Abu Dhabi airport: Free COVID-19 tests give results in 90 minutes

A new free rapid PCR Covid testing facility has been launched at the Abu Dhabi International Airport for all incoming passengers. The region's first in-airport laboratory gives results in approximately 90 minutes, which is among the fastest in the world, the Government of Abu Dhabi Media Office said.

"With the capacity to test 20,000 travellers a day, the laboratory will facilitate air travel procedures and support quarantine measures," the media office said.

The testing facility has been developed in partnership with Pure Health and Tamouh Healthcare.

Travellers to Abu Dhabi need to take a Covid-19 PCR no more than 96 hours before departure. A print-out of the negative test results is required for check-in. All passengers landing at the airport will undergo an additional PCR test.

All passengers arriving at the airport through terminals 1 and 3 will be tested at the facility. Results will be shared by SMS and WhatsApp, and will be available on the Alhosn mobile application.

The 4,000-square metre facility will operate around the clock with up to 190 staff.

Passengers who receive a negative PCR test and are from the list of ‘green’ countries will not have to quarantine. All others will need to self-isolate for 10 days, and wear a quarantine wristband fitted at the PCR testing tent attached to the airport.

Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “The fact that this is the first airport in the region to contain its own dedicated PCR testing laboratory is testament to our commitment ... to continuously innovate and look for new ways to deliver a safe, smooth and seamless travel experience for all our passengers.

“The new fast testing facility ... will not only enable passengers to confidently travel to Abu Dhabi, but significantly enhance the efficiency of our operations while supporting global efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19."

Safety measures

The Abu Dhabi airport has several Covid safety measures:

>> Cameras with facial recognition capabilities that alert staff if passengers or visitors to the airport are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 or not wearing facemasks.

>> Specially trained team of Wellness Ambassadors to support passengers by answering common questions, encouraging social distancing, and providing personal protective equipment (PPE).

>> Touch-less elevator technology

>> SterixEco Gates sterilisation tunnels

>> Thermal scanning cameras