Dubai: The entry guidelines for people within the UAE, entering the emirate of Abu Dhabi, have been updated, based on an announcement by the Abu Dhabi Media Office on December 22.
Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has approved procedures for all UAE citizens and residents entering the emirate, including returning residents, which will come into effect from December 24, 2020.
Validity of negative PCR or DPI test increased
Citizens and residents must take a RT-PCR test (Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test) or Laser-based DPI (Diffractive Phase Interferometry) test and receive a negative result within 72 hours of entering Abu Dhabi. The earlier validity for these two tests was 48 hours.
Re-test on Day 6
The requirement for a re-test has also been updated. If a person is staying in the emirate for six or more consecutive days, they would need to take a PCR test on Day 6 from entry, or be liable for fines, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office. The day of arrival in Abu Dhabi is counted as Day 1.
For example, if entering Abu Dhabi on Sunday (Day 1) and staying for six or more days, a PCR test is mandatory on Friday (Day 6).
Exemption
Volunteers in the National Vaccination Programme and Phase III clinical trials who have an identification mark (letter E or golden star) on the Alhosn app are exempt from these measures and are authorised to use emergency vehicle lanes when entering Abu Dhabi.
Where can I go to get tested?
RT-PCR test
The cost of the test, as well as requirement for booking an appointment will depend on the testing centre you visit and the health authority operating it.
Dubai Health Authority
Cost: Dh150
Call: 800 342
Seha Abu Dhabi Health Services Company
Cost: Dh85
Call: 800 1717
Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP)
Cost: Free
Call: 800 11111
Test centre locations
Dubai
• Al Ahli Club
• Al Nasr Club – Oud Metha
• Hamriya
• Majlis Al Rashidiya
• Majlis Al Jumeirah
• Mall of Emirates
• Mirdif City Centre
• Deira City Centre
• City Walk (Seha screening centre)
Some DHA public health centres also provide an RT-PCR test.
However, you would need to contact DHA on 800 342 to find out if the public health centre close to your residence offers the service.
Abu Dhabi
• Zayed Sports City
• Al Wathba Screening Centre
• Al Bahia Screening Centre
• Al Shamkha Screening Centre
• Abu Dhabi Corniche
• Al Ain – Asharij Screening Centre
• Al Dhafra – Madinat Zayed
• Al Dhafra – Ghayathi
• Al Dhafra – Al Mifra
• Al Dhafra – Al Silla
• Al Dhafra – Liwa
• Al Dhafra – Delma
Sharjah
• Golf and Shooting Club
• Al Sajaa Shopping Centre
• A tent in Al Qasimia area, near Al Gharb Police Station and Africa Hall
• Wasit Health Centre
• Sharjah Health Centre
• Lou Aluoayyah Health Centre
• Al Dhaid Health Centre
• Al Qassimi Hospital
• Kuwait Hospital
Ajman
• Al Jerf 2
• Al Bait Metwahid Hall
Ras Al Khaimah
• Dafan Al Khor centre, near the corniche
• Al Mairid Health Centre
• Al Jazerah Health Centre
• Al Digdagah Health Centre
• Al Rams Health Centre
• Ebrahim Obaidullah Hospital
• Saqar Hospital
• New Abdullah Omran Hospital
• Shaam Hospital
Umm Al Quwain
• Defence Camp
• Al Salama Health Centre
• Falaj Al Mualla Health Centre
• Al Khazan Health Centre
• Al Rafa Health Centre
• Preventive Medical Centre
• UAQ Hospital
Fujairah
• National testing centre, near Fujairah Hospital
• Exhibition Centre
DPI test
Cost: Dh50
Abu Dhabi
• Zayed Sports City
• Abu Dhabi Corniche
Dubai
• Port Rashid
• Al Khawaneej
Sharjah
• Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club
Ajman
• Emirates Hospitality Centre
Ras Al Khaimah
• Dafan Al Khor, near National Screening Centre
Fujairah
• Fujairah Centre, near Fujairah Mall
Al Ain
• Al Hili Wedding Hall