UAE's compulsory Covid tests for unvaccinated residents: All you need to know

The UAE has announced mandatory PCR Covid-19 tests for unvaccinated residents that have to be taken every few days. Multiple announcements about the updated rules were made for on Monday. They are applicable to several categories of residents.

UPDATE: Compulsory PCR Covid testing rules have been updated. Read about the latest rules here.

Only those that have received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccines are exempted from the rule. (Full list of Covid vaccine centres in the UAE here; and Dubai here)

Here is a breakdown of the announcements.

>> Covid tests for employees

According to the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR), all ministry and federal government employees must undergo a PCR test for Covid every seven days at their own expence. This is effective from January 24.

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7 pic.twitter.com/1g6m7L0O6C

— FAHR (@FAHR_UAE) January 18, 2021

In case an employee is not eligible to take the vaccine, their employer will foot the cost for taking the test every seven days.

>> Outsourced staff

Outsourced and public services companies contracted by federal government entities must conduct a PCR test every seven days for their employees. This is mandatory for those who work on a full-time basis at government offices.

>> Consultants, experts

Consultants and experts who are required to attend meetings or be present at government offices must have a negative PCR test result for Covid. The test must have been taken within three days of the meeting.

>> Hospital visits

A negative PCR test is required for inpatient visits in Abu Dhabi hospitals. The result should have been issued within 24 hours of the visit.

For your safety and for theirs, and as per the guidelines issued by Department of Health, the following procedures for inpatient visits are now in effect.@DoHSocial #SEHA #Healthcare #inAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/C7pwf2cIJd

— SEHA - (@SEHAHealth) January 18, 2021

>> Abu Dhabi entry

Those within the UAE can enter Abu Dhabi within 48 hours of receiving a negative PCR/DPI test result. A PCR test is required on day four and day eight of entry.

The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has updated procedures to enter Abu Dhabi from within the country, effective from Sunday, 17 January, as part of the proactive efforts and precautionary measures to contain and eliminate the spread of Covid-19. pic.twitter.com/MIkfqUEDZg

— (@admediaoffice) January 16, 2021

>> Teachers in Sharjah

Teachers and other staff at Sharjah’s private schools should undergo a Covid-19 test every 14 days.