Changes have been made to Abu Dhabi arrivals in order to regulate the entry of visitors. People arriving in Abu Dhabi will now be required to present a COVID-19 negative PCR-test report, alongside a DPI laser test. Plus, the test report should be valid for six days. However, this rule does not apply for international arrivals who can produce a negative PCR test report.
This decision has been taken by the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee, in collaboration with the Department of Health.
While you do not have to show two test results if you are flying in, it is a whole different story for those of you who are driving into Abu Dhabi. You are required to show a negative PCR test within 48 hours of arrival or, on the other hand, a negative DPI laser test within 48 hours of arrival. But that is not all; furthermore, you will have to show a PCR test result that was received in the last six days. Keep in mind that you cannot take the same test twice in row in a span of six days.
Abu Dhabi has put in entry restrictions since May; at the start, it was only the negative PCR test that was required to gain entry. But now, the DPI testing has been added as another layer. This test has been added for visitors aged 12 and above, and is available at five centres in Abu Dhabi. The test provides results in no time, and is also less expensive than PCR test.
DPI test means Diffractive Phase Interferometry, and it uses laser technique to scan your blood sample. What they are looking for is surging red blood cells, which point towards an infection.