Lab staff working in the sample preparation room at Dubai Airport (DXB). All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
Lab staff working in the sample preparation room at Dubai Airport (DXB). All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
Close to Terminal 2, the laboratory is a dedicated centre for around-the-clock processing of RT-PCR test samples collected from passengers at DXB.
Close to Terminal 2, the laboratory is a dedicated centre for around-the-clock processing of RT-PCR test samples collected from passengers at DXB.
Lab staff working in Dubai Airport's in-house lab for processing Covid-19 PCR tests.
Lab staff working in Dubai Airport's in-house lab for processing Covid-19 PCR tests.
One of the world’s busiest airports now has one of the world’s biggest in-house Covid-19 testing laboratories.
One of the world’s busiest airports now has one of the world’s biggest in-house Covid-19 testing laboratories.
The laboratory reduces waiting times for passengers arriving by making sure their PCR test results are delivered in only four to six hours.
The laboratory reduces waiting times for passengers arriving by making sure their PCR test results are delivered in only four to six hours.
Before the lab opened in June, the passengers’ samples were collected from the airport every 12 hours.
Before the lab opened in June, the passengers’ samples were collected from the airport every 12 hours.
Now samples are collected every 30 minutes and transported to the in-house facility operated by Pure Health.
Now samples are collected every 30 minutes and transported to the in-house facility operated by Pure Health.
Carlo Kaabar, medical director of Mohap Laboratories, at Dubai Airport's in-house PCR lab.
Carlo Kaabar, medical director of Mohap Laboratories, at Dubai Airport's in-house PCR lab.
After a batch of samples is received, the staff first check their integrity and verify the passengers’ details using barcodes.
After a batch of samples is received, the staff first check their integrity and verify the passengers’ details using barcodes.
Dubai Airport's in-house lab for processing Covid-19 PCR tests.
Dubai Airport's in-house lab for processing Covid-19 PCR tests.
If passengers test positive, they need to undergo isolation and follow the Dubai Health Authority guidelines.
If passengers test positive, they need to undergo isolation and follow the Dubai Health Authority guidelines.
Lab staff scanning the barcode of a Covid-19 PCR sample.
Lab staff scanning the barcode of a Covid-19 PCR sample.

Coronavirus

UAE suspends entry of travellers from Republic of Congo

New safety measures also introduced for passengers from four other African countries

The National

December 15, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

The UAE will suspend the entry of passengers from the Republic of Congo and has tightened restrictions on flights from a number of other African nations.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority and the General Civil Aviation Authority said the new measures would come into force from 8am on Friday.

The updated rules for the Republic of Congo cover all national and international flights and include transit passengers.

UAE citizens and their first degree relatives, plus domestic workers they sponsor are exempt from the directives, as are those on diplomatic missions between the two countries, official delegations and Golden residence holders, NCEMA said.

The move is in line with efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Read More

Latest on Covid-19

Those exempt from the passenger ban must present a negative PCR test from within 48 hours of their departure time, take a rapid PCR test at the airport on arrival in the UAE and quarantine for 10 days, including taking a PCR test on day nine.

UAE citizens are barred from travelling to the Republic of Congo, with the exception of official delegations, medical emergencies, and students on education sponsorship.

Travellers coming from the Republic of Congo via other countries must have proof they have stayed in those other countries for a period of no less than 14 days.

New procedures for other African countries

Passengers arriving in the UAE from Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda and Ethiopia must show a negative PCR test from within 48 hours of their departure, plus take a rapid PCR test at the airport within six hours of flying.

The same rules apply for those on transit flights, but passengers must also take a rapid PCR test at the transit airport before entering the UAE.

Dirham Stretcher tips for having a baby in the UAE

Selma Abdelhamid, the group's moderator, offers her guide to guide the cost of having a young family:

• Buy second hand stuff

 They grow so fast. Don't get a second hand car seat though, unless you 100 per cent know it's not expired and hasn't been in an accident.

• Get a health card and vaccinate your child for free at government health centres

 Ms Ma says she discovered this after spending thousands on vaccinations at private clinics.

• Join mum and baby coffee mornings provided by clinics, babysitting companies or nurseries.

Before joining baby classes ask for a free trial session. This way you will know if it's for you or not. You'll be surprised how great some classes are and how bad others are.

• Once baby is ready for solids, cook at home

Take the food with you in reusable pouches or jars. You'll save a fortune and you'll know exactly what you're feeding your child.

The specs: 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera

Price, base: Dh1.2 million

Engine: 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

Power: 725hp @ 6,500pm

Torque: 900Nm @ 1,800rpm

Fuel economy, combined:  12.3L / 100km (estimate)

Zayed Sustainability Prize
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
more from Janine di Giovanni
While you're here
The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

Results

4pm: Al Bastakiya – Listed (TB) $150,000 (Dirt) 1,900m; Winner: Panadol, Mickael Barzalona (jockey), Salem bin Ghadayer (trainer)

4.35pm: Dubai City Of Gold – Group 2 (TB) $228,000 (Turf) 2,410m; Winner: Walton Street, William Buick, Charlie Appleby

5.10pm: Mahab Al Shimaal – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (D) 1,200m; Winner: Canvassed, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson

5.45pm: Burj Nahaar – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Midnight Sands, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson

6.20pm: Jebel Hatta – Group 1 (TB) $260,000 (T) 1,800m; Winner: Lord Glitters, Daniel Tudhope, David O’Meara

6.55pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 1 (TB) $390,000 (D) 2,000m; Winner: Salute The Soldier, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass

7.30pm: Nad Al Sheba – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: Final Song, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor

WORLD CUP FINAL

England v South Africa

Yokohama International Stadium, Tokyo

Saturday, kick-off 1pm (UAE)

While you're here
Updated: December 15, 2021, 4:35 PM`