DPI test Dubai refers to the laser-based blood screening service introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. DPI stands for Diffractive Phase Interferometry, a technology used to screen blood samples for patterns associated with possible COVID-19 infection. The test became popular among people travelling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi when rapid screening was part of the entry requirements.
Originally, the service was offered at a few drive-in screening locations: Mina Rashid and Al Khawaneej. It was introduced in August of 2020 and was priced at AED 50, with results received in minutes. While the UAE government announced the new service in its published testing information, it is important to note that the value of the DPI service in SEHA is only available at certain Dubai centres and should be confirmed prior to visiting.
What Is a DPI Test?
The DPI test is a screening test using a laser that was employed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare workers took a small blood sample to be analysed by Diffractive Phase Interferometry technology, rather than taking a nasal swab for initial testing.
The aim was to be able to detect signs of infection early. A DPI reading was a test that indicated the possibility of COVID-19, but was not a confirmation of the disease. If the screening indicated that further testing was needed, the person could be directed to undergo a nasal-swab PCR test.
How the technology worked
The system used laser light to analyse a blood sample and find patterns that could indicate possible infection. It was fast enough to be used for large-scale screening in specific centres.
The technology was launched to assist screening during the pandemic, especially for those travelling to Abu Dhabi. This does not imply that it has been used in the past and that such testing arrangements are still available today.
DPI Test Centres in Dubai
In the original screening programme, there were three sites in Dubai – Mina Rashid, Al Khawaneej and City Walk – that provided historical testing information. These centres were linked to the screening of COVID-19 at various phases of the pandemic.
The fact that they were in the past associated with such sites does not mean that dPI testing is available there today. Services, arrangements, and appointments, if any, should be clarified with the appropriate health care provider.
Mina Rashid
The health authorities in Abu Dhabi announced in August 2020 that they’d be screening at various locations, including Mina Rashid (also known as Port Rashid). The centre provided DPI testing for those who were required to enter Abu Dhabi under the then-prevailing UAE Government regulations.
The historical announcement does not imply that the centre currently offers DPI screening. Anyone looking for this facility should check the current status of the service rather than old directions/operating hours.
Al Khawaneej
Another site that was part of the initial DPI screening rollout was Al Khawaneej. The facility was on the drive-through screening network supporting travel-related COVID testing.
Dubai Health currently has an Al Khawaneej Health Center listed, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that this same health center is providing the same service as in the past. Areas are not enough to tell if the testing centre is active.
City Walk
City Walk was included in the historical information on Dubai’s national COVID-19 screening centres. The availability of current DPI testing is not determined by its involvement in the wider testing programme.
Contact City Walk before going for medical testing and ask what specific facility and test you are to be tested for. When considering a general COVID-19 testing service, be sure that it isn’t automatically assumed to provide DPI testing.
DPI Test Cost in Dubai
The initial test fee for DPI was AED 50. This is the price SEHA has quoted for the introduction of the laser-based screening service in August 2020.
This is a historical fee and not the current price. The current availability and cost of DPI testing at a Dubai location have not been confirmed, as the exact service availability and price of each location is unknown.
Additional testing charges
A nasal swab test might be ordered during the initial screening, as a person could be referred to this test if it showed they needed additional testing. The extra test was not part of the original DPI test.
The older prices for PCR testing cannot be compared with the prices at present. If a provider says that a DPI screening is available, ask them whether another test might be needed and if they will have to pay extra for a DPI test.
How to Book a DPI Test
In the initial rollout, SEHA operated DPI screening centres which had appointments arranged via the SEHA App. Those who were successful in the application process went to the appointed centre and gave a small sample of their blood.
Current booking of a Dubai DPI test is not independently verified. The UAE published testing page mentions DPI and PCR tests at SEHA drive-through centres, but it does not mean that all historical Dubai drive-throughs have the current availability of the tests.
Information to confirm before booking
Call the healthcare provider and verify the following information:
- Whether DPI testing is currently offered.
- Which Dubai facility provides the test.
- Whether an appointment is required.
- The current test fee and any additional charges.
- The identification documents required.
- The expected result time and how results are delivered.
These checks are to help distinguish an active service from historical information on the COVID-19 testing programme.
DPI Test Procedure
The initial DPI screening process was created to give a quick initial evaluation. Did not require starting with a blood sample, which was a small sample of blood.
Step 1: Appointment and registration
The original SEHA service bookings were made via the SEHA app. They attended the selected drive-through centre according to their appointment arrangements.
It is important to check the current booking and registration requirements with the provider prior to attendance.
Step 2: Blood sample collection
A small blood sample was taken from a healthcare worker using a finger-prick technique. This sample was then made ready for analysis in the DPI screening system.
The method was different than PCR testing, where the respiratory sample is used instead of the blood sample used for DPI testing.
Step 3: Laser-based screening
The collected sample was analysed by Diffractive Phase Interferometry technology. This system was built to take samples quickly and provide results within minutes with the original setup.
This was for screening only, and was not meant to make a diagnosis of COVID-19.
Step 4: Further testing if required
If the screening result had been positive for needing a nasal swab, the original screening had referred the person to further testing. The person then had to listen to the directions from the health care team.
In no way should the historical process be assumed to be representative of modern medical standards or travel needs.
DPI Test Result and Validity
In the initial programme, results were provided promptly, and the procedure may involve sending an SMS message. The outcome could have been used as the entry was conducted in Abu Dhabi at the time.
Historical result validities and entry conditions should not be utilized for travel guidance. I do not certify that any DPI test taken today will be acceptable for any purpose or journey.
If a medical test is required for travel or employment or for other administrative purposes, it should be verified with the requesting authority as to which specific test will be accepted. The name of the test and rules for the validity of the result are important because the screening and diagnostic procedures are not interchangeable.
DPI Test vs PCR Test
Both DPI and PCR testing took place during the COVID-19 pandemic but were performed in different ways and for various purposes.
| Feature | DPI test | PCR test |
| Full name | Diffractive Phase Interferometry | Polymerase Chain Reaction |
| Sample used | Small blood sample | Respiratory sample |
| Method | Laser-based screening | Laboratory analysis |
| Historical result time | Minutes | Depends on the laboratory |
| Purpose | Rapid screening for possible infection | Detection of viral genetic material |
| Diagnostic role | Screening, not a definitive diagnosis | Used to diagnose infection |
| Current availability | Must be confirmed for the specific service | Must be confirmed with a current provider |
Just because a test is rapid does not necessarily mean the two tests give the same medical information. The appropriate test varies in accordance with its purpose.
Current Availability of DPI Testing
The UAE government’s COVID-19 testing information (25 November 2025) includes information about the DPI laser testing and the RT-PCR testing that takes place at SEHA drive-through centres. But enough information has not been made public to confirm that all Dubai centers, which are listed in history, have DPI screening available today.
The separation is crucial for anyone who intends to visit in October 2026. Serving a service on a general government information page does not indicate the current operating status, availability of appointments, or pricing for a specific facility.
Now the next step is to get in touch with SEHA or the relevant healthcare authority and inquire specifically about DPI testing in Dubai. When no service is available, inquire about what is currently available that is a test that you need.
Common Mistakes When Searching for DPI Testing
There are a number of misconceptions that can cause unnecessary visits or wrong assumptions about the service.
Assuming every historical centre is still operating
The DPI screening announcements included the names of Mina Rashid and Al Khawaneej. They are not assumed to currently provide the same service as in the past.
Treating AED 50 as the current price
AED 50 was the original advertised fee. It is not the amount announced in that historical notification that is the current charge and should not be displayed as such.
Confusing DPI with PCR
The DPI test was based on a laser analysis of a blood sample, and the PCR test was based on a respiratory sample. The screening result should not be interpreted as a diagnostic result.
Assuming an old result-validity rule still applies
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the rules regarding testing and entry to Abu Dhabi have been modified. Don’t use historical rules as a guideline for current travel or requirements.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 blood screening service is done using laser technology; hence, DPI test Dubai. The old Dubai screening centres’ historical information included Mina Rashid, Al Khawaneej, and City Walk, and the original test fee was AED 50.
If you’re looking for this service right now, the main question is: is it available now? Please check the details of the centre, test type, fee, and booking requirements before visiting. Historical listings and prices for the historical centres are helpful in understanding the original programme, but are not definitive in setting up the 2026 October service programme.
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FAQs
What does DPI stand for?
Diffractive Phase Interferometry (DPI) is a laser screening technology that was used during COVID-19.
How much did the DPI test cost?
The fee was AED 50 in August 2020 initially. This is a current price that hasn’t been verified.
Where was DPI testing available in Dubai?
Other historic centres were Mina Rashid, Al Khawaneej, and City Walk. Availability at these locations is not certain.
How long did DPI results take?
In the past, the results of the original screening system were obtained within minutes. Turnaround times are not verified at this time.
Was DPI a blood test?
Yes. The original procedure involved a small sample taken from a finger prick that was analyzed with the laser.
Is DPI the same as PCR?
The PCR test was for genetic material of the virus in a respiratory sample. No. DPI was for blood screening.
Can I book a DPI test today?
Current booking availability is not confirmed for individual Dubai centres. Contact the healthcare provider before making an appointment.
Is the old DPI test valid for travel?
Historical validity rules should not be treated as current travel requirements. Confirm the accepted test with the relevant authority before travelling.
