Drive-through COVID-19 tests are now available in Dubai for free

In an effort to combat the novel coronavirus, the UAE has been aggressively testing people in recent weeks. The Gulf nation has recorded over 2,300 cases at the time of writing. 

The UAE was the first Arab nation to report a coronavirus case back in January. Since then, the country has implemented various measures to contain the spread of the contagion, much of which wouldn't have been possible without advanced technology. 

This week, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) announced that it has opened a drive-through COVID-19 testing center at the Al Nasr Club in the city. The center is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for both nationals and expats. The test itself will be completed in five minutes, free of charge, with results taking up to 48 hours to be delivered.

The fact that it's a drive-through process ensures that physical contact remains at a minimum.

The drive-through facility is not the first in the nation, nor the only one in the city. Back in March, Abu Dhabi launched one as well. There are also three testing centers run by DHA in Dubai. 

The Dubai center is capable of carrying 250 tests per day, giving people an accessible center to test for the novel coronavirus while keeping the health of the overall community in check. 

The center caters to senior citizens, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, and people with COVID-19 symptoms. 

To book an appointment for testing, people can call DHA on 800DHA (800342), according to Khaleej Times. Once a person has registered, they will receive a confirmation text message. 

That message, along with the person's Emirates ID, should be presented at the drive-through center prior to the test. DHA medical personnel will verify all the information before approaching your car to take a nasal swab. 

After 48 hours, the results can be viewed on the DHA app via the "Lab Results" tab and then "Patient Services." 

Considering the UAE is currently requesting for all residents to apply for a permit to leave home, this process is also necessary for anyone looking to depart from their place of residence to take the test. 

Over the weekend, the country's Ministry of Health and Prevention announced it had completed more than 220,000 laboratory tests for coronavirus. As of March 20, the UAE had completed 125,000 nasal swabs; it has since ramped up its testing efforts.