Nearly 6,000 people are tested at the Ghantoot laser centre every day. Antonie Robertson / The National
Nearly 6,000 people are tested at the Ghantoot laser centre every day. Antonie Robertson / The National
Medics at the Ghantoot testing centre on the border between Dubai and Abu Dhabi use a laser technique to scan a blood sample for signs of surging red blood cells, which is an early sign the body is fighting off a virus. Antonie Robertson / The National
Medics at the Ghantoot testing centre on the border between Dubai and Abu Dhabi use a laser technique to scan a blood sample for signs of surging red blood cells, which is an early sign the body is fighting off a virus. Antonie Robertson / The National
A medic testing a commuter for Covid-19. Antonie Robertson / The National
A medic testing a commuter for Covid-19. Antonie Robertson / The National
The results of the Diffractive Phase Interferometry test, or DPI, which detects viral presence in the blood, including Covid-19, are received in minutes via a text message. Antonie Robertson / The National
The results of the Diffractive Phase Interferometry test, or DPI, which detects viral presence in the blood, including Covid-19, are received in minutes via a text message. Antonie Robertson / The National
The test costs Dh50 and is very quick compared with the PCR test that can take time to get a result. Antonie Robertson / The National
The test costs Dh50 and is very quick compared with the PCR test that can take time to get a result. Antonie Robertson / The National
The facility was set up to allow commuters who require a negative Covid-19 test to enter Abu Dhabi. Those with negative results can continue their journey. Antonie Robertson / The National
The facility was set up to allow commuters who require a negative Covid-19 test to enter Abu Dhabi. Those with negative results can continue their journey. Antonie Robertson / The National

Health

Coronavirus: Motorists must present negative nasal swab test to enter Abu Dhabi from Thursday

Travellers will no longer be allowed to enter the capital by taking a DPI rapid laser test at Ghantoot

Chris Maxwell
Chris Maxwell
UAE

August 25, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

Latest: Abu Dhabi prosecutors arrest two over fake media report that family died of Covid-19

Motorists travelling to Abu Dhabi will no longer be allowed to enter the emirate merely by presenting a rapid DPI laser test.

Travellers must now have a negative PCR nasal swab before being granted access to the capital.

Abu Dhabi’s Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee said the tightened restrictions on access from other emirates would come into force on Thursday.

Under the new ruling, access to Abu Dhabi will be permitted within 48 hours of receiving a negative swab test.

Drivers can still undergo a DPI laser test near Ghantoot – but only if they can present a PCR test result received within the past six days.

The system means commuters could take a PCR swab test at the start of the week, then ‘refresh’ it days later at the Ghantoot screening centre.

But the committee said the same type of test cannot be taken twice in a row within six days.

In July, authorities allowed access to Abu Dhabi to those who had taken a DPI (diffractive phase interferometry) laser test at a screening centre set up in Ghantoot, on the border between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The procedure does not confirm whether someone has Covid-19 – but does show whether the person’s red blood cells are surging to fight an illness.

Initially only available at the Ghantoot centre, the DPI test can now be taken at three locations in Abu Dhabi (Zayed Sports City, Corniche, Laser Screening Centre in Ghantoot), Al Ain (Al Hili Wedding Hall, Al Hili), Dubai (Mina Rashid, Al Khawaneej) and across the Northern Emirates (Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club, Emirates Hospitality Centre in Ajman, and in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah).

The rapid test costs Dh50, while the PRC swab is typically Dh370.

Restrictions on entry to Abu Dhabi have been in force since June 2 to stem the spread of coronavirus. A permit system previously allowed people to enter in some circumstances.

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RESULT

Manchester United 1 Brighton and Hove Albion 0
Man United: Dunk (66' og)

Man of the Match: Shane Duffy (Brighton)

On Women's Day
On Women's Day
While you're here
Brief scores:

Everton 0

Leicester City 1

Vardy 58'

While you're here
While you're here
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
On Women's Day
Key facilities
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  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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Director: Asif Kapadia

4/5

England Test squad

Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Alastair Cook, Sam Curran, Keaton Jennings, Dawid Malan, Jamie Porter, Adil Rashid, Ben Stokes.

Cultural fiesta

What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421,  Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day. 

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