The cost of a PCR test is quite reasonable in the emirate (AED 150). But there has been a sudden surge in demand for the tests in wake of the mandatory PCR tests for students announced by the Government for the academic year, 2022. Students are now required to enter the school premises only if they test negative.
The national emergency crisis and disaster management authority announced on August 23rd, that all students of age 12 and over are required to present a mandatory negative PCR report valid for 96 hours from the time of result to enter the school premises.
Frequent tests would ultimately take a financial toll on families. To make things easier for parents and general public alike, we have compiled a list of facilities offering free or cheap PCR tests across the city.
Here is a comprehensive list of testing facilities in the Emirate where you can get PCR tests without paying any fee.
Eligibility Criterion for Free PCR Test
Senior citizens and residents above 50 years of age and people suffering from severe illnesses and diseases can get tested for free at select screening locations around the city.
All eligible individuals can book an appointment for a free PCR test by contacting Estijabah at 8001717.
SEHA is also offering free testing services for all eligible UAE nationals and residents. However prior booking is required.
Other Eligible Categories for Free COVID-19 test
People who do not fall in the above-mentioned categories can book a free PCR test by making an appointment with SEHA via a dedicated mobile app.
People who can get tested for free from SEHA include:
- UAE citizens
- Children of Emirati women
- House helps in UAE nationals’ homes
- People with chronic illness
- Residents over 50 years of age
- Pregnant women
- People of determination
The free testing service can be availed only once every four months. You can also get a free COVID-19 test at any MOHAP (Ministry of Health and Prevention) screening facility if you have symptoms and fall into the above-mentioned categories.
Free PCR Tests for Federal Employees and Students
All students studying in private or governmental educational institutes can get tested for free at any COVID-19 screening facility across Dubai.
Students can get tested without any appointment from Saturday to Thursday (8 am to 8 pm) and Friday (10 am to 8 pm) at any screening center in the emirate.
All federal government employees and semi-government workers can get tested for free at any COVID-19 screening facility in the country. All eligible individuals are required to bring a valid workplace ID and Emirates ID card to avail of the free testing service.
Also, all employees have to make a prior appointment for a free test. Results will reflect on the Al-Hosn app within 24 hours from the collection time.
Cheaper PCR test locations in Dubai:
If you are not eligible for free PCR testing in Dubai, you can refer to cheaper testing facilities in the emirate. To find affordable COVID-19 screening centers in the emirate click here
Here is the list of centers offering affordable PCR testing facilities to help parents and general public save their hard-earned money
EHS Centre
Residents of UAE from certain categories can get a free PCR test at any of the EHS (Emirates Health Services) centers in Dubai. The facility is available across all emirates to help people save costs. Bookings can be made by appointment only via the EHS app for Covid 19.
Price: Free
Location: All EHS-run facilities
Seha Screening Centers for PCR
You can avail of the cheapest PCR test facility at Seha Screening Centers across Dubai at the price of AED 40 only. Two Seha centers are operating in Dubai. One is located at Dubai Parks and Resorts and the other one is in Al Khawaneej.
It is a drive-through facility for the residents but citizens of UAE, pregnant women, and citizens and residents over the age of 50 years have to book an appointment via Seha App.
Location: Seha Screening Centre, Dubai Parks, and Resorts, or Al Khawaneej.
Timings: 10 am to 8 pm
Price: AED 40
General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs
The GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs) is providing the facility of COVID-19 PCR tests for all laborers across the Emirate for AED 80 only.
Location: GDRFA, Jafiliya, Dubai
Timings: 7 am to 11 pm
NMC Medical Centre, NMC Specialty Hospital
All outbound travelers can get their PCR test done at NMC Medical Centre, Deira, or NMC Specialty Hospital Al Nahda for AED 85 only. You will have to present a valid airplane ticket to receive the discount.
Ordinary residents can get their tests done at the Deira facility for AED 100 and in Al-Nahda for AED 120.
Price: AED 85 for travelers
Location: NMC Medical Centre, Deira or NMC Specialty Hospital Al Nahda
Timings: 7 am to 10 pm
Right Health
Walk in for a quick PCR test at Right Health, Al Quoz Mall for AED 90 only. Results are usually reported within 12 hours and the reports are considered valid for the purpose of traveling also.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Price: AED 90
Location: Right Health, Al Quoz Mall
Disclaimer: This is not an exhaustive list and can be updated at any time according to the latest guidelines and announcements made by the NCEMA and Federal Government.
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