UAE's compulsory Covid tests for unvaccinated residents: All you need to know

The UAE has announced mandatory PCR Covid-19 tests for unvaccinated residents that have to be taken every few days. Multiple announcements about the updated rules were made for on Monday. They are applicable to several categories of residents.

UPDATE: Compulsory PCR Covid testing rules have been updated. Read about the latest rules here.

Only those that have received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccines are exempted from the rule. (Full list of Covid vaccine centres in the UAE here; and Dubai here)

Here is a breakdown of the announcements.

>> Covid tests for employees

According to the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR), all ministry and federal government employees must undergo a PCR test for Covid every seven days at their own expence. This is effective from January 24.

In case an employee is not eligible to take the vaccine, their employer will foot the cost for taking the test every seven days.

>> Outsourced staff

Outsourced and public services companies contracted by federal government entities must conduct a PCR test every seven days for their employees. This is mandatory for those who work on a full-time basis at government offices.

>> Consultants, experts

Teachers and other staff at Sharjah’s private schools should undergo a Covid-19 test every 14 days.