the test results when boarding and upon arrival as well. For example, if you are traveling to France, a Covid test is mandatory before boarding the plane to France. A PCR test is perfectly sufficient. In the Emirates, PCR tests are available on almost every street corner! You can take them in government tents or clinics, and the most convenient option in the United Arab Emirates is the possibility of taking the test from your car. There is another, somewhat less accessible option in Dubai: at-home self-tests, namely rapid antigen tests. These tests are known to be cheaper and can be administered yourself; the results are available quickly, in just 15-30 minutes. The major drawback is that they are not as accurate as a PCR test analyzed in a laboratory. We have prepared a list of places where you can obtain rapid antigen tests in Dubai.

Where to buy an antigen test in Dubai?

• Community Pharmacy

Cost: 40 Dhs for one test, 150 Dhs for a pack of four tests. You can find antigen tests at Community Pharmacy. They offer Panbio and Flowflex Covid-19 tests for 40 Dhs for a single test, or 150 Dhs for a pack of four Panbio tests. The self-administered lateral flow test kits come with all the tools needed to perform a test at home. You will not need anything else. The added benefit is free online delivery from Community Pharmacy. It has branches in many areas of Dubai, including Motor City, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai Marina, and Wafi. Their website: chspharmacy.ae

• Boots

Cost: 40 Dhs for one, 150 Dhs for a pack of four Boots is one of the best-known pharmacies in the Emirates. Like Community Pharmacy, several Boots locations in Dubai sell the Panbio rapid antigen test, with individual tests and family packs available. It is also important to know that there is no price difference compared with Community Pharmacy - 40 AED for one test and 150 AED for a pack of four. So far, these tests have been spotted at the Mall of the Emirates and at the Springs Souk branches. Their website: me.boots.com

Where to get a PCR test in the Emirates?

As the number of cases increases, PCR centers are overwhelmed, and the time needed to receive results has risen to an average of 48 hours, compared with an average of 12 hours a few weeks ago. Many situations will require you to have a negative PCR test, such as travel, weddings, or restaurants and malls in Abu Dhabi! For those who cannot afford to wait 48 hours for their PCR results, we have prepared a list of places where PCR test results are available quickly.

• Reaat

This company offers at-home PCR testing with ultra-fast results in Dubai and the northern emirates. Results are generally received within six to seven hours and cost AED499 per person, or AED799 Dhs for a three- to four-hour turnaround. Please note that if several people are tested at the same time (a group of five or more), a discount on PCR test prices may be available. Their website: ????????.???, Tel. : (???) ?????

• Unilabs (Abu Dhabi only)

These laboratories offer results within 12 to 24 hours for AED50, results within six hours for AED150, and results within three hours for AED250. Please note: these offers are valid only in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. You will find laboratories on Khalifa Street, on the 8th floor of the Al Etihad building. Their website: ???????.??, (???) ??? ????

• Aqua

Aqua also offers at-home PCR tests in Dubai. Prices start at AED149 for results within 12 hours, AED249 for results within 8 to 10 hours, and finally AED499 for PCR test results within 6 hours. Their website: ??????????.???, (???) ??????

• G42 Biogenix Lab (Masdar City - Abu Dhabi only)

This laboratory delivers PCR test results at an incredible speed. Two hours - yes, you heard that right, two hours to receive your PCR test results in Abu Dhabi only. All this at a more than reasonable price of AED350. If you can wait a little longer, you can opt for results within five hours for AED250. Appointments can be made directly on their website: ????????.?? (???) ??? ???

• Burjeel Medical City (Mohammed Bin Zayed City - Abu Dhabi only)

This offer is valid only at Burjeel in Abu Dhabi. This hospital, located in Musaffa, just south of Abu Dhabi, offers tests with rapid results in only two to four hours. Each PCR test costs approximately AED350. Their website: ??????????????????.???, (???) ??

• 247 Medical Services (Amer247)

This company offers PCR tests wherever you are: at home, at the office, at a hotel, and so on. Whether you are in Dubai, Ajman, or Sharjah, this company promises express test results in just three to five hours. Amer is fully "DHA approved." Their website: ???????.???, Tel. : (??) ??? ???? Nevertheless, we recommend that you only use PCR tests, as these have the highest sensitivity, meaning that the rate of false results obtained with this type of test is very low. Do not take any risks - get tested. Protecting yourself means protecting others!