Demand for PCR tests is expected to surge ahead of the beginning of the new school year next Monday.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority announced on Tuesday that pupils aged 12 and over must obtain a negative PCR test from no more than 96 hours before the start of the new academic year.
What are the new Covid rules for pupils returning to school?
The new rules apply to public school pupils, as well as those in private schools in Abu Dhabi.
New rules for Dubai private school pupils had not been announced on Wednesday.
Free Covid-19 tests will be offered to public school pupils and staff in the UAE.
Mobile testing centres have been established at 226 public schools across the country and free screenings will be available until 10pm from today until Sunday, said public schools regulator Emirates Schools Establishment.
A full list of the testing venues were posted online.
How much are PCR tests in the UAE?
With many people planning on taking late summer vacations, the demand for tests is not expected to subside anytime soon.
For those paying, tests are available in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for as little as Dh40 ($10.8) from some test centres, with home testing now widely available as well, for a little extra.
Here is a list of some of the places where you can obtain affordable PCR tests across the emirates.
Where to get the best deals on PCR tests
New schools opening in UAE - in pictures
Dubai
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Aster Hospitals, Mankhool, Sonapur and Qusais
Price: Dh99 for Qusais and Mankhool, Dh60 for Sonapur
Appointment: Walk-in only
Time: Open 24 hours a day
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Seha Covid-19 screening centres at Dubai Parks and Al Khawaneej
Price: Dh50 or free for Emiratis (results within 48 hours)
Appointment: Via the Seha app
Time: 10am to 8pm
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Iranian Hospital Dubai
Price: 50Dh offer for teachers and students upon presentation of student or teacher ID card / Dh120 for everyone else (results within 24 hours)
Appointment: Walk-in only
Time: Open 24 hours a day
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Rizek mobile application
Price: Dh119 (results within 24 hours)
Appointment: Home visit can be booked via the app
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Justlife mobile phone application
Price: Dh129 for test at home (results within 24 hours)
Appointment: Via the app
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Urban Company mobile phone application
Price: Dh84 (results within 24 hours)
Appointment: Via the app
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Drive-through screening centre, Mediclinic Parkview Hospital
Price: Dh150 (results within 24 hours)
Appointment: Walk in
Time: Open 24 hours a day
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General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs
Labourers in need of a PCR test can obtain one at Jafilyia in Dubai
Price: Dh80 (labourers only)
Appointment: Walk-in
Time: 7am to 11pm
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Dubai Health Authority (DHA) PCR testing centres
Drive-through tests that do not require appointment, run by the emirate’s health authority are available at Nad Al Hammar, Nad Al Sheba and Al Mankhool.
DHA has also opened a new drive-through testing centre that requires a prior appointment.
Price: Dh150 for all DHA testing centres
Appointment: Must be made by contacting the facilities directly
Back to school PCR testing in Abu Dhabi – in pictures
Abu Dhabi
Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital
Price: Dh40 (results within 24 hours)
Appointment: Walk-in only
Time: 10am to 5pm
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Medeor Hospital Abu Dhabi
Price: Dh40 (results within 24 to 36 hours)
Appointment: Walk-in only
Time: Open 24 hours
NMC Bareen International Hospital
Price: Drive-through Dh40 (results within 15 hours)
Appointment: Walk-in only
Time: Open 24 hours
Sharjah
NMC Medical Centre, Buhairah Corniche
Price: Dh85 (results within 24 hours)
Appointment: Walk-in only
Time: 9am – 9pm
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Thumbay Hospital
Price: Dh100 (results within 6-8 hours)
Appointment: Walk-in only
Time: 8am – 10.30pm
