Abu Dhabi laboratories will begin processing 5,000 -10,000 imported PCR samples per day in an effort to curb Covid-19 spread in the emirate. On Thursday, the Department of Health, Abu Dhabi said that these test results would be provided within 24 hours after being received from different countries.

The Health Department said that “world-class laboratories” have been allocated that will test the samples with the support from Etihad Airways, provider of diagnostic testing Unilabs, and the logistics company Agility.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of Department of Health, Abu Dhabi, said that the initiative is in line with the belief of UAE leadership that pandemics can only be defeated by humanitarian and global cooperation. “Today, the carrying capacity of our health institutions are being strengthened, and meet the highest international quality standards, for the service of humanity - until we get out of this global crisis,” he added.

Mohamed Mubarak bin Fadhel Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Etihad Aviation Group, said, “As the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, we are proud to be an active partner in coordinating and facilitating the government's pioneering efforts to address this crisis. These efforts include finding flexible solutions to changing requirements, priority shipping, and providing practical solutions to global challenges.” 

Mohamed Daoud, Director General, Unilabs Middle East, said, “We appreciate the tireless efforts made by the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi to enhance international cooperation and contribute to combating the epidemic and maintaining the health and safety of populations around the world.”

Eric ten Kate, Vice President, Agility GIL Life Sciences, said, “We are proud of the confidence that the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi has granted Agility to participate in this important mission.”

Eric said that such global partnerships between the public and private sectors will make the world safe and help win over the pandemic. Since the pandemic, the UAE has conducted over 29 million Covid-19 tests, on over 9.5 million people in the UAE. 

WAM