Long queues at rapid Covid-19 test centre outside Dubai's Al Ahli football club

UAE - Passengers in need of the mandatory pre-travel rapid Covid-19 testing prior to their departure from Dubai International Airport have been spotted in a long queue outside the screening venue. They said they have had to wait for hours for their turn.

Dubai Airport announced on August 12 that the venue for pre-travel Covid-19 rapid testing would be shifted to the Shabab Al Ahli Football Club from the airport's departure terminal, starting last Sunday. The rapid testing is predominantly for passengers on repatriation flights to India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

On Sunday and Monday, many passengers were seen holding their bags waiting to complete their testing. Irfan GM, a passenger who had done the test on Sunday, said: "I had to wait for several hours under the sun. I arrived at the venue at 8am, but a queue had already formed. I ended up getting the test done by 11 am. I made it just in time for my flight."

Mohammed Hibuth, a passenger who has a flydubai flight to Kannur, Kerala, on Wednesday, said: "I came across the queues today. It is very stressful to stand in the heat, wearing masks and maintaining social distance. I will stand in a queue on Tuesday."

Vivek Kadam, another passenger who was standing in line, said: "I did not realise it would have been such a long queue. I would've come earlier."