Thousands of residents, tourists, job applicants, and cruise ship passengers come through Port Rashid weekly. And for many of them, visiting the Mina Rashid Screening Center is a non-negotiable necessity that stands between them and getting an approved visa or renewing their Emirates ID.
Unfortunately, for most visitors, their experience with the center starts off on the wrong foot. They have no idea what documents they need, what kind of tests are conducted, how much everything costs, or even how to book an appointment. Consequently, what should be a short routine task becomes an unnecessary ordeal instead.
What is the Mina Rashid Screening Center?
Mina Rashid Screening Center is the official Dubai Health Authority-certified medical fitness and health screening center that operates out of Port Rashid in accordance with the health standards defined for visa medicals. Simply put, it is the health center through which the United Arab Emirates checks whether you meet the required health criteria for entry into the UAE or continuation of residency here.
Actually, there are two key reasons why someone would come to Mina Rashid Screening Center. The first is the one that is familiar to many applicants – visa medicals for residency and employment applications. The second, though less recognized, reason has to do with the second function of the center as a health checkpoint for public health purposes connected to the nature of Port Rashid as a working maritime and cruise port.
The reason for this dual functionality of the center lies in the recent development history of Port Rashid. Having been an industrial port for decades, Port Rashid underwent a decade-long transformation into a mixed-use waterfront destination with cruise terminals, residences, logistics and shipping facilities all situated within the same territory.
This transformation created the need for a dedicated health screening facility on the port premises that is precisely the purpose of Mina Rashid Screening Center.
Read Also: Delma Park COVID Test 2026 – Current Status, Location & Alternatives
To learn more about the latest regulatory framework for visa medicals in UAE, refer to the official service directory of Dubai Health Authority and General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai.
Who Needs to Visit Mina Rashid Screening Center?
Only a particular set of applicants needs to visit Mina Rashid Screening Center. If you find yourself among the following groups, you will definitely have to visit the center during your stay in Dubai:
- New residence visa applicants – everyone who applies for a residence visa in the UAE for the first time
- Residence/employment visa applicants and renewals – required both for new visas and renewals
- Cruise ship crew and maritime/dock workers – connected with the second role of the center as a health checkpoint on the port
- Domestic workers and their sponsors – a requirement for almost all domestic worker visa applications
- Tourists and visitors who need specific health certifications – a relatively small group but applicable in certain visa/employment situations
It should be noted that not every visitor is required to go through the health center. Tourist visa holders, for example, usually don’t need to visit the center and certain types of visas require specific testing procedures rather than a visit to Mina Rashid Screening Center.
Services Offered at Mina Rashid Screening Center
The primary service of Mina Rashid Screening Center is, as the name suggests, a set of medical tests required by visa authorities and tied to the overall health of the applicant.
Typical services offered by the center include:
- Visa medical fitness tests – blood tests (HIV and hepatitis screening), a chest x-ray for tuberculosis screening, and a general physical exam
- Communicable disease screening – special testing procedures to ensure the absence of communicable diseases as stipulated by the UAE’s health regulations
- Vaccinations and immunizations – various vaccinations and immunizations can be provided
- COVID-19 testing – limited and situational testing procedures related to the peak periods of the pandemic
- Employment health checks – special health checks tailored for maritime and dock workers
Visa Medical Fitness Tests
This is the service that most people visit the center for. It includes blood tests, a chest x-ray, and a general physical exam and is necessary for the visa approval process.
Communicable Disease Screening
Aside from visa approval purposes, this test is conducted with the health of the entire population of the UAE in mind.
Vaccinations & Immunizations
Various immunization procedures can be carried out here if required for compliance purposes.
COVID-19 / Other Diagnostic Testing
Though the need for COVID testing has declined dramatically since the pandemic, some testing procedures might still be available upon request. This testing should be treated as a secondary service at the center.
Employment & Occupational Health Checks
These health checks ensure the fitness for physically demanding work on docks and maritime facilities in Port Rashid.
There is a list of required medical tests for each type of visa defined by industry guidelines of the Dubai Health Authority. Be sure to check the list yourself instead of taking for granted that all services of the center apply to your case.
Mina Rashid Screening Center Treatments and costs in AED
| Treatment | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| PCR Test (COVID-19) | 150 – 250 AED |
| Basic Dental Checkup | 200 – 500 AED |
| Chest X-Ray | 300 – 600 AED |
| Complete Blood Test (CBC) | 200 – 400 AED |
| ECG (Electrocardiogram) | 250 – 450 AED |
| Flu Vaccination | 100 – 300 AED |
| Physiotherapy (Per Session) | 300 – 600 AED |
How Mina Rashid Screening Process Works?
Being aware of the testing process in advance is the key to having a good experience at the center. Here is the typical procedure:
- Make an appointment or walk in. Pre-planned appointments are recommended for faster processing.
- Bring your documents. You will need your Emirates ID/passport copy, visa application reference number, and passport-size photos.
- Register and pay. Register your information and pay the required fee.
- Undertake the medical test. Blood test, chest x-ray, and a general physical exam will be conducted.
- Await the result and obtain the medical certificate.
Each of the steps above is a short procedure but skipping even one of them, particularly the documents part, is the most common reason for a prolonged testing process.
Documents Needed at Mina Rashid Screening Center
Lack of proper documentation is the most easily avoided reason for failing to obtain your medical certificate. Be sure that you have brought all required documents in advance:
- Original passport and its copy
- Emirates ID (for renewals only)
- Visa application form/reference number
- Passport-size photographs
- Sponsor’s documents (for domestic worker applications)
It is also recommended to gather all documents in one place rather than spread them across your luggage.
Fees at Mina Rashid Screening Center
Unlike in some other centers, fees at Mina Rashid Screening Center vary according to the type of visa you apply for and whether you are applying for a new visa or renewal.
| Visa Type | Test Required | Approx. Fee Range | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Residency Visa | Blood test, chest X-ray, physical exam | Check current DHA fee schedule | Standard processing window |
| Visa Renewal | Blood test, chest X-ray | Check current DHA fee schedule | Standard processing window |
| Employment/Labor Visa | Full medical fitness panel | Check current DHA fee schedule | Standard processing window |
| Domestic Worker Visa | Blood test, physical exam | Check current DHA fee schedule | Standard processing window |
Depending on your nationality, there also might be specific fee schedules in force.
To learn more about the fees and to make sure you have the current fee schedule, it is better to look it up directly in the fee schedule of the Dubai Health Authority.
Location, Operating Hours, and Getting There
Mina Rashid Screening Center is located at Port Rashid in the vicinity of Bur Dubai and Deira, right along Dubai’s Arabian Gulf coastline.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Dubai, UAE, on the western side of Dubai Creek |
| Type | Seaport / Maritime Hub |
| Established | 1972 |
| Main Functions | Cargo handling, cruise terminal, ship repair, maritime services |
| Role in Maritime Industry | Facilitates trade, supports logistics, promotes Dubai as a global port |
| Key Facilities | Container terminals, cruise terminal, warehouses, repair docks |
| Economic Impact | Boosts trade, tourism, and employment in Dubai’s maritime sector |
The most convenient ways to get there are:
- Taxi – the fastest way, with a driver usually well-versed in the location of the center
- RTA Bus – if you need a connection with the public transportation
- Private car – there is a direct road to the center – Sheikh Zayed Road
- The center provides parking for visitors, including those with disabilities
As for the operating hours, it is recommended to check them on the website of the center or call ahead to make sure the center operates.
Department-wise Working Hours
| Department | Working Hours |
|---|---|
| General Health Checkups | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Pre-Employment Medical Exams | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Immigration Health Checks | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Travel Health Services | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Vaccination Services | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Specialized Screenings | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Registration and Appointment Desk | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Lab Testing and Results | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Emergency Services | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
What to Do if You Fail the Medical Test?
Though this is a rare occurrence, there is a particular procedure for a failed medical test result. Usually, you will be informed of the failed result and depending on the reason behind the failure, it might be possible to undergo retesting or obtain a second opinion through the health authority’s channels.
Implications for the visa process also vary according to the reason for the failed test and the type of visa applied for. Therefore, it is advisable to follow the instructions from the Dubai Health Authority or General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs to make sure you understand what to do.
Tips for Visiting Mina Rashid Screening Center
There are several things that will help you save your time and nerves at the center:
- Make an appointment in advance, rather than visiting the center as a walk-in applicant
- Find out whether it is necessary to fast prior to the blood test as it can affect the results
- Bring additional passport-size photos in case of need
- Double-check the validity of your documents before coming
Mina Rashid Screening Center Security Feature
| Security Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Baggage Scanning | Mandatory X-ray screening for all bags/items brought into the facility. |
| Metal Detectors | Walk-through detectors at entry points for visitors and staff. |
| CCTV Surveillance | 24/7 monitored cameras covering all key areas (waiting zones, labs, exits). |
| Security Personnel | Trained guards stationed at entrances, exits, and high-traffic areas. |
| ID Verification | Emirates ID/passport required for registration and access to services. |
| Emergency Alarms | Installed for fire, medical emergencies, or security threats. |
| Restricted Access Zones | Labs and staff-only areas secured with keycards/biometrics. |
| Vehicle Checks | Random inspections for cars entering the premises (if applicable). |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What medical tests are done at Mina Rashid Screening Center?
The primary test performed here is the visa medical test that includes blood test (screening for such conditions as HIV and hepatitis), a chest x-ray for tuberculosis, and a general physical examination. Depending on the visa category, some additional testing might be required.
Q2: What is the Mina Rashid Screening Center visa medical test fee?
The fee for the test is determined by the type of visa you apply for – new visa applications, renewals, and employment visas are priced differently. Instead of using a flat fee, it is better to find out about the current fee schedule directly on the Dubai Health Authority’s website.
Q3: How long does it take to get the medical test result?
The usual timeframe of obtaining a test result is determined by the health authority but it varies depending on the type of the test and the amount of work at the center. Results are usually communicated through the visa application processing channel, so be sure to ask the expected processing timeframe at the center.
Q4: Do I need to make an appointment or can I come as a walk-in?
Both options are generally available but if you want to have a shorter visit, it is better to book the appointment beforehand. Walking in at the center is possible but you will have to stand in a queue regardless of the time of the day.
Q5: What will happen if I fail my visa medical test?
You will receive your test results and depending on the reason, you might be able to have a retest or seek a second opinion. It is important to know the specific procedure in advance through the health authority’s guidelines.
Conclusion
Mina Rashid Screening Center plays an essential yet quiet role in the visa process in UAE as it is the place where your residency, employment, and health are checked. For most people, it is an easy procedure but its smoothness depends on the visitor’s preparations before the visit.
Have all the required documents and be ready for the test in advance and you will have no problems at the center. To make your visit easier, be sure to use this guide’s document checklist before coming and pre-book the appointment online through the official Dubai Health Authority portal.
