No matter if you are symptomatic or not, or if you must have a Covid test to travel, rapid lateral flow tests (antigen tests) can also screen for Covid-19. (For travel, always check a country’s entry requirements to make sure this is valid). Testing for COVID-19 with rapid antigen tests is quicker than using traditional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. This rapid antigen test does not replace a PCR test. A PCR test is still the most accurate and reliable test for detecting and diagnosing COVID-19.
The rapid antigen test uses a nasal swab or saliva sample to test for the virus that causes COVID-19. The testing can be done at home and the results should be available in 20 minutes.
Travelers to the UK, India and many other places have to undergo a pre-departure Covid test since December 7, although this can either be a PCR test or a lateral flow test. PCR tests are commonly available in Dubai, but rapid antigen tests, which can be performed at home and have a quick turnaround time, are less common. While they’re quick and accurate, they’re not as accurate as PCR tests.
You can buy the rapid antigen test kits in Dubai at the below two pharmacies at the moment
Boots
At many Boots stores across Dubai, the Panbio rapid antigen tests are available in single tests and family packs. At-home tests are available at selected Boots stores for AED 40 for one and AED 150 for a pack of four.
Cost: Dhs40 for one, Dhs150 for a pack of four
Boots Pharmacy Number
Boots, Mall of Emirates: 04 419 0518
Boots, The Springs Souk : 04 419 0566
Boots, Dubai Mall: 04 419 0303 ; 04 419 0185
Boots, Dubai Festival City : 04 419 0176
Community Pharmacy
Panbio and Flowflex Covid-19 antigen tests (similar to Panbio) are available at Community Pharmacy for Dhs40 for a single test or Dhs150 for a family pack of four Panbio tests. In addition to offering free delivery online, Community Pharmacy has locations throughout Dubai, including Dubai Marina, Motor City, Wafi, and Jumeirah Golf Estates.
Cost: Dhs40 for one, Dhs150 for a pack of four
Community Pharmacy Number
Community Pharmacy, Wafi Mall : 04 354 7374
Community Pharmacy, Motor City: 04 – 454 1527
Community Pharmacy, Manchester Tower, Dubai Marina: 04 – 395 7205
Community Pharmacy, Fairway Centre, Jumeirah Golf Estates: 04 – 277 1814
Community Pharmacy, Al Wasl: 04 – 321 2062
Note: Check a country’s entry requirements before you travel to ensure that rapid antigen tests are valid
