AD
Planning to move to Dubai? One of the most important steps in your residence visa application is completing the mandatory medical fitness test. This requirement applies to all expatriates aged 18 and above and ensures applicants are medically fit to live and work in the UAE.
The medical fitness test is a standard part of the visa process, designed to confirm that residents are free from communicable diseases. The procedure is simple and includes a basic physical check, a blood test, and a chest X-ray. These screenings help identify conditions such as HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and syphilis.
All medical fitness services in Dubai are provided through centres operating under Dubai Health, the emirate’s integrated academic health system. These centres not only handle visa-related medical screenings but also provide occupational health checks. Current residents renewing their visas are also required to complete the test.
For those seeking faster services, Dubai also offers smart centres with advanced technology that can deliver results in minutes, making the process more convenient than ever.
Now, let’s look at the practical details you need to know:
Dubai is home to 21 medical fitness centres spread across different communities, including Al Garhoud, Al Nahda, Bur Dubai, Al Quoz, Karama, Rashidiya, DIFC, JAFZA, and Dubai Airport. Most centres open from early morning to evening on weekdays, with some also operating on weekends. Dubai Airport Medical Fitness Centre runs 24/7, making it especially useful for urgent cases.
In addition, Smart Salem Centres at locations such as City Walk, Dubai Knowledge Park, Index Tower, and Al Muhaisnah offer fast-track services. While standard results are usually issued within 24 working hours, Smart Salem Centres can provide results in as little as 30 minutes.
As for costs, the standard medical fitness test is priced between AED 250 and AED 300, with an option to get results within six hours for AED 750. Fast-track testing at Smart Salem Centres costs AED 700.
With multiple centres, extended operating hours, and express options, completing your medical fitness test in Dubai is a straightforward process. By planning ahead and choosing the right centre for your needs, you can move smoothly through this essential step in your visa journey.
What to Know About Lemongrass: Diet Trends, Wellness Interest and Expert Advice
It is fresh, aromatic and instantly recognisable by its citrus scent. Lemongrass has long been a staple in Asian cooking, adding brightness to soups, curries and herbal teas. In recent years, however, interest in lemongrass has extended well beyond the kitchen. Wellness communities and researchers alike have been examining its possible role in digestion, stress balance and overall metabolic wellbeing.As curiosity grows, experts stress the importance of perspective. While early research is promis
Why Stress Fuels PCOS Flare-Ups: Insights from UAE Doctors
Stress doesn’t just affect your mind—it can significantly impact your body, often in ways you may not notice. That knot in your stomach, the sudden tightening in your chest, or unexpected skin breakouts are all signals that your body is under pressure.For women, chronic stress can have a particularly strong effect on one of the most common reproductive conditions: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is not solely about the ovaries—it involves a complex interplay between the brain, adrenal gla
A Complete Guide to Energy Efficient Lighting Solutions for Your Home
Energy efficient lighting solutions in the UAE are a vital part of modern home maintenance because they bring both financial and environmental benefits. While lighting once accounted for around 15% of household electricity use, this figure has continued to decline due to the widespread adoption of LEDs and other efficient technologies.
India upgrades economic growth forecasts 2025-26 to 7.4%
India's economy is expected to grow 7.4% in the fiscal year ending in March, the National Statistics Office said on Wednesday, above the government's initial projection of 6.3%-6.8%.India's first advance estimate of gross domestic product (GDP), which will undergo revisions over time as data coverage improves, will be used as a base for the federal budget due to be announced on February 1.The Indian economy grew 6.5% in 2024/25 and 9.2% in 2023/24.In nominal terms, which factor in inflation, the
Watch review: Rado's new Anatom is just in time for summer
When you think of Rado, you don’t just think of watches; you think of a brand that reimagined what a watch could be made of. Decades ago, while most of the industry obsessed over shapes and complications, Rado practised the alchemy of materials. After pioneering ceramic on the wrist, the brand pushed boundaries again, mastering sapphire crystal, perfecting high-tech ceramic, and creating plasma-treated ceramic, a breakthrough that gave ceramic the lustre of metal without compromising its lightweight, scratch-resistant properties. With these innovations, Rado wasn’t just building watches; it was shaping the future of how time should feel on the wrist.
Dubai’s Hidden Fitness Scene: How to Stay in Shape Without Spending a Dirham
Dubai might be known for its luxury gyms and high-end fitness clubs, but staying active in this city doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Across the emirate, a growing number of residents are proving that great workouts and strong communities can be built for free — all you need is motivation and the right information.For many, traditional gyms can be expensive. Monthly memberships typically range from Dh300 to Dh600, with premium clubs charging well over Dh1,000. But fitness enthusiasts are increasi
UAE residents can now track and improve their credit score in real-time
The way UAE residents manage and understand their credit is undergoing a major transformation with Etihad Credit Bureau (ECB) rolling out sweeping reforms designed to give customers more control over their financial data and a clearer view of how their credit behaviour shapes opportunity.
Dispelling nine myths about women’s health concerns
Women’s health is understudied and, in many respects, poorly understood. Even the term “women’s health” is often used as a synonym for obstetrics and gynecology, though women’s reproductive years end in midlife and their reproductive organs make up a fraction of their bodies.Because of limited research, many women and even many doctors don’t always know how symptoms present in common conditions (sleep apnea, for instance) or how to recognize and treat ones that disproportionately affect women (l
Asghar Furniture celebrates 47 years of crafting homes and hospitality spaces across the UAE
A legacy built on craftsmanship, customisation and comfort, trusted for generations
Skin Cancer in the UAE: What Everyone Needs to Know to Stay Protected
Living in the UAE, it’s easy to underestimate just how powerful the sun can be. Whether we’re soaking up the sun at the beach, enjoying brunch outdoors, or simply going about our day, the region’s intense UV rays are constantly at work. Local dermatologists are raising alarms as more people are unaware of the risks, and the consequences are becoming more visible in clinics across the Emirates.May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month—a perfect time to highlight a growing health concern. Skin cancer has
How Your Diet Can Influence Your Risk of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults, and experts are raising awareness about lifestyle choices that may reduce risk. While genetics play a role, what you eat and how you live can significantly influence your chances of developing this disease.Katie Kennedy, a 55-year-old communications consultant from Massachusetts, was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer at 48, despite leading an active and healthy lifestyle. Her experience reflects a concerning trend: colorectal
Menopause hair loss: UAE experts share tips
Menopause is a journey of transformation — physically, mentally, and emotionally. From hot flashes to restless nights, it brings plenty of changes, but few are as visible or distressing as hair thinning and shedding. For many women, seeing their once-thick hair lose volume can feel like losing a piece of their identity. Yet, UAE experts say there’s good news: with the right care, nutrition, and treatments, you can restore your hair’s vitality and confidence.Hair loss during menopause is primaril
