COVID-19: Where Are DPI Rapid Covid Test Centers in the UAE?

To enter the captial, Abu Dhabi, a negative COVID-19 test must be obtained within 48 hours of intended entry to the city.

The laser DPI testing service has simplified a lot of the timing and logistics of these tests, with results back in a matter of minutes.

The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis & Disasters Committee for Covid-19 Pandemic and the Department of Health  Abu Dhabi have co-authored a list of all the current testing sites across the UAE.

DPI lasers, or ‘diffractive phase interferometry’ lasers are capable of measuring minute discrepancies in size. They’re being used in this application to scan for inflammation of blood cells, which is a tell-tale sign of viral infection. The results are esentially immediate.

Where?

There are two locations in Dubai, five in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi, and four in the Northern Emirates.

The operating hours in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain are 8am to 8pm Sunday to Thursday (except for the 10am to 10pm centre in Al Hili Wedding Hall that’s open seven days a week).

Centres in Ghantoot and Emirates Hospitality Centre, Ajman are open 24 hours.

Northern Emirate testing centres are open seven days a week, 10am to 8pm.

How do I book?

For locations operated by Tamouh Healthcare, you can book through the individual Quantlase Lab websites for Ghantoot, Al Hili Wedding Hall, or Ajman.

For other locations, you’ll need to book an appointment using the SEHA app, which is available from both App Store and Google Play stores.

According to the Seha, residents and visitors wanting to do the laser test must present their original Emirates ID to officials at the testing facility along with the QR code for the appointment.

Price?

The test costs AED 50. 

In case the DPI result requires an applicant to take a PCR test, he/she will need to take it at the same centre for AED 320.

The first rapid Covid-19 testing facility was opened in July on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai border near the Ghantoot checkpoint. The facilities have eased up commute between Abu Dhabi and other emirates ever since it was launched.