Dubai International Airport is set to have world’s largest lab for processing RT-PCR tests for Covid-19. The 20,000 sq ft lab is located close to Terminal 2, and is a dedicated facility for 24x7 processing of RT-PCR test samples collected from passengers at DXB.

"Using latest WHO-standard Covid-19 RT-PCR testing equipment, the lab can process up to 100,000 samples per day and provide reliable results within a few hours," said the Dubai Airports in a statement. Dubai Airports are collaborating with Dubai Health Authority and Pure Health to open the lab on Tuesday, June 22. 

The lab is operational with negative and positive pressure rooms and linked to government reporting platforms to ensure secure sharing of information between health and regulatory authorities and airlines. 

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Airports, said: "As the world's busiest international hub preparing for a surge in passenger traffic over the summer holidays and beyond, we were keen to make sure that the airport journey is safer, smoother and faster while fulfilling the required health protocols."

"The lab's quick turnaround for processing test results will go a long way in helping us deliver a service experience the world expects from Dubai," he added. 

Awad Saghir Al Ketbi, director general of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), said the lab will help reducing the waiting times for passengers arriving in Dubai and help proper implementation of preventive and safety procedures. Al Ketbi also noted the DHA's aim to expand the lab's scope considering it would enhance monitoring, investigation and proactive preventive steps taken by Dubai, to curb the spread of Covid-19. 

Farhan Malik, group CEO of Pure Health, said, "Since the start of the pandemic we have continuously worked with the UAE government to bring the best testing solutions, following international quality standards and faster result reporting, to ensure we support our partners in this very dynamic environment."