The cost of a PCR test is quite reasonable in the Emirates (AED 150), but you can now find out if you're eligible for any free PCR or discount.
Frequent tests would ultimately take a financial toll on families. To make things easier for parents and the general public, 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 a free PCR test appointment by contacting Estijabah at 8001717.
SEHA also offers free testing services for all eligible UAE nationals and residents. However, prior booking is required.
What is the cost of PCR tests in the UAE?
As numerous individuals are gearing up for late summer vacations, the test demand is anticipated to remain high.
For those willing to pay, PCR tests can be obtained in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with certain test centres offering them for as low as AED 40. Additionally, home testing is now widely accessible for a slightly higher fee.
Here is a compilation of locations across the Emirates where you can acquire reasonably priced PCR tests.
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 is available 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 (8am to 8pm) and Friday (10am to 8pm) at any screening centre 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 must bring a valid workplace ID and Emirates ID card to avail of the free testing service.
Also, all employees must 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 Emirates. To find affordable COVID-19 screening centres in the emirate.
Here is the list of centres offering affordable PCR testing facilities to help parents and the 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) centres 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 over 50 years old have to book an appointment via the 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 in Dubai
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: 7am to 11pm -
NMC Medical Centre, NMC Specialty Hospital in Deira, Dubai
All outbound travellers 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 in Al Quoz, Dubai
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 also considered valid for travel.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Price: AED 90
Location: Right Health, Al Quoz MallDisclaimer: 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.
You may also like
Top 3 Discount Apps to Save Money in the UAE