Mina Rashid Screening Center former SEHA COVID-19 drive-through screening center in Dubai, has been closed and is no longer in operation. It’s also not included in Dubai Health’s current list of medical fitness centres for UAE residence visa medicals. Visas requiring a medical test should be taken at an approved Dubai Health Medical Fitness Center, and the current process through the Salem Portal should be followed by the applicant.
Mina Rashid Screening Center Current Status
The Dubai Health Medical Fitness Center is no longer in operation at the former Mina Rashid.
The location was used as an SEHA drive-through testing centre in Dubai during the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals were able to go to the facility for COVID testing, especially when PCR testing was in high demand for travel and other needs.
In January 2022, though, SEHA shut down the drive-thru testing center at Mina Rashid permanently. The individuals who needed to be tested were referred to other facilities within SEHA, such as City Walk and Al Khawaneej.
This historical data is the information that is included in some search results and older online directories.
Is Mina Rashid Medical Center Still Open?
There is no present medical screening facility at Mina Rashid that I can verify. But Dubai Health’s existing Medical Fitness Examination service does not include Mina Rashid. The official network comprises facilities in Al Quoz, Al Karama, Bur Dubai, Al Rashidiya, Al Nahda, JAFZA, Zaabeel, and Al Muhaisnah, among other locations.
As such, it is advisable for those intending to undergo UAE residence visa medicals to select a currently listed Dubai health centre and not a listing from Mina Rashid.
What Was the Mina Rashid Screening Facility Used For?
The facility was used mostly with regard to COVID-19 screening and not the current UAE residence visa medical fitness system.
SEHA set up drive-through testing stations in various locations for residents to be tested for COVID-19 PCR without having to go into a traditional medical office to be tested during the pandemic. One of the known places in Dubai for this service is Mina Rashid.
According to the National in January 2022, SEHA has permanently shut down its drive-through testing centre in Mina Rashid for COVID-19. The report also referred people to other testing centers located within SEHA.
The closure was also reported by Khaleej Times, which said that those who wanted to be tested for COVID-19 or be vaccinated were encouraged to use other SEHA drive-through services.
Any information indicating that the Mina Rashid site is currently a PCR testing facility should then be considered historical, until it is updated and verified independently.
Mina Rashid and UAE Residence Visa Medical Tests
One of the frequently asked questions is the difference between COVID-19 screening and UAE residence visa medical fitness examination. The services are independent of each other.
At present, Dubai Health offers medical fitness examinations to UAE residency visa applicants and renewals at its authorized medical fitness centres in Dubai.
Blood Collection
As part of the UAE residence visa medical fitness exam, blood is drawn. This is performed by the applicant at the approved Medical Fitness Center.
Chest X-Ray
The other component of the medical fitness examination is a chest X-ray. It is performed at the Medical Fitness Center during the required screening.
Vaccinations
For some professional groups, vaccinations might be needed for applicants. The specific vaccination requirements depend on the applicant’s category.
Result Notification
Once the examination has been processed, Dubai Health will provide the applicant with the medical fitness result either via SMS or email.
Where Should You Get the Medical Fitness Test?
In case of a UAE residence visa medical test, please find a Dubai Health Medical Fitness Center, which is currently listed instead of information regarding the previous COVID-19 medical center in Mina Rashid.
Dubai Medical Fitness Centers Near Central Dubai
The old site of Mina Rashid is not part of the medical fitness network now, but there are other options available to applicants.
As of the time of writing, the official service page of Dubai Health has 21 medical fitness centres listed in Dubai. The network comprises facilities for Dubai Central, as well as those located near the airport, near Jebel Ali, and other locations in the emirate.
Bur Dubai Medical Fitness Center
Salem – Bur Dubai Medical Fitness Center is one of the official places for medical fitness services.
It is relevant for those who reside and work in the surrounding areas of Bur Dubai and other central areas. Dubai Health is currently part of its Medical Fitness Examination network and includes Bur Dubai.
Applicants should, however, check the current operating hours before their visit, as working hours may vary, especially during public holidays or special operating periods.
Al Karama Medical Fitness Center
Another official choice is the Salem-Al Karama Medical Fitness Center. The location of Al Karama is central, and this can be convenient for residents who would otherwise be looking for a facility in the older Mina Rashid and Bur Dubai areas.
It’s not just about the distance. Please check with Dubai Health’s latest service directory before traveling.
Al Quoz Medical Fitness Center
In addition, the Salem – Al Quoz Medical Fitness Center appears in Dubai Health’s current list. For candidates who live within the vicinity of Al Quoz, Al Barsha, and surrounding areas, Al Quoz can be a viable option. It is important to check the official Dubai Health directory for the service and details on its operation.
Al Rashidiya Medical Fitness Center
Salem – Al Rashidiya Medical Fitness Center may be more convenient to those who reside near Dubai International Airport, Deira, or eastern Dubai.
According to Dubai Health, the Al Rashidiya building offers medical fitness examination services for applications and renewal of residence visas. It has been published with a contact number of 800 60.
The centre is currently registered with Dubai Health under the Al Rashidiya area in Dubai, with extended working hours on weekdays. Applications should be made in advance to the official facility page as schedules may change.
Medical Fitness Test Requirements in Dubai
You must bring to the center documents that Dubai Health requires before visiting a center. The official requirements currently are a completed registration form, an original and valid Emirates ID or passport, a recent passport-size photograph against a white background, and a copy of the e-visa.
The specific requirements you have will vary according to the visa you are applying for and the type of profession you hold. Some jobs may also have extra vaccination requirements.
Documents Checklist
For a standard application, Dubai Health currently identifies these documents:
- Completed registration form
- Original valid Emirates ID or passport
- Recent passport-size photograph with a white background
- Copy of the e-visa
Having the documents ready before going to the centre can help prevent unnecessary delays.
You should also follow any additional instructions that your employer, visa sponsor, or application portal gives.
How to Apply for a Dubai Medical Fitness Examination
The Dubai Health system is now in charge of the procedure rather than the previous Mina Rashid COVID-19 facility.
Step 1: Submit the Application
According to Dubai Health, the application is made via the Salem Portal.
The medical fitness examination process is initiated by this step, and the applicant is then allowed to go to an approved centre.
Step 2: Visit an Approved Center
Once you have filled in the application, go to one of the medical fitness centres listed by Dubai Health.
For the service that you need, select a location that is currently available; do not base your choice only on old search results or on third-party directories.
Step 3: Complete the Health Examination
The standard examination consists of having your blood drawn and undergoing a chest X-ray; Dubai Health also mentions that vaccinations might be necessary for some professional categories.
The purpose of the examination is to determine whether a person is medically fit as part of the procedure for obtaining residency in the UAE.
Step 4: Receive the Result
Dubai Health sends applicants通知 of their results by means of SMS or email.
There is also an official online service which allows you to check the status of a medical fitness examination; when the result has been issued, the medical fitness certificate is sent to the email address that has been registered.
Medical Fitness Test Fees
Since medical fitness fees are subject to change, applicants should check the most recent Dubai Health prices before making payment.
It is important not to confuse the fee with the prices that were previously linked to COVID-19 PCR testing at the old Mina Rashid facility.
For its Medical Fitness Examination service, Dubai Health has a separate section that gives pricing information. Instead of setting out one fixed price for all applicants, the current service page directs applicants to the official pricing information.
Different service categories and the various speeds at which they can be processed may carry different charges, which is why it is possible to end up with inaccurate information if you copy a previous fee from a blog or directory.
If you want to be certain of the exact price, you should check the one displayed on the official Dubai Health service website before carrying out the transaction.
How Long Does the Medical Fitness Process Take?
The time taken to process the request will vary according to the service chosen. Dubai Health provides both standard and fast medical fitness services, so applicants will have different processing times depending on the package they have available.
The most reliable source of the relevant processing time is the official Dubai Health service and pricing information available at the time of applying.
People whose visa deadlines are drawing near should not assume that all medical fitness applications will be processed within the same time frame.
Can You Get a COVID-19 PCR Test at Mina Rashid?
The previous COVID-19 testing site at Mina Rashid has now been permanently closed. SEHA declared the closure in January 2022, and more recent reports have shown that residents were sent to other testing sites. Moreover, the requirements regarding COVID-19 testing have also changed considerably since the time when drive-through PCR centres were commonly in use.
When you need a COVID-19 test for the purpose of travel, employment or some other particular reason, you should check the current requirements with the appropriate airline, destination authority, employer or healthcare provider. Do not go to the former Mina Rashid site just because an earlier article still refers to it as an active screening centre.
Why Old Mina Rashid Information Still Appears Online
The name is still available in search results since the facility was in operation during a time when COVID-19 testing was a major public service. At that time, a number of websites issued location guides, testing information, and details of opening hours. These pages have stayed in the index even though the facility has since closed.
A common problem arises in the case of location-based searches for healthcare: an outdated page may appear to be very relevant even though the information it provides is no longer practically useful. With respect to medical services, the publication date by itself is not sufficient, and the facility should be verified by referring to the current official healthcare providers’ directory.
For residence visa medical tests in Dubai, the present Medical Fitness Examination page of Dubai Health is the most useful source of information since it gives a list of the available facilities and the application process.
How to Find the Right Medical Fitness Center
If you initially searched for the Mina Rashid Screening Centre since you needed a medical examination for a residence visa, you should now use the current Dubai Health network. First, make sure that you require a Medical Fitness Examination as part of your application for a UAE residence visa or when renewing it. Next, fill in the application via the Salem Portal and choose an appropriate facility that has been approved. Before you go to the centre, check the address, opening hours, and the documents required.
The official service page states that Dubai Health offers customer support on the telephone number 800 60 and that its customer experience team is available around the clock. This is especially useful when you are uncertain about whether a particular centre provides the service you need or when you come across contradictory information online.
Conclusion
The Mina Rashid Screening Centre is mainly linked with the previous SEHA drive-through COVID-19 testing facility, which was permanently shut down in January 2022. Dubai Health is currently the responsible authority in Dubai for UAE residence visa medical examinations and carries out the Medical Fitness Examination at approved centres throughout the emirate. It is advisable for applicants to consult the most recent list of Dubai Health facilities before travelling, since the older location pages might have information about services which are no longer available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mina Rashid Screening Center open now?
On the contrary, the former SEHA COVID-19 facility was permanently closed in January 2022.
Can I get a UAE visa medical test at Mina Rashid?
Mina Rashid is not currently listed as a person associated with the Dubai Health Medical Fitness Center.
What was the Mina Rashid facility used for?
It was put to use for the COVID-19 drive-through testing during the pandemic.
Where can I get a Dubai residence visa medical test?
You may use the approved Dubai Health Medical Fitness Centres, which include those in Al Quoz, Bur Dubai, Al Karama and Al Rashidiya.
What documents are required?
You will usually need your registration form, a valid Emirates ID or passport, a passport-sized photo, and a copy of the e-visa.
How can I check my medical fitness result?
Dubai Health has an online service that allows you to check the status, and this result is also sent via SMS or email.
What should I do if I find an old Mina Rashid listing?
It is advisable to check Dubai Health’s current facility directory before you go, since some of the existing listings might be out of date.
