Your guide to getting tested and treated for Covid-19 in the UAE, from the process and testing locations to coronavirus treatments.
11 May 2020
| Last updated on 13 May 2020
If you are experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms or been in contact with someone suspected/confirmed with the virus, here’s what you must do...
As coronavirus cases continue to rise in the UAE, residents and citizens may be wondering where they can seek medical help.
It’s important to note that not everyone can ask to be tested or are eligible for a Covid-19 screening. These tests are not conducted simply by request.
Who can get tested for Covid-19 in the UAE?
To take a coronavirus test in the UAE, you must have at least one of the following:
1. Covid-19 symptoms
You are experiencing any of the symptoms linked to coronavirus, such as…
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Breathing difficulties
2. Been in contact with a suspected or confirmed case
You have been in close physical contact with someone who is suspected of Covid-19 or has been confirmed positive for the virus.
3. Been in contact with a recent traveller
You have been in close physical contact with someone who has recently travelled from overseas within the last 14 days.
If you meet any of the three requirements above, you can get tested at a DHA Primary Health Centre in the UAE.

Covid-19 testing centres in the UAE
Dubai
Below is a list of places where you can get tested for coronavirus in Dubai, along with their operating hours.
- Al Barsha Health Centre, Al Barsha 3: 24/7
- Nad Al Hamar Health Centre: 24/7
- Al Safa Health Centre: Sunday - Thursday (7:30am - 9:30pm), Saturday (8am - 1pm)
- Al Badaa Health Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road: Sunday - Thursday (7:30am - 9:30 pm), Saturday (8am - 1pm)
- Al Mankhool Health Centre: Sunday - Thursday (7:30am - 9:30 pm), Saturday (8am - 1pm)
- Al Lusaily Health Center: Sunday - Thursday (7:30am - 9:30 pm), Saturday (8am - 1pm)
- Al Khawaneej Health Center: Sunday - Thursday (7:30am - 9:30 pm), Saturday (8am - 1pm)
- Al Towar Health Center, Al Towar 1: Sunday - Thursday (7:30am - 9:30 pm), Saturday (8am - 1pm)
- Nad Al Sheba Health Center: Sunday - Thursday (7:30am - 9:30 pm), Saturday (8am - 1pm)
- Al Mamzar Health Center: Sunday - Thursday (7:30am - 9:30 pm), Saturday (8am - 1pm)
- Al Mizhar Health Center, Al Mizhar 1: Sunday - Thursday (7:30am - 9:30 pm), Saturday (8am - 1pm)
- Za’abeel Health Center, Za’abeel 1: Sunday - Thursday (7:30am - 9:30 pm), Saturday (8am - 1pm)
- Senior Happiness Centre, Al Mamzar: 24/7
Abu Dhabi
Below is a list of places where you can get tested for coronavirus in Abu Dhabi, along with their operating hours.
- Ghayathi: Saturday - Thursday (8am to 12pm) and (4pm to 8pm)
- Madinat Zayed, Al Dhafra: Saturday - Thursday (8am - 8pm)
- Al Bahia: Saturday - Thursday (8am - 8pm)
- Al Wathba: Saturday - Thursday (8am - 8pm)
- Zayed Sports City: Saturday - Thursday (8am - 8pm)
Al Ain
- Al Hili: Saturday - Thursday (8am - 8pm)
- Asharej: Saturday - Thursday (8am - 8pm)
Umm Al Qaiwain
- Al-Bait-Motwahid Hall: Sunday - Thursday (10am - 6pm)
Sharjah
- Near Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club: Sunday - Thursday (10am - 6pm)
Fujairah
- Rumailah Square: Sunday - Thursday (10am - 6pm)
Ajman
- Al Jurf 2: Sunday - Thursday (10am - 6pm)
Ras Al Khaimah
- Dafan Al Khor Centre: Sunday - Thursday (10am - 6pm)

Drive-through coronavirus tests in the UAE
Several drive-through testing stations from Al Futtaim Health have been installed across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, allowing people to get tested for Covid-19 without stepping out of the car.
Just like an appointment at the health centre, you must fulfill the criteria listed above to be tested. Appointments are also required for the drive-through stations.
These are located in…
Dubai
- Dubai Festival City
- Al Qusais
- Dubai Silicon Oasis
- Discovery Gardens
- Al Warqa
- Al Khawaneej
- Mina Rashid
- International City

Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
- Al Bahia
- Al Wathba
- Madinat Zayed-Al Dhafra
- Ghayathi Al Dhafra
- Al Hili
- Al Sharej
How to book a coronavirus test appointment
Call any of the numbers below to schedule an appointment at any of the testing centres mentioned:
- DHA: 800-342
- Estijaba, Department of Health: 800-1717
- UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention: 800-1111
A Covid-19 test can cost between AED 112 - 370.
Documents required
Before getting a Covid-19 test in the UAE, you will need to bring with you the following documents:
- Passport copy
- Visa copy
- Original Emirates ID
- Tenancy contract/ latest DEWA bill
- Recent passport photograph
- Medical Insurance card
- Health card or family card (for UAE Nationals only)
What happens during a coronavirus test?
The process takes around 24 hours.
At the local medical centre, health professionals will check your temperature, blood pressure, and other vitals. They will take a swab test of your throat, nose, and sputum. Then, they will also ask you a few questions, for example, if you’ve travelled outside the country in the last two weeks.
After finishing the swab test, you will need to stay in the centre’s isolation facility until the Covid-19 test results are released.
What happens if I have Covid-19?
If you test positive for coronavirus, ambulances and healthcare authorities will be sent out to the immediate people you live with so that they may be screened as well.
If they do not show symptoms, they can return home but are required to stay in self-isolation for 14 days. If they have symptoms, they will need to stay in an isolation facility where they will be tested for Covid-19.
Covid-19 treatment in the UAE
If you’re positive for coronavirus, note that there is no specific treatment for the virus nor a vaccine. The treatment varies and they are meant to treat the symptoms, ease any health complications, and enhance your immunity level.