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September 11, 2025

Dubai Medical Fitness Test Centres for UAE Residence Visa

Dubai Medical Fitness Test: What You Need to Know for Your UAE Residence Visa

If you’re moving to Dubai or renewing your UAE residence visa, completing a medical fitness test is a key requirement. Mandatory for all expatriates aged 18 and above, this test ensures applicants are free from certain communicable diseases before a visa can be issued or renewed.

What Is a Medical Fitness Test?

All foreign nationals applying for a work or residence visa must undergo a medical check, which generally includes:

Physical Examination: Basic health assessment by a doctor.

Blood Test: Screens for HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis.

Chest X-ray: Detects tuberculosis (TB) and related conditions.

A positive result for certain communicable diseases may lead to being declared medically unfit, affecting visa eligibility.

Who Needs the Test?

New expats applying for a UAE residence visa.

Residents renewing their visas.

Employees in certain sectors may also require occupational medical screening.

In Dubai, the tests are managed by Dubai Health, which operates 21 medical fitness centres across the emirate.

Main Medical Fitness Centres in Dubai

Some key centres and timings include:

Al Garhoud: Mon–Thu: 7am–9.30pm | Fri: 7am–11.30am & 4pm–7.30pm | Sat: 7.30am–2pm

Al Nahda: Same as Al Garhoud

Al Quoz: Mon–Sat: 7am–10pm | Sun: 7am–4pm

Karama: Mon–Thu: 7am–9.30pm | Fri: 7am–7.30pm | Sat–Sun: 8am–7.30pm

Bur Dubai: Mon–Thu: 7am–10pm | Fri: 7am–12pm & 2pm–10pm | Sat: 7am–10pm

DIFC: Mon–Thu: 8am–3.30pm | Fri: 8am–12pm

Dubai Airport: Open 24/7

JAFZA: Mon–Thu: 7.30am–3pm | Fri: 7.30am–11.30pm

Zaabeel: Mon–Thu: 7.30am–9pm | Fri: 7.30am–11.30am

Other centres include Al Muhaisnah, Al Rashidiya, Al Lusaily, Al Yalayis, Emirates, and DAFZA.

Smart Salem Centres – Fast-Track Option

For quicker results, Dubai offers Smart Salem Centres that use AI-powered systems to deliver results in just 30 minutes:

Salem Al Muhaisnah: Open 24/7 (except Fri 12am–10.30pm)

Smart Salem – Knowledge Park: Mon–Thu: 7am–9pm | Fri: 7.30am–11.30am & 4pm–8pm | Sun: 7am–2.30pm

Smart Salem – City Walk: Mon–Thu: 7am–9.30pm | Fri: 7.30am–11.30am & 4pm–8.30pm | Sun: 7am–2.30pm

Smart Salem – Index: Mon–Thu: 7am–9.30pm | Fri: 7am–11.30am & 4pm–8pm

Cost of Medical Fitness Tests

Regular Test: Dh250–Dh300 (results in 24 working hours)

Urgent Service: Dh750 (results within 6 hours)

Smart Salem Fast-Track: Dh700 (results in 30 minutes)

Why the Test Matters

Beyond visa requirements, the medical fitness test:

Protects public health by screening for communicable diseases.

Ensures employees are medically fit for work.

Provides peace of mind for both workers and employers.

Tips for a Smooth Process

Book your appointment in advance to avoid long queues.

Bring your Emirates ID (for renewals) or passport and entry permit (for new visas).

Check centre timings, especially on Fridays.

For urgent results, use Smart Salem centres or pay for the fast-track option.

Final Word

Completing a medical fitness test in Dubai is straightforward if you know where to go and what services to choose. Whether you opt for a standard Dubai Health centre or a Smart Salem fast-track facility, completing this step efficiently brings you closer to securing your UAE residence visa.