Random PCR tests on arrival introduced at Dubai airport

In an effort to limit the spread of Covid-19, Dubai International Airport will now conduct random PCR tests on passengers on arrival.

Currently, more than 50 countries, including Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cambodia, Chile, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, India, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania, Rwanda, Russia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Somaliland, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe are already subject to screening on arrival.

However, officials have confirmed that as a precautionary measure additional tests are being conducted on flights not included on this list.

Passengers who arrived from the UK confirmed they were tested at Dubai airport upon arrival. UK is not on the list of countries requiring PCR tests.

Meanwhile, the Emirates airlines on Wednesday suspended flights from 10 African countries to Dubai which include Republic of Angola (LAD); Republic of Guinea (CKY); Republic of Kenya (NBO); United Republic of Tanzania (DAR); Republic of Uganda (EBB); Republic of Ghana (ACC); Republic of Cote d’Ivoire (ABJ); Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (ADD); Zambia (LUN); and Zimbabwe (HRE).

Read: Emirates suspends entry of passengers from 10 African countries to Dubai

On Wednesday, he UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) also detected 2,234 new coronavirus cases over the preceding 24 hours.

The total number of recorded cases in the UAE therefore stands at 757,145.

Read: Covid-19: UAE reports 2,234 new cases, 775 recoveries