A Dh50 laser test that can be used to enter Abu Dhabi emirate is now available at a dozen testing centres across the UAE.
The diffractive phase interferometry (DPI) test offers commuters travelling to Abu Dhabi a cheaper and faster way to enter the capital, which requires a negative Covid-19 to cross the border.
The rapid blood test does not confirm if someone has Covid-19 – but does show whether the person's red blood cells are surging to fight off an illness.
It will now be available at many drive-through screening facilities that previously only offered the PCR nasal swab tests for Dh370.
Medics at those centres will now also provide the five-minute, cheaper test.
On Saturday, authorities said the DPI test could be taken at three locations in Abu Dhabi (Zayed Sports City, Cornice, Laser Screening Centre in Ghantoot), Al Ain (Al Hili Wedding Hall, Al Hili), Dubai (Mina Rashed, Al Khawaneej) and across the Northern Emirates (Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, Emirates Hospitality Centre in Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and in Fujairah).
The centres are run by either Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha) or Tomouh Healthcare.
Appointments must be booked in advance on a dedicated website for Ghantoot, Al Hili Wedding Centre and Ajman.
All other locations can be booked using the Seha app.
The new locations will take the pressure of the first centre at Ghantoot, near the Abu Dhabi-Dubai border, which has previously been booked up weeks in advance.
The centre at Ghantoot processes about 6,000 drivers per day.
Anyone who fails the test is not permitted entry and is taken aside and asked to undergo a PCR test for Covid-19.
The test is valid for 48 hours and only used to cross the border.
Zayed Sustainability Prize
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
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UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
More on Quran memorisation:
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Abu Dhabi GP weekend schedule
Friday
First practice, 1pm
Second practice, 5pm
Saturday
Final practice, 2pm
Qualifying, 5pm
Sunday
Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps), 5.10pm
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
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The five pillars of Islam
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
