Highlights
Are you eligible to get a COVID-19 test?
All the locations of the drive-through test centres in the UAE.
How you can book a test at any of these centres.
What steps should you take after getting the test done?
Dubai: Want to get tested for COVID-19? The UAE has set up several drive-through centres across the country, in addition to the testing that takes place at government healthcare facilities.
The UAE has stepped up its efforts in testing patients for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
On April 9, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company Seha opened 13 new drive-through centres that were built in a span of 10 days. In the past few days, the Ministry of Health and Prevention has announced that it has conducted tens of thousands of tests, stepping up testing along with strict social distancing measures to flatten the curve in the UAE.
If you want to get tested at any of the drive-through test centres in the UAE, here is all you need to know.
Can anyone get tested?
If you notice that you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, like dry cough, fever and difficulty breathing, you need to consult a medical professional immediately. If you are not exhibiting any of these symptoms, but still would like to get the test done voluntarily, you can do so, too. However, health authorities are giving priority to testing the following people:
• are showing symptoms linked to COVID-19 (dry cough, fever or shortness of breath).
• have had close contact with a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case, or a travel history within the last 14 days.
• are in the particularly vulnerable groups, which include pregnant women, people above the age of 65, or those with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or those with a compromised immune system such as cancer, a history of taking immunosuppressants or severe acute respiratory illness.
Also, it is important to note that if you are asymptomatic, and want to get the test done without a doctor’s approval, your insurance would not cover the cost of the test.
How can I book the test?
Currently, the drive-through test is being conducted by the following health authorities:
• Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Health Services Company Seha. To book an appointment with them, you can call 800 1717 or download the Seha app, which is available for Apple and Android devices.
• Dubai Health Authority. To book an appointment, you can call 800 342.
You can also book a drive-through test with private healthcare provider Al Futtaim Health Hub by calling 800 2344.
Apart from the drive-through centres, tests are also being conducted at government healthcare facilities. To book a consultation with a doctor and a COVID-19 test, you can call Seha, DHA or the Ministry of Health and Prevention on 800 111 11.
What is the location of the drive-through centres?
The UAE opened several drive-through centres across the UAE, where people can go and get tested.
Abu Dhabi
In Abu Dhabi, you can visit the following centres:
Ghayathi, Al Dhafra
Location: The test centre has been built near the Al Ghayathi market, along Al Ghayathi main road. You can reach the test centre by following the following location.
Google location: 23.837810,52.809111
Timing: Saturday to Thursday, 8am to 12noon and 4pm to 8pm
As this drive-through centre is run by Seha, you can book a test by calling Seha on 800 1717 or via the Seha app.
Cost: Dh370
Madinat Zayed, Al Dhafra – Abu Dhabi
Location: The test centre is located near Al Dhafra Mall, Madinat Zayed. To reach the centre, you will need to take the Tarif-Liwa Road, E55. You can also reach the test centre by following the following location.
Google location: 23.636306,53.708532
Timing: Saturday to Thursday, 8am to 8pm
As this drive-through centre is run by Seha, you can book a test by calling Seha on 800 1717 or via the Seha app.
Cost: Dh370
Al Wathba – Abu Dhabi
Location: This centre is located near the Al Wathba Camel Heritage centre. To reach the centre, you would need to head towards the heritage centre from the Abu Dhabi – Al Ain truck road, E30. You can also reach the test centre by following the following location.
Google location: 24.222283,54.681891
Timing: Sunday to Thursday, 8am to 8pm
As this drive-through centre is run by Seha, you can book a test by calling Seha on 800 1717 or via the Seha app.
Cost: Dh370
Zayed Sports City – Abu Dhabi
Location: This test centre is located in the Mubadala arena, in the Zayed Sports City Complex. You can also reach the test centre by following the following location.
Google location: 24.413665,54.453839
Timing: Sunday to Thursday, 8am to 8pm
As this drive-through centre is run by Seha, you can book a test by calling Seha on 800 1717 or via the Seha app.
Cost: Dh370
Al Bahia – Abu Dhabi
Location: This test centre is located in the Bahya Parking Ground, off Al Mu’ayid Street. You can also reach the test centre by following the following location.
Google location: 24.535229,54.674485
Timing: Sunday to Thursday, 8am to 8pm
As this drive-through centre is run by Seha, you can book a test by calling Seha on 800 1717 or via the Seha app.
Cost: Dh370
Al Hili – Al Ain
Location: This test centre is located Near Al Hili Park. You can also reach the test centre by following the following location.
Google location: 8Q2J+F8 Al Ain, Abu Dhabi
Timing: Sunday to Thursday, 8am to 8pm
As this drive-through centre is run by Seha, you can book a test by calling Seha on 800 1717 or via the Seha app.
Cost: Dh370
Asharej – Al Ain
Location: This test centre is located in Maqam 2. You can reach the test centre by driving down Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street and following the signs for the drive-through centre after UAE University.
Timing: Sunday to Thursday, 8am to 8pm
As this drive-through centre is run by Seha, you can book a test by calling Seha on 800 1717 or via the Seha app.
Cost: Dh370
Dubai
When you are going for a test in Dubai, it is important to first apply for a move permit, during the extended 24-hour restrictions. You would need to visit www.dxbmovepermit.ae and select ‘medical appointment’ under reasons for requesting a permit. For a detailed guide on how you can apply for a permit, click here.
Once you have the permit, you can visit the drive-through centre that you have confirmed with the health authorities. In Dubai, drive-through centres have been opened at the following locations:
Al Khawaneej – Dubai
Location: This test centre is located at ‘Last Exit’. You can reach the location, when driving down D54 and follow signs for Last Exit. You can also reach the test centre by following the following location.
Google location: 25.234796,55.474681
Timing: Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 6pm
As this drive-through centre is run by Seha, you can book a test by calling Seha on 800 1717 or via the Seha app.
Cost: Dh370
Port Rashid – Dubai
Location: This test centre is located at the main gate of Port Rashid. The place is also called Mina Rashid, which is the Arabic name of the port. You can also reach the test centre by following the following location.
Google location: 25.254198,55.281054
Timing: Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 6pm
As this drive-through centre is run by Seha, you can book a test by calling Seha on 800 1717 or via the Seha app.
Cost: Dh370
Al Nasr Club – Dubai
Location: This centre is located in Al Nasr Club in Oud Metha. To reach the location, drive down Oud Metha Road, and after you cross the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium on your right, turn into 11th street.
Timing: Sunday to Thursday, 8am to 6.30pm
To book call DHA on 800 342.
According to the Dubai Health Authority call centre, visitors were asked to ensure they do not miss the appointment as if they do, it will not be rebooked. The centre is only for residents who are either above 60 years old, pregnant women or those with ongoing chronic diseases. Other categories need to call 800 1717, to book an appointment.
Cost: Free for the categories mentioned above.
Dubai also has five drive-through centres operated by Al Futtaim Health Hub.
Dubai Festival City – Dubai
Location: The drive-through centre is located at the Festival City Mall, near Crescent Drive.
To book call Al Futtaim Health Hub on 042608777
Cost: Dh370 for those showing symptoms, Dh425 for asymptomatic cases
Al Qusais – Dubai
Location: Ground Floor, Manazel Deira Building, Al Nahda Street, Al Qusais 2, Dubai, UAE
To book call Al Futtaim Health Hub on 042608777
Cost: Dh370 for those showing symptoms, Dh425 for asymptomatic cases
Silicon Oasis – Dubai
Location: Lynx Tower, No. 6, Silicon Oasis, Dubai UAE
To book call Al Futtaim Health Hub on 042608777
Cost: Dh370 for those showing symptoms, Dh425 for asymptomatic cases
Discovery Gardens – Dubai
Location: Zen cluster, Building 6, Street 1 A, Discovery Gardens, Dubai UAE. Next to Dubai Driving Center
To book call Al Futtaim Health Hub on 042608777
Cost: Dh370 for those showing symptoms, Dh425 for asymptomatic cases
Other emirates
Sharjah
Location: This test centre is located in the Sharjah Golf and Shooting club. To reach the centre, you would need to drive down E311, from Sharjah. Once you pass the Tasjeel centre on your right, you will find the Sharjah Gold and Shooting Club on your right.
Google location: 9F3P+WM Sharjah
Timing: Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 6pm.
As this drive-through centre is run by Seha, you can book a test by calling Seha on 800 1717 or via the Seha app.
Cost: Dh370
Ajman
Location: This test centre is located in Al Jurf 2. As you drive down E11, the centre will be on your right, soon after Ajman City Centre. You can also reach the test centre by following the following location.
Google location: CF3J+GV Ajman
Timing: Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 6pm
As this drive-through centre is run by Seha, you can book a test by calling Seha on 800 1717 or via the Seha app.
Cost: Dh370
Umm Al Quwain
Location: This test centre is located in the Defence Camp in Umm Al Quwain. The Defence Camp is located next to Al Maqta 1, as you drive down the Umm Al Quwain main road, off E11.
Timing: Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 6pm
As this drive-through centre is run by Seha, you can book a test by calling Seha on 800 1717 or via the Seha app.
Cost: Dh370
Ras Al Khaimah
Location: This test centre is located in Dafan Al Khor Centre. You can reach the test centre by driving down Al Quawasim Corniche Road, and turning towards the Eid Prayer ground.
Timing: 10am to 6pm, Sunday to Thursday
As this drive-through centre is run by Seha, you can book a test by calling Seha on 800 1717 or via the Seha app.
Cost: Dh370
Fujairah
Location: This test centre is located Near Fujairah Hospital. You can also reach the test centre by following the following location.
Google location: 48JC+J5 Fujairah
Timing: 10am to 6pm, Sunday to Thursday
As this drive-through centre is run by Seha, you can book a test by calling Seha on 800 1717 or via the Seha app.
Cost: Dh370
How is the test conducted?
When you reach the drive-through centre, you will see two check points.
At the first check point, you will be asked to provide your Emirates ID to confirm your appointment. The official will confirm the symptoms and details provided by you.
You would then proceed to the second check point, where a physician or nurse will take a nasal swab.
For this, you will need to tilt your head back, so that a sample can be taken from all the way back at the end of your nose.
While the procedure is not painful, it can cause discomfort.
Patients are then asked to return home and practise self-isolation or self-quarantine, depending on their specific situation.
When will I get the result?
Currently, it takes two to three days for the results to come in.
What do I do till then?
Until you receive your results, the person is advised to remain indoors and practise self-quarantine.
How will I get my result?
If your result is negative, you will receive a notification through an SMS or call from the relevant authority.
In case of a positive result, the authorities will contact the patient and recommend self-isolation at home or in the hospital, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Contact tracing
Officials then conduct contact tracing, which means contacting all the people who may have come in close contact with the COVID-19 patient.
This is one of the many ways authorities ensure that the spread of the novel Coronavirus can be curbed. To find out how the UAE is conducting contact tracing, click here.
